
My speech from the Ambassador for Peace award ceremony held at UPF in London
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as the recipient of the Ambassador of Peace award from UPF. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of those who have shaped my journey and contributed to the causes I hold dear.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Universal Peace Federation for bestowing this prestigious award upon me. This moment is profoundly meaningful, and I am immensely grateful.
My journey in international development spanning over 15 years has been a collaborative effort, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who have supported me along the way. Without their unwavering encouragement, none of the impactful initiatives I’ve been part of would have been possible.
Throughout the years, my commitment to advocating for change has taken various forms — from shedding light on the stories of trafficked women and refugees to campaigning for environmental and wildlife conservation and communicating research on various social issues. I want to express my gratitude to the incredible individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with. Their trust, openness in sharing their experiences, and dedication to various causes have allowed me to bring important issues to different platforms.
I would also like to thank various media outlets I worked with, including BBC, CNN, National Geographic Channel, Charity Today, Global Voices, Medical Express, USA Radio networks, various media from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and many others in various parts of the world, who have been instrumental in amplifying these vital messages. Their collaboration has been essential in giving a voice to the voiceless and fostering understanding on a global scale.
I firmly believe in the transformative power of words, viewing them not only as a means of communication but as tools to reshape perspectives and catalyse positive change. Whether through fiction or stories on crucial developmental issues, my aim is to convey messages that resonate with a broader audience. From my debut novel published while I was 18, highlighting women trafficking, to my upcoming novel on women’s sexuality, health, body image, as well as associated stigma, my goal has always been to bring social issues to light.
As I stand here today, I am proud to be associated with Feed the Minds, an international development organisation where I currently work. In my role, I advocate for women’s empowerment through education. The belief in education as a catalyst for positive transformation drives my work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a noble cause.
In conclusion, I want to express my sincere appreciation for UPF and all those who have supported and inspired me. Let us continue working together towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.
Thank you.
Dr. Sangita Shrestha ‘Swechcha’
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Press release
12 December 2023
Dr. Sangita Shrestha ‘Swechcha’ Honoured with Ambassador for Peace Award by Universal Peace Federation in London
Dr. Sangita Shrestha ‘Swechcha’, a development communicator, author and a campaigner for global development, has been conferred with the prestigious Ambassador for Peace award by the Universal Peace Federation. The award function, held on 9 December, recognised her contributions to peace-building initiatives and international development.
With over fifteen years of experience in development communication, Sangita has played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights, global education, research communication and environmental causes. Currently, at Feed the Minds, a London-based international development organisation, she champions the voices of women and supports the mission to empower those in poverty through education.
The Ambassador for Peace Award reflects her commitment to fostering positive change and creating a more harmonious world.

Upon receiving the prestigious award, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to be recognised as an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation. This award serves as a tremendous source of encouragement for my work, motivating me to further contribute.”
“The Universal Peace Federation Ambassador for Peace award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to fostering peace and harmony within communities and across borders”, said Margaret Ali, Director of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) UK.
“This award is not only a recognition for what the awardees have achieved until now; this award encourages to do more for the society along with the other existing Ambassador for Peace awardees. Our team at UPF strives to do our best by offering the awards to a deserving person”, she added.
Universal Peace Federation is a global organisation having an NGO in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family. It has recognised deserving individuals with Ambassador for Peace award in over 160 countries.
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