Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Awards

HPLA 2026 Event Program

Where Diplomacy and Humanitarian Leadership Come Together

Date
October 9, 2026
Hours
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue
United Nations Delegates Dining Room, New York City
Dress code
Black-Tie Gala
Meet the 2026 nominees

Presented by the Institute of Public Policy & Diplomacy Research (IPPDR), the Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Awards bring together public officials, diplomats, humanitarian leaders, peace practitioners, educators and representatives of civil society to recognize distinguished service to humanity, peace and sustainable development.

Host and Event Chair
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass
Master of Ceremonies
Douglas James Soncrant
Second Master of Ceremonies
Berth Ann Soncrant

Official Program

  1. Networking

    Diplomatic Reception

    Guest reception, ticket verification, security entry, hors d’oeuvres, prelude music and photographs.

  2. Ceremony

    Official Opening

    Douglas James Soncrant, Master of Ceremonies; H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass

    Call to order by the Master of Ceremonies, followed by welcome remarks from H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass.

  3. Keynote

    Keynote and Distinguished Guest Remarks

    Featuring: 1. The Honorable Patricia Guerra-Frazier, Mayor of the Township of Union, New Jersey 2. The Honorable Kevin S. Parker, New York State Senator, 21st Senate District 3. Mr. Nikolle Ukaj, Representative of the Municipality of Viti, Kosovo 4. Daniel Jackson, Innovation and Leadership Honoree 5. His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe 6. Attorney Chrissy Grigoropoulos-Peleytay 7. Dr. Samarth Joseph 8. Dr. Isma Habib Chaudhry 9. Dr. Jean Louis Bingna 10. Dr. Raina Massey

  4. Performance

    Special Entertainment

    Josh Pele, magician

    A special performance by magician Josh Pele.

  5. Award presentation

    Doctor Honoris Causa Conferral Ceremony

    Presided over by Dr. Isma Habib Chaudhry and Dr. Jean Louis Bingna

    The ceremony will recognize 12 distinguished recipients for their leadership, professional achievements, service to humanity and contributions to society.

  6. Dinner

    Gala Dinner

    Formal dinner service begins and continues throughout the evening’s remaining ceremonies.

  7. Ceremony

    Preventive Diplomacy and Executive Leadership Graduation

    Presided over by Berth Ann Soncrant, Second Master of Ceremonies

    Recognition and certification of eight graduating peace practitioners who have completed the Preventive Diplomacy and Executive Leadership Program.

  8. Ceremony

    Ambassador and Special Envoy Appointment Ceremony

    Presided over by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass

    Official presentation and recognition of six Ambassador and Special Envoy appointees.

  9. Award presentation

    Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Awards Ceremony

    Presided over by Douglas James Soncrant, Master of Ceremonies

    Recognition of 13 distinguished recipients whose humanitarian service, leadership and commitment to peace have created a meaningful impact within their communities and beyond.

  10. Dinner

    Dessert and Musical Interlude

    Dessert service accompanied by music and diplomatic fellowship.

  11. Ceremony

    Recognition of Partners and Distinguished Guests

    Acknowledgment of institutional partners, volunteers, dignitaries and special guests whose service and support have contributed to the mission of IPPDR.

  12. Program

    Official Photographs

    Official photographs with dignitaries, speakers, honorees, graduates, appointees and award recipients.

  13. Networking

    Networking, Music and Diplomatic Fellowship

    An opportunity for guests to establish meaningful connections, exchange ideas and celebrate humanitarian leadership.

  14. Ceremony

    Formal Conclusion

    Conclusion of the Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Awards 2026.

The program may be adjusted before the ceremony. This page is the reference version: www.ippdr.org/awards/program

Back to the HPLA page

Independence notice

The Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Awards (HPLA) is an independent initiative of the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR). All nominations, evaluations, selections, recognitions, and awards are conducted exclusively by IPPDR or its designated selection committee. The use of any event venue, including United Nations facilities, does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation by the United Nations or any other host institution.