AS the nomination deadline looms for the next Advancing Race Equality Awards, a 2023 winner has described the event as a “truly inspiring experience”.
Chaudhary Hamza Riaz was named Young Leader during a glittering ceremony earlier this year. The Ulster University student has been invited back to hand over the baton to a new Young Leader when the next awards take place in Derry’s Ebrington Hotel on March 6.
Looking forward to linking up with the North West Migrants Forum, the 22-year-old said, “It is an incredible honour to be returning to present the Young Leader award.
“The event in March was a truly inspiring experience, filled with remarkable achievements and stories of individuals dedicated to driving meaningful change in their communities.”
Hamza Riaz received five Young Leader nominations in recognition of the huge body of extra-curricular work he has been responsible for during his time at Ulster University.
He has been the key orchestrator of cultural events including Eid, Holi, Diwali and ‘Cultural Shock for New Students’. He also broke new ground when he was presented with the role of Vice President for Equality and Belonging and has been a vocal champion of those from ethnic minority backgrounds and people from diverse backgrounds.
Among the many practical initiatives he has spearheaded is the installation of bidet showers, viewed as a significant step towards promoting better hygiene practices and sustainability on campus.
Nominating him for the 2023 Advancing Race Equality Awards, one of his lecturers wrote: “In the realm of global engagement, Hamza’s participation in consequential events such as the Change the World Model United Nation in New York epitomises his dedication to fostering international collaboration and understanding. His endeavours have not only been instrumental in local metamorphosis but have also contributed substantively to a broader narrative of inclusivity on a global scale.”
Looking ahead to March 6 when he will be centre stage again, this time to present the Young Leader for 2024 with their award, Hamza Riaz added, “I am thrilled to pass the baton of the Young Leader award to another deserving individual.
“This award stands as a powerful symbol of progress and empowerment, encouraging future generations to step forward and become changemakers in the pursuit of equality in Northern Ireland and across the nation.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’.”
Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said she was delighted to be welcoming Hamza Riaz back to the Advancing Race Equality Awards.
“Hamza is a remarkable young man who has already achieved so much at such a young age.
“He is the epitome of a young leader and is a shining example of why this award was created in the first place – to recognise those working to challenge discrimination, those striving to achieve a more inclusive future and those showing an unwavering commitment to positive change.”
Tickets for the Advancing Race Equality Awards will go on sale in January. To nominate someone and to keep up to date with all developments, go to our website, www.nwmf.org.uk/awards/