NEW YORK — Leila Cobo, Billboard’s co-chief content officer, was honored on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Cobo received recognition from Fashion 4 Development (F4D) at its 14th annual Official First Ladies Luncheon, held at The Pierre hotel, for her enduring dedication to preserving and promoting Latin culture through the universal medium of music.

Presented by actor and singer Anthony Ramos, the honor placed Cobo among a distinguished group of international leaders, creatives, and humanitarians recognized for their contributions to global culture, philanthropy, and sustainable development. Other honorees at the prestigious annual event included Veronica Berti Bocelli, vice chairman and co-founder of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation for Betterment of Humanity; the late legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta; and media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner.

Celebrating Culture and Global Connection

Accepting the award before an audience of diplomats, global leaders, and cultural figures, Cobo reflected on a career defined by advocacy for Latin music creators and a commitment to building bridges between diverse communities.

“My longtime mission has been to highlight the achievements of Latin-centric artists and creatives, particularly in music, showcase their talents to the world and serve as a bridge between cultures,” Cobo said during her acceptance speech. “Getting this recognition from Fashion 4 Development, an organization whose core is global development and promoting cross-cultural understanding, makes me immensely proud, and reinforces what I have long known: Together, we can make tangible change.”

Evie Evangelou, founder and president of Fashion 4 Development, emphasized the profound alignment between Cobo’s career achievements and the foundational mission of the organization.

“Preserving culture has been one of my personal goals throughout my career. It is so important to honor and protect our heritage and identity — not only for our ancestors and ourselves, but for future generations,” Evangelou said. “Leila Cobo embodies this mission beautifully through her work to preserve and celebrate Latin culture through music.”

Co-hosted by Evangelou and Dame Amanda Schumacher — founder and CEO of the Tree of Life Foundation International, chair of the Red Cross Ball, and member of the Chairman’s Circle for the Red Cross — the luncheon underscored the unique and powerful intersection between international diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and the global fashion and creative industries.

Reflecting on the milestone 14th edition of the annual gathering, Evangelou noted how the platform has evolved since its inception.

“Reaching our 14th First Ladies Luncheon is a meaningful milestone and a powerful reminder that fashion is far more than what we wear,” Evangelou stated. “It is a force for culture, opportunity, and global development. What began as an opportunity to bring people together and support the UN Goals has grown into an internationally recognized platform that celebrates shared accomplishments, strengthens connections, and inspires meaningful social change for humanity.”

Dame Amanda Schumacher echoed those sentiments, highlighting the collaborative spirit underpinning the event. “We share a fundamental belief: Meaningful change happens when leaders across cultures, industries, and communities come together with a common purpose,” Schumacher added. “Together, we are creating a world where ideas become connections, connections become collaborations, and collaborations have the potential to create lasting impact for generations to come.”

Honoring Legacies in Fashion, Philanthropy, and Environmental Stewardship

The afternoon ceremony featured several major tributes celebrating individuals and organizations that have left an indelible mark on global culture and society.

Among the highlights was a special fashion presentation dedicated to Oscar de la Renta, honoring the celebrated Dominican-born American designer’s enduring legacy at the intersection of creative excellence and philanthropy. The tribute was accepted on behalf of the fashion house by Alex Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta.

“Oscar truly believed in the importance of fashion both in bringing people together and drawing out a sense of joy and individuality in the wearer of his designs,” Bolen remarked. “We are honored to celebrate his enduring legacy and grateful to Fashion 4 Development for providing a platform where creativity, community, and philanthropy can intersect in such a meaningful way.”

The event also presented the Humankind Award tribute to media pioneer Ted Turner and the Turner Foundation, recognizing the organization’s steadfast mission to protect and restore the earth’s natural systems. Vasser Seydel, director of the Turner Foundation, president of The Oxygen Project, and granddaughter of Ted Turner, accepted the honor on her grandfather’s behalf.

“My grandpa adamantly believed that our daily choices matter, from picking up trash on the street to the decisions we make at work and in our lives to create a better world,” Seydel said. “Fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries, and with that comes both a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to be part of the solution. We can choose to support the people who make our clothes and the values and working conditions behind what we wear; choose materials that are healthy for our bodies, communities and environment; and use our individual expression to inspire others.”

Additional accolades during the ceremony included the Women’s Empowerment Award, presented to Her Royal Highness Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States and the first woman in her nation’s history to hold the diplomatic post. Furthermore, UNG Leading Lady Honors Awards were presented to Sally Ann Ranney, president and co-founder of Global Choices, Arctic Angels, and chair of the Conservation Committee of the Explorers Club for the Preservation of Environment; and Veronica Berti Bocelli of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

About Fashion 4 Development

Founded in 2011 by Evie Evangelou in cooperation with then-United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Fashion 4 Development operates as a private-sector global platform designed to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the “Every Woman, Every Child” initiative.

Rooted in the core leadership principles of educating, empowering, enhancing, and enriching, F4D works to forge strategic cross-sector partnerships. These collaborations are intended to advance economic and social development initiatives, support the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries, safeguard cultural heritage worldwide, and foster the empowerment of women globally.