Unity in Diversity
Dare to Overcome’s promotes SDG 16 through the King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Awards. In 2024 they were given on 9th December at the prestigeous India Habitat Centre to CEOs advancing cultures of mutual understanding in their workplaces and marketplaces. See Press Release.
The Awards recognize business leaders – current or past CEOs – who have demonstrated leadership in championing intercultural understanding and peace. in three categories:
1. Core business. This includes internal procedures, human resources hiring practices, training, product/service development, sourcing policies, supply chains, as well as the development of products and services that promote interfaith understanding and peace. 2024 Award winners are:
The 2024 King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Award in Core Business goes to Lawrence Chong, Group CEO of Consulus, a global creative change company specializing in investment, business transformation and creative solutions with presence in Americas, Asia and Europe. Headquartered in Singapore, Consulus aims to shape an inclusive economy by helping leaders, companies, non-profits , governments and cities implement changemaking for systemic impact. Lawrence is the leader in the Economy of Communion Asia-Pacific, a concept launched by UNESCO peace prize winner Chiara Lubich and encouraged by Pope Francis. Lawrence is active in interreligious work globally, serving as Consultor on the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The 2024 King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Award in Core Business goes to Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. Under her stewardship, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group became one of the leading privately-owned domestic hotel brands in India with a focus on the luxury segment. Dr Suri holds various portfolios with Industry Associations. She was conferred with the Order of The Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, by the Government of Japan, for her contribution towards strengthening strategic ties between India and Japan, in the economic and tourism sectors. She is the first Indian woman to have received the Imperial honour since its commencement for foreign nationals in 1981. Besides this, Dr. Suri has been the recipient of over 30 national and International awards and recognitions.
2. Social investment and philanthropy. Financial and in-kind contributions, and strategic social investment support for NGOs, UN and/or multilateral agencies or directly to affected communities and/or contribution of functional expertise through volunteering efforts. 2023 Award winners are:
The 2024 King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Award in Philanthropy and Social Investment goes to Akhil Gupta, founding and former Chair of Blackstone India, former Senior Managing Director of The Blackstone Group, and former CEO of Corporate Development at Reliance Industries. After a distinguished business career, Akhil was a fellow at Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative and eventually was their Impact Leader in Residence. His foundation, Universal Enlightenment and Flourishing, seeks to enhance Human Flourishing and religious literacy by integrating knowledge across world views and disciplines, across continents and centuries. His book, “Bridges Across Humanity,” highlights 54 common themes across all religions that bind us all in the pursuit of personal fulfillment and universal harmony. His website uef.org illustrates 108 common themes across all religions.
The 2024 King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Award in Social Investment & Philanthropy goes to Abha Dalmia, co-founder of FICCI Ladies Organisation, which has grown to become the leading business organisation for women in India. The pioneering Dalmia Group is involved in multi layered investment with its flagship Landmark Holdings Pvt. Ltd. Mrs Dalmia has been involved in the Travel Trade for the last 40 years and now runs Grandeur Travels & Tours. She is also involved with the various Charitable Trusts run by the House of Dalmias. Mrs Dalmia has been associated with the textile industry for the past 40 years and has taken it upon herself to revive the dying Benarsi textile through her company, LIFE. As Chairperson of the Programme committee of Samagam, she endeavours to preserve the rich heritage of India, by holding meaningful cultural programmes, featuring seasoned and emerging artists.
3. Advocacy and public policy engagement. Fostering social cohesion and inter-group dialogue and relationship-building in the workplace, marketplace and local community. 2023 Award winners are:
The 2024 King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Award in Advocacy and Public Policy Engagement goes to Baroness Verma, a member of the House of Lords who held various economic leadership roles including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development. Baroness Verma started her first business at the age of 19 in high fashion, later shifting business focus to the service sector. As a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Baroness Verma is a leading voice on how business can help build societies where all people have freedom of religion or belief, especially through creating workplaces that are religiously inclusive. She is also an advocate for the role religion can play in promoting the economics of kindness.
The 2024 King Husein Global Business & Intercultural Peace Award in Advocacy and Public Policy Engagement goes to Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator in India. Mr. Sharp has devoted more than 25 years of his career to promoting inclusive and sustainable development internationally. With the UN, he has had postings in Armenia, Georgia, and Lebanon amongst others. Mr. Sharp holds a postgraduate diploma in HIV/AIDS management from South Africa; a master’s degree in economics, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the United States. He began his career in development with the international non-profit CARE International in Zimbabwe. He is a published author of works in health economics, and was a United States Agency for International Development (US-AID) Policy Champion, as well as a nominee for the UNDP Administrator’s Award.