A Grand Finale in Elegance and Excellence: Creative Women Platform Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony

As twilight descended upon the City of London on 9 May 2025, Plaisterers’ Hall—a historic jewel in the heart of the city—was transformed into a resplendent setting for the culminating event of the Creative Women Platform’s “Gateway to a Sustainable Future” Forum. Following a thought-provoking welcome at the House of Parliament and two days of compelling discussion and connection, the evening gala unfolded as a celebration of brilliance, beauty, and boundless creativity.

Lit by the romantic glow of tall white candles and enveloped in warm amber tones, the space radiated timeless elegance. Attendees entered in striking contrast to the forum’s business attire: women in sumptuous gowns and men in sharp tuxedos, gathered for a night of fine dining, world-class performance, and the celebration of excellence.

The gala dinner began with a curated menu of culinary delights, but it was the artistry on stage that truly ignited the evening. The audience was enchanted by a sequence of exceptional performances that paid homage to diverse musical traditions and contemporary talent.

Glenda Allaway, an award-winning harpist whose performances have graced royal and international stages, opened the evening with exquisite poise. Her melodic phrasing set an ethereal tone, gently welcoming guests into the night’s unfolding narrative.

Among the evening’s captivating performances was a special appearance by John Gallant, a rising star in the classical and contemporary music worlds. A music and choral scholar at Clare College, Cambridge University, and former music scholar at Eton College, Gallant enchanted the audience with a presence far beyond his years. Having graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall, and winner of numerous national and international competitions including the Hugh Bean Violin Competition and London Young Musician of the Year, Gallant’s virtuosity on violin and piano was palpable. A former soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and alum of both the National Youth Orchestra and National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, his repertoire now includes over 60 original songs. With a newly released single ‘No Escape’ available on Spotify and iTunes, and a debut album in development, Gallant bridges classical mastery with contemporary innovation. His appearance at the gala added both youthful brilliance and profound musical depth to an evening already shimmering with distinction.

Then came Ericka Janes, a powerhouse vocalist and former star of The X Factor UK and The Voice, whose electrifying stage presence lit up the hall.

The apex of the evening's entertainment was delivered by Anush Hovhannisyan, the British-Armenian operatic soprano hailed by Opera Now as “the future of opera.” A laureate of the Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker Programme and a celebrated performer across the world’s most prestigious opera houses, Anush was accompanied by internationally acclaimed pianist and conductor Juliant Gallant.

Anush brought the audience to a standstill with her masterful interpretations. Her performance was both technically brilliant and emotionally profound, reminding all in attendance of the sheer power of the human voice.

Following the performances, the Awards Ceremony began—a moment of deep recognition and global solidarity. The awards were personally presented by Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, with the presence and support of Islée Oliva Salinas, Chair of the Advisory Board; Dr Viola Edward, Executive Director CWP and Co-Founder of GRIT Academy; and representatives from the Platform’s Country Chairs across the world, each symbolising the diverse and united spirit of the network.

Outstanding Achievement Awards were conferred upon:

• HRH Princess Noura Bint Saud Bin Nayef Al Saud – for visionary leadership and advocacy for women in the Gulf

• Sarah, Duchess of York – for her exceptional humanitarian efforts and continued global impact

• Rebeca Riofrio – for her leadership as Executive Director of the Forum and her contributions to arts, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship

• Martha Fiennes – award-winning filmmaker known for her pioneering creative work

• Marine Tanguy – CEO of MTArt Agency, innovator in the global visual arts industry

• Amira Fouad – arts leader and advocate for cultural diplomacy

• Gabriella Di Laccio – celebrated soprano and founder of Donne, elevating the legacy of women composers

• Ilenia Lombardi – entrepreneur and cross-cultural strategist

Sustainability Awards were awarded to:

• Marie-Noëlle Keijzer – CEO of WeForest, renowned for environmental regeneration

• Alysia Helming – eco-investor and novelist merging sustainability and storytelling

• Dr Renuka Thakore – researcher and founder of the Global Sustainable Futures Network

• Irina Gorbounova – ESG leader driving environmental transformation

• Tessa Clarke – co-founder of OLIO, revolutionising the global food-sharing economy

• Farah Shammas – Managing Director of St. Raphael Resort & Marina in Cyprus, honoured for her pioneering work in sustainable tourism.

Each recipient was acknowledged not only for their individual achievements but for their commitment to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. The Creative Women Platform, through this extraordinary culmination, reaffirmed its core mission: to honour women who lead with purpose, innovate with compassion, and leave lasting impact across sectors and borders.

As the evening drew to a close and the final candle flickered out, the energy in the room was one of inspiration and renewal. The gala dinner at Plaisterers’ Hall did not simply mark the end of a forum—it signified the beginning of new global collaborations, friendships, and a renewed drive for positive change.