Announcing the OEDD 2026 Award Recipients celebrated at the CATALYST Summit

Recognizing Excellence in Diplomacy, Leadership, and Impact

Each year, OEDD honours individuals and institutions who are shaping a more equitable and connected world. The OEDD Awards celebrate those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to diplomacy, community development, and global leadership — from emerging fellows making their mark to lifelong champions whose contributions span decades.

The 2026 cohort of recipients represents the breadth and depth of what purposeful leadership looks like across industries, borders, and generations. We are proud to recognize them.

Diplomatic Trailblazer of the Year

Recognizes the year's most groundbreaking and influential diplomatic leader.

Prime Minister Mark Carney

Acceptance: Cheryl Urban, ADM Global Affairs

Diplomatic Lifetime Achievement Award

Celebrates a lifetime of distinguished service and diplomatic legacy.

Ambassador Bob Rae, PC, CC, O.Ont, KC - Former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations

Sabine Nolke 

Public Service Champion of the Decade

Honors a decade of exceptional and sustained public service contributions.

Kamal Khera

OEDD Multilateral Impact Award

For outstanding impact across multiple nations or international bodies.

Dr. Carla Barnett, 88th Secretary General of CARICOM

Ms. Small Bartley (on behalf of Secretary General)

Diplomatic Ambassador of the 2nd International Decade for People of African Descent

Honors advocates advancing rights for people of African descent globally.

Ambassador Ben-Marc Diedere (Acceptance: Cheryl Urban, ADM Global Affairs)

Rosemary Sadlier OOnt

Honourable Jean Augustine

Gabrielle Gay — Oceana Hub

Diplomatic Leadership on Women, Peace and Security

Recognizes leadership in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Nattecia Bohardsingh — International

Minister Anita Anand (Acceptance: Cheryl Urban. ADM Global Affairs)

OEDD Institutional Leadership Award

Honors an institution demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic partnership.

Peter Volk — Wildeboer Dellelce

Corporate Impact Leader

Recognizes corporations leading with purpose and lasting social impact.

BlackNorth Initiative

McCarthy Tetrault

OEDD Award for Diplomacy in Industry 4.0

Recognizes leadership at the intersection of diplomacy and technology.

Namakau Akatama-Sauve — CSE

Matthew Tulloch — Protexxa

Daniel Fadelle — OEDD

Diplomatic Trailblazer in Media

Celebrates media professionals advancing diplomatic narratives and representation.

Nam Kiwanuka — TVO

Diplomatic Trailblazer of the Cohort — International

Honors the top international trailblazer from the current cohort.

Adwoa Adofowah Mintah

Diplomatic Trailblazer of the Cohort — Domestic

Honors the top domestic trailblazer from the current cohort.

Medeatrice Fonyuy Verla

OEDD Impact Champion

Celebrates individuals driving meaningful change through OEDD programming.

Stephania Varelli

Jennifer Laidlaw

Audrey Desmarteaux-Houle

Consul-General Kurt Davis

Community Development Champion

Celebrates individuals driving meaningful and lasting community development.

Chenai Kadungure — Black Physicians of Ontario

Edward Matwawana — MJF

Randicia Kellman — National Union of Public Workers (NUPW)

Michele Small Bartley — CARICOM Young Professionals Program

Wanda Thomas Bernard Award for Social Impact

Recognizes outstanding contributions to social justice, equity, and inclusion.

Fawziyah Ibrahim

Ambassador Nadia Theodore Award

Honors a fellow embodying Ambassador Theodore's vision and diplomatic legacy.

Sarah Limbombe

Candies Kotchapaw Aspiring Economic Development Changemaker Award

For emerging leaders showing promise in economic development and community change.

Andy Ouedraogo

Kimora Lee Harris-Taylor

Alumni of the Year

Honors the most distinguished OEDD alumni of the year.

Alliance Babunga

Fatuma Hussein

Florencio Vente

David Nyarko

OEDD Outstanding Mentor Award

Recognizes exceptional mentorship and guidance within the OEDD community.

Senator Bernadette Clement

Emina Tudakovic

Peer Mentor of the Year

Honors the fellow who best guided and supported their peers.

Yohanan Demeke

Breakout Fellow of the Cohort

Honors the fellow who demonstrated the most exceptional growth.

Aisha Boubacar

Most Innovative Working Paper

Recognizes the most creative and impactful academic paper submitted.

Andre Matthew Gordon

Aisha Boubacar

Lois Arokoyo

Ibukunoluwa Adisa-Simon

Destina Mattrasingh

Mamadou Oury Diallo

Rising Stars in Diplomacy

Recognizes emerging young leaders making an impact in diplomacy.

Natisha Archer

Brytannia Burrell

Aliyah Kotchapaw

Kimara Russell

Changemaker to Watch

Spotlights emerging leaders poised to create significant change.

Lois Arokoyo

Jeremy Ofwono

Destina Mattrasingh

The NexGen Cyber Diplomacy Award — Presented by the Diversity Institute at Ted Rogers School of Management

For young leaders bridging cybersecurity and international diplomatic engagement.

Brytannia Burrell

Aliyah Kotchapaw

Aiden Segree

Samuel Akinbinu

Lead Like A Girl — "Rising Young Leader Award"

Honors a young woman showing exceptional and inspiring emerging leadership.

Ruth McDonald

Lead Like A Girl — "Blooming Confidence Award"

Celebrates a young girl demonstrating remarkable growing confidence and leadership.

Ariella Morgan

Selah Stephens

Nia Bernard

Best Supporting Staff Team

Honors staff who kept operations running with excellence and dedication.

Michael Brown

Vibya Natana

Natisha Archer

Kimara Russell

Daniel Fadelle

Ony Anukem