Lord Hain Honoured with Diversity UK’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The award was presented at the equality charity's Global Changemakers Reception 2026, held at St James's Place, London, celebrating Lord Hain's lifelong commitment to challenging injustice, combating racism, advancing social justice and inspiring generations of changemakers both in the UK and internationally.

Opening the evening, Ramesh Vala CBE, Deputy Chair of Diversity UK, paid tribute to Lord Hain's extraordinary contribution to public life.

Ramesh Vala CBE, Deputy Chair of Diversity UK, said:

"Lord Peter Hain has shown throughout his life that real leadership is measured not by the offices we hold, but by the causes we are prepared to champion. From standing against apartheid as a young activist, to helping shape peace in Northern Ireland and speaking out consistently for democracy, equality and human rights, he has demonstrated remarkable courage, integrity and conviction. At a time when the principles of democracy, equality and human rights continue to face challenges around the world, Lord Hain reminds us that progress is never inevitable - it is achieved by people who refuse to stand by in the face of injustice. We are immensely proud to honour him with Diversity UK's Lifetime Achievement Award."

Lord Hain's life has been defined by a steadfast commitment to justice. Born in Nairobi and raised in South Africa during apartheid, he experienced first-hand the consequences of institutional racism after his parents, both anti-apartheid activists, were forced into exile for opposing the apartheid regime.

After arriving in Britain, Lord Hain became one of the country's most prominent anti-apartheid campaigners, leading the campaign against South Africa's all-white sporting tours and helping build the international pressure that ultimately contributed to the collapse of apartheid.

During a distinguished political career spanning more than fifty years, Lord Hain served as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister before joining the House of Lords in 2015. He served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Wales and Work and Pensions, chaired the United Nations Security Council, helped negotiate the Kimberley Process to curb the trade in blood diamonds and has remained a powerful advocate for democracy, anti-corruption and human rights across the world.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises not simply a distinguished political career, but a lifetime dedicated to challenging discrimination, promoting equality and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for a more just and inclusive society.

During the presentation, Diversity UK highlighted Lord Hain's enduring belief that the struggle for democracy, equality and human rights is never complete, and that each generation has a responsibility to defend and strengthen the progress achieved by those who came before.

Presenting the citation on behalf of the charity's Trustees, Sareeta Vala, Trustee of Diversity UK, reflected on the significance of the honour.

Sareeta Vala, Trustee of Diversity UK, said:

"The Diversity UK Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for individuals whose contribution has fundamentally advanced equality and social justice over many decades. Lord Peter Hain's life exemplifies moral courage, principled leadership and an unwavering belief that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity and respect. His legacy reminds us that meaningful change begins with those willing to challenge injustice, even when it is difficult. We are honoured to recognise his exceptional contribution and hope his example inspires the next generation of changemakers."

The award forms part of Diversity UK's ongoing mission to champion equality, diversity and inclusion across every sector of society through research, thought leadership and collaboration with policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and community organisations.

As Diversity UK marks fourteen years of advancing inclusion across Britain, the presentation of its Lifetime Achievement Award to Lord Peter Hain celebrates a life dedicated to ensuring that democracy, equality and human rights remain at the heart of public life.

About Diversity UK

Diversity UK is a registered charity (No. 1155189) dedicated to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion through research, public policy, thought leadership and collaborative initiatives. The charity convenes leaders across business, government, academia and civil society to tackle inequalities and create more inclusive opportunities across the UK.