Photo: Nick Delisi.
28 July – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) are excited to announce that Amrou Al-Kadhi will host the 2026 International Pride Awards ceremony, set to take place on 5 August during the Human Rights Conference at WorldPride Amsterdam.
Amrou Al-Kadhi (they/them) is a British-Iraqi writer, filmmaker, performer, and leading LGBTIQ+ advocate whose work explores identity, belonging and self-expression. A drag artist known as Glamrou, they have become an acclaimed voice on the intersections of queerness, faith and culture. As Glamrou, they have sold out drag tours in the UK and the US. Their debut feature film, Layla, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, earning international recognition for its powerful storytelling. Their memoir, Life As A Unicorn, was awarded the Polari First Book Prize and a Somerset Maugham award. As an author, speaker and broadcaster, Amrou has inspired audiences worldwide with their thoughtful, compassionate and often humorous perspective on equality, authenticity and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
The International Pride Awards is a joint project by the UNDP and ILGA World. First established in 2024, the awards shine a light on stories of resilience, solidarity, and progress. The global initiative provides a platform to recognise and uplift those whose leadership strengthens movements, promotes dignity, and expands opportunities, reinforcing the fundamental principle that no one should be left behind.
“I’m so honoured to be hosting the International Pride Awards,” said Amrou Al-Kadhi. “We are living in precarious and frightening times — all across the West we are seeing assaults and entrenchment when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and continued fraying of democratic norms and civil rights. Given the context, it feels more important than ever to profile extraordinary LGBTIQ+ changemakers fighting to make the world a better place. Hope and inspiration are a fundamental aspect of my practice as an artist — despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, I still have hope for a better world because of the amazing people fighting to make it so, and believe events like this are vital in inspiring change for a more equal and kinder world.”
Selected by a committee of experienced LGBTIQ+ campaigners, advocates and human rights leaders from nominations submitted across the globe, this year’s awardees demonstrate the many ways people are building progress — from strengthening grassroots movements and transforming healthcare to preserving community history and expanding political representation.
This year’s award categories are:
- Movement building in the face of hostility
- Celebrating diverse lives
- Emerging leader
- Lifelong pursuit of equality
- Extraordinary ally
The awards will be announced during the ceremony on 5 August 2026 at 15:45 PM CEST (UTC+2).
The event, supported by Deutsche Bank and OutTV, will be broadcast live on YouTube and on OutTV starting 6 August, reaching a truly global audience.
Follow Amrou Al-Kadhi on Instagram and X: @glamrou.
Follow the International Pride Awards on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
For more information about the awards, please visit https://internationalprideawards.org.
Media contacts:
Daniele Paletta, Communications Manager, ILGA World, media@ilga.org
Richa Ranjitkar, Communications Specialist, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, richa.ranjitkar@undp.org
Notes for editors:
About the International Pride Awards
The International Pride Awards are a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World. First established in 2024, the awards shine a light on stories of resilience, solidarity and progress. The global initiative provides a platform to recognize and uplift those whose leadership strengthens movements, promotes dignity and expands opportunity – reinforcing the fundamental principle that no one should be left behind.
About ILGA World
ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – is a worldwide federation of more than 2,300 organisations from over 170 countries and territories ensuring that people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics can exercise their human rights
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
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