A Swansea peace campaigner whose work has inspired people around the world has been presented with a Leadership and Excellence Award at a special ceremony in the city.
Pam Evans MBE, founder and director of Peace Mala, received the award from representatives of Live Awareness for National Development (LAND) Pakistan and Swansea Council at Swansea Guildhall on Friday, August 14.
Peace Mala was established by Pam in Wales in 2001 and promotes friendship, respect, understanding and peace between people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds. The organisation’s educational work encourages global citizenship and challenges prejudice and intolerance.
The award was jointly presented by Cllr Andrea Harrington, Swansea Council’s deputy leader and Peace Mala champion, and Mubarak Ali on behalf of LAND.
Cllr Andrea Harrington said: “Pam’s vision has reached schools, communities and organisations, encouraging people of different faiths and backgrounds to recognise what unites them.
“Through education, dialogue and unwavering commitment, she has inspired thousands of people to reject prejudice, celebrate diversity, and embrace the universal values of respect, friendship and compassion.
“In an age when conflict, misunderstanding and intolerance continue to challenge societies across the world, her work shines as a beacon of hope.
“She has demonstrated that lasting peace is built not through power, but through education; not through fear, but through trust; and not through division, but through mutual respect and shared humanity.”
Peace Mala was developed following growing concerns about racism, intolerance and division in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the United States.
The initiative has since gained national and international recognition for its work promoting interfaith harmony, peace and global citizenship through education.
Mr Ali said: “We were honoured to present this award to Pam Evans in recognition of her outstanding leadership and her exceptional contribution to promoting peace, interfaith harmony, global citizenship and mutual respect.
“Through Peace Mala, Pam has created a lasting legacy that has inspired individuals and communities across different cultures and faiths. Her commitment to dialogue, compassion and understanding reflects the values that LAND Pakistan seeks to promote around the world.”
Receiving the award, Pam thanked those who had supported Peace Mala over the years and highlighted the importance of continuing to build understanding between people from different backgrounds.
She said: “I am deeply grateful to Swansea City Council for their continued support of Peace Mala. I also wish to thank Her Worshipful The Lord Mayor, Cllr Penny Matthews for being with us on the day and for allowing us the use of her beautiful reception room at Swansea Guildhall.
“Behind the scenes, Cllr Andrea Harrington and the Leader of the Council, Cllr Rob Stewart have been of immense support.
“I am also deeply grateful to the support given by The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Commander Jill E Johnson, The High Sheriff of Glamorgan Emrys Elias OBE and to everyone who took time out to be with us on the day.
“So many people have contributed to Peace Mala’s journey over the last 24 years. May we all continue to work together for greater peace between our diverse communities and for a more compassionate and just world.”
