Culture and Creativity Award 2025

Global finalists

• Royal Holloway, University of London; Chevening scholar

  Ahmed is a seasoned media executive with nearly 30 years of experience in the Middle Eastern media industry. At Netflix, Ahmed established and led the Arabic scripted team based in Amsterdam and was among the founding members of Sony Pictures Television, Middle East and North Africa (MENA). He also played a key role in establishing IProductions Egypt and led creative development at Beelink Productions. Passionate about storytelling, he has overseen the development and production of nearly 600 hours of scripted drama.

  Middle East and North Africa: Ahmed Sharkawi (Egypt)
• University of Leeds; Chevening scholar

  Ghanashyam has made a significant impact on human rights journalism and transitional justice in Nepal. His book, Nayayako Awasan, highlighted the failure of Nepal's justice system through the story of Ganga Maya Adhikari. He produced a documentary series amplifying the voices of individuals affected by conflict who have not received justice and trained over 800 journalists in human rights reporting. His recent book, Aananda Samhita, explores the connection between mindfulness and human rights, sparking national dialogue on mental wellbeing and human dignity.

  South Asia: Ghanashyam Khadka (Nepal)
• Swansea University (Prifysgol Abertawe)

  Ojonoka, senior legal counsel (commercial) for the International Paralympic Committee, has significantly influenced the sports industry through her expertise in intellectual property and commercial law. She has played a pivotal role in major transactions involving media rights, sponsorship, licensing, and brand protection involving global sports properties. A passionate advocate for advancing women’s sports, she has managed professional female athletes and actively championed their growth and visibility. In 2023, she was named one of Nigeria's most influential women in sports business.

  Sub-Saharan Africa: Ojonoka Agudah (Nigeria)
• University of the Arts, London; Chevening scholar

  Pamela Mejia is a multi-awarded sustainable fashion entrepreneur advancing circular economy and social inclusion through fashion. She founded PAMMÉ, FIBERS, and Phinix - three globally recognised ventures that have upcycled over 1,000 kilograms of plastic and textile waste into fashion accessories. Her programmes have trained over 150 fashion social entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia and empowered hundreds of rural artisans, incarcerated women, and waste collectors with creative livelihood skills in sustainable design, circular fashion, and entrepreneurship.

  East Asia: Pamela Mejia (Philippines)
• The University of Edinburgh

  Sirojiddin, CEO of the ‘Mutolaa’ App, is transforming Uzbekistan’s literary landscape by promoting reading and creativity. With over one million users, the app offers access to more than 3,000 digitised books in audiobook and high-quality ePub formats, making Uzbek literature widely available. Sirojiddin’s work supports local authors, translates Uzbek works into English, and bridges literature and modern media by producing book-based films viewed by millions. His vision is to foster a reading culture and bring Uzbek literature to global audiences.

  Wider Europe: Sirojiddin Olimov (Uzbekistan)
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

  Stefanos is an internationally recognised dancer, actor, and LGBTQI+ equality advocate. As the first Greek dancer in Forbes 30 Under 30 and a European Parliament Changemaker, he has contributed to the arts through EU-funded projects and international collaborations. His TEDx talk and role as a judge on Dancing with the Stars have promoted inclusivity, celebrating diverse talent. Stefanos aims to use art as a bridge for connection, positive societal change, and the advocacy of fair remuneration for artists.

  Europe: Stefanos Dimoulas (Greece)
• University of Exeter

  Dr. Steele documented the Afghan war embedded with the Canadian military. This led to an international studentship for a PhD at the University of Exeter after which her career skyrocketed with commissions and awards. Her work, a war requiem, a new opera (in three Indigenous languages, French and English), and research is studied and heard globally. Dr. Steele is currently collaborating on a documentary with UK archaeologist Dr. Matt Leonard, In A Plain Site: Indigenous Soldiers on the Western Front. 

  Americas: Dr. Suzanne M Steele (Canada)