Prestigious Global Awards 4th Edition

The 4th Edition of the Prestigious Global Awards in Helsinki was a remarkable international celebration of leadership, innovation, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and multicultural collaboration. Organized by  Ceci Educare Oy, the prestigious event brought together distinguished guests, business leaders, diplomats, investors, creatives, royalty, and change makers from across Africa, Europe, and beyond. The gala was held on Friday, 24th April 2026 at Finnkino Kinopalatsi in Helsinki, Finland, with a capacity of over 400 participants.  

The 2026 edition was held under the theme “Changing the Narratives, Celebrating Change Makers,” reflecting the organization’s mission of promoting positive global transformation, cross-cultural partnerships, and sustainable development. The event formed part of the broader Nordic–Africa collaboration initiatives spearheaded by Ceci Educare Oy through the Nordic Africa Business Forum and related international platforms.

The gala recognized exceptional individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions in diplomacy, innovation, governance, entrepreneurship, leadership, sustainability, technology, education, and social impact. Award categories included the Africa Diplomatic Excellence Award, Global Leadership Legacy Award, Women in Diplomacy and Leadership Award, Youth & Emerging Leader Award, Green Economy & Climate Impact Award, and the Global Influential Impact Award.  

One of the major highlights of the 4th Edition was the presence of international delegates and guests from countries including Finland, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sweden, Denmark, the United States, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Guinea. The event also welcomed investors, entrepreneurs, government representatives, cultural leaders, and global business professionals, creating a strong platform for international networking and partnerships. 

The evening featured an elegant red-carpet experience, live music performances, fashion showcases, cultural performances, and entertainment from various international artists and groups. Guests enjoyed performances including Maasai cultural dance presentations, Indian cultural dance performances, Nordic-African fashion exhibitions, and live music by both established and emerging international artists.  

Among the nominees for The Ousainou Darboe Statesmanship Award were:

The Nana Kodwo Addae II Crown of Legacy Award nominees included:

For the Global Leadership Legacy Award, nominees included:

The Africa Diplomatic Excellence Award featured:

Nominees for the Women in Diplomacy and Leadership Award included:

The Africa Global Excellence in Innovation Award included:

For the Global Influential Impact Award, nominees included:

Beyond the awards ceremony, the 4th Edition also served as a business and networking platform where entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals explored collaboration opportunities between Africa and the Nordic region. Private networking dinners, business discussions, investor pitch sessions, media interviews, and partnership meetings further strengthened the event’s role as a bridge between continents. 

Founded and initiated by Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, the Prestigious Global Awards has rapidly grown into one of the emerging multicultural international recognition platforms in Finland. Since its first edition in 2024, the awards have continued to celebrate visionary leaders, innovators, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and social impact champions whose work contributes to global development and international cooperation.  

The 4th Edition in Helsinki further strengthened Finland’s growing role as a meeting point for international dialogue, multicultural engagement, business diplomacy, and global recognition. Through its blend of business, culture, leadership, and entertainment, the event successfully united people from diverse backgrounds under one global platform dedicated to excellence, collaboration, and impact.