15:22, 02 January 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
The new year starts with many people setting targets that they hope to achieve by the end of the year. But this season also brings a celebration of those that have contributed to many amazing things in the previous year, or years prior.
The Near Year Honours list celebrates a whole range of different achievements such as sporting, business and entertainment. And we want to give a huge congratulations to those that have dedicated their time to activism and charity work. Read below some of the notable figures honoured this year:
As the former Chair of Tottenham Hotspur FC, it is no wonder Daniel Levy has been honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to Charity and the community in Tottenham. This accomplishment included setting up the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and realising his vision to give thousands of young people in Tottenham educational opportunities via the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham.
A one of the most internationally famous people on this list Idris Elba or Dr Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE needs no introduction. This year he received a knighthood for his services to young people. One of his most well known campaigns was to tackle knife crime across the UK, and additionally founding the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education and youth advocacy.
Scottish-Canadian businessman and philanthropist, Fergus McCann helped rebuild the Celtic FC over the last 30 years to become the dominant cornerstone of Scottish football.
This campaigner received a CBE for services to social justice with breaking her silence on the Harvey Weinstein NDA. As the former assistant to the disgraced director, Zelda Perkins spoke her truth and set up the campaign Can’t Buy My Silence to advocate against wrongful and coercive use of NDAs.
Easily recognisable as one of the UK's best-known Asian personalities, comedian, writer and actress, Meera Syal started 2026 with a Damehood. In this honours list she has been recognised for her services to Literature, Drama and Charity. Since 2013, she has been an unwavering ambassador for Alzheimer's Society following on from her father’s diagnosis the year prior.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For The Goals.
