Our Bureau
Oxford
Oxford Town Hall welcomed an international gathering of distinguished leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, professionals and changemakers for the Oxford Diplomat Summit & Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards 2026, held under the theme “Shaping the Future: Global Leadership, Diplomacy & Inclusive Progress.”
The event brought together an inspiring international delegation from 30+ countries, creating a platform for dialogue and exchange around leadership, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive progress. The gathering also recognised individuals whose achievements and contributions are making a meaningful difference across their respective fields.
Among the distinguished guests was Virendra Sharma, former Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall, who served in the UK Parliament from 2007 to 2024. A long-standing figure in British public life, Mr. Sharma has contributed to parliamentary discussions on health, human rights, international development and community affairs, while also maintaining a strong connection with the UK’s diverse communities. His presence added further significance to the summit’s focus on global leadership, diplomacy, inclusion and social progress, who joined fellow leaders and professionals at the Oxford gathering. Mikhail Sen, the award-winning British-Indian actor, writer, producer and theatre maker known for A Suitable Boy, House of the Dragon, Bridgerton and acclaimed West End performances, was also among the notable participants.
A key highlight of the programme was the presence of Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Lord Mayor of Oxford, whose participation added particular significance to the international gathering at Oxford Town Hall. His presence reflected the importance of bringing together leaders from different countries and professional backgrounds to encourage dialogue, connections and collaboration.
Another notable session featured Raageshwari Loomba, who delivered a thought-provoking address titled “The Human Advantage in the Age of AI — Is Presence & Connection the Last Human Luxury?” The session explored the importance of human connection, presence and empathy at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way people work, communicate and interact.
The summit also welcomed several distinguished international public figures and leaders. Alain St.Ange, former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of Seychelles, brought extensive experience in tourism, international relations and public leadership. Mark Lygo, Former Lord Mayor of Oxford and Oxfordshire County Councillor, contributed his experience in civic leadership and public service. Sushil Ram, Advisor, Youth Development, Social Policy Development Section, Commonwealth Secretariat, represented an important perspective on youth development, social policy and international cooperation.
Also among the distinguished participants was Cllr Sunil Chopra, Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, a prominent figure in local government and civic leadership whose participation further strengthened the summit’s focus on public service, community development and inclusive leadership. Lubna Arshad, Former Lord Mayor of Oxford was also among the notable participants, adding to the diverse representation of leaders and professionals at the Oxford gathering.
The event also welcomed international entrepreneurs and wellbeing advocates, including Heliana Bedoya, founder of NeuroEsencia, whose work focuses on family wellbeing, neurodiversity and the connection between nutrition and emotional wellbeing. Georgina Walsh, Co-Founder of OHMG Water, brought an entrepreneurial perspective through her work in functional beverages.
The summit also celebrated the achievements of Mr. Ramesh Arora, an accomplished entrepreneur and hospitality leader, has built a diverse business journey centred on hospitality, wellness and holistic living. Through his ventures, including Holistic World, Holistic World Foundation and Signature Hotels Group, he has championed a vision that brings together business, wellbeing, culture and social responsibility, creating meaningful impact beyond conventional entrepreneurship.
The summit also welcomed an international delegation from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, including Amb. Princess Akawor Dolor from Nigeria, alongside medical and legal professionals from Mexico and Spain, including Dr. Antonio Juárez Navarro, Dr. Carlos Cuadrado Gómez-Serranillos, and Ms. Polina Poloziuk. Their participation further highlighted the cross-border and multidisciplinary character of the gathering.
The summit also celebrated the achievements of distinguished Indian leaders, professionals and changemakers whose work continues to create meaningful impact across industries. Among the honourees were Dr. Subrata Dutta, Founder of Renatus Wellness Pvt. Ltd., recognised for over 18 years of excellence in network marketing, transformational leadership and public speaking; Dr. V. Krishna Bhargava, an internationally trained Orthopaedic & Spine Surgeon recognised for advanced surgical expertise and compassionate patient care; Dr. Kareddy Sridhar Reddy, a distinguished General & Vascular Surgeon recognised for surgical innovation and medical leadership; Dr. Mayur Ghule, Founder & Managing Director of Quantum Synthetic Intelligence, honoured for leadership in AI, investment and infrastructure and Adv. Shekhar Jagtap, a legal professional with over 25 years of experience, recognised for his contribution to justice, public service and sports diplomacy.
The summit featured the Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards, recognising individuals for achievements and contributions across leadership, business, healthcare, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, social impact and other fields. The recognitions celebrated professionals who have demonstrated commitment to excellence, innovation and meaningful impact within their communities and industries.
Beyond the formal programme, the event provided an opportunity for delegates from different countries and sectors to connect, exchange ideas and establish new professional relationships. The combination of diplomatic dialogue, entrepreneurial perspectives, professional expertise and leadership recognition highlighted the increasingly global nature of collaboration and impact.
The Oxford Diplomat Summit & Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards 2026 was organised by Oxford Excellence Council (MSG Advert Pvt. Ltd.), bringing together an international community of leaders and professionals with a shared interest in leadership, global cooperation and positive social and economic progress.
The initiative was led by Mr. Nitish Arora and Ms. Gaganeet Kaur, Directors of MSG Advert Pvt. Ltd., whose vision and leadership have contributed to the organisation of international summits and platforms that connect accomplished individuals, thought leaders and changemakers across borders. Their continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue, recognition and collaboration has helped establish a global platform where ideas, leadership and excellence can come together.
The event concluded with award presentations, photographs and networking, providing participants with opportunities to continue conversations and build collaborations beyond the Oxford gathering.