COVER STORY
TWENTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE
Global ICONS THE CLASS OF 2020
LMD pays tribute to 26 global icons – role models for citizens of the world – on its 26th anniversary
Year 2020 has undoubtedly been one of global upheaval almost right from the get-go with the likes of devastating bushfires in the southern hemisphere, acts of terror in many parts of the world and the beginnings of a worldwide pandemic unlike any other in recorded history.
Indeed, countries the world over have faced extremely challenging times in the year to date, which calls for renewed vigour in dealing with unimaginable economic, social, environmental and political trials and tribulations that have literally caught them off guard.
And so it has been all the more important to find sources of inspiration to maintain a sense of positivity in such troubled times.
This commemorative special edition of LMD pays tribute to Global Icons who have reached the summit in their respective fields – exemplary human beings whom we admire and look up to. And our prized list of 26 coincides with LMD’s 26th anniversary!
Our roll call of global personalities pays homage to leaders from diverse fields ranging from politics and activism, to entertainment and the sporting arena; and it cuts across race, gender, age, social and many other divisions that continue to plague the world we live in.
And we invited a cross-section of relevant personalities from various fields to pay tribute to LMD’s Global Icons – and tell us what lessons there are for the world and Sri Lanka from their inspiring actions.
We hope the emerging ‘new world order’ will cut across such barriers – at the very least, for the sake of future generations of the global citizenry.
– LMD
Malala Yousafzai only recently graduated from university and yet, she’s had a more profound impact on the world than most could dream of. Perhaps being the daughter of an education activist provided the confidence to press forward with her agenda but it in no way diminishes the courage she displayed following an attack on her…
Dame Anna Wintour is widely considered to be among the most influential figures in fashion, earning recognition for her eye for trends and supporting young designers. Beginning her career in fashion journalism with two British magazines, she is credited with reviving Vogue and revolutionising the industry in her role as its Editor-in-Chief. She was also…
Oprah Winfrey’s signature catchphrase (among others) goes something like this: “You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!” As far as magnanimous TV show giveaways are concerned, Oprah sets the bar. Her sense of generosity has won hearts the world over and the fact that she’s overcome many a struggle in…
Serena Williams is hailed as one of the best female tennis players in the Open Era. Her entry on the court meant a shakeup of the global tennis order. A role model and one of the most recognisable faces in the sport, Williams is also known for her style statements – both on and off…
Justin Trudeau is no stranger to the political arena, being one of only two children to be born into a prime minister in office in Canada. A teacher by profession, his ascension to the role of Canadian PM in 2015 meant he’d carry on the Trudeau dynasty – but with a new age philosophy to…
Greta Thunberg is credited for inspiring an international movement to fight climate change. Launching her campaign in 2018 with a protest in front of the Swedish Parliament House when she was 15, the teenager urged students around the world to join her and inspired more than 20,000 in several countries to demonstrate and call for…
Kumar Sangakkara has been described as an elegant batsman, a reliable wicketkeeper and an astute thinker during his cricketing career – and together with his close friend Mahela Jayawardene, he was the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket’s leadership for some 15 years. An iconic brand ambassador for Sri Lanka for more than a decade, Sangakkara…
Michelle Obama is such a popular figure that many of her fellow citizens wish she’d run for office – even if she seems to promptly decline the offer on any given occasion. More recently, the Grammy Award winning former First Lady of the US has inspired people across the world through her memoir Becoming, which…
Barack Obama altered the course of history when he became President of the US – and he continues to act as a symbol of hope for millions of Americans who have faced untold discrimination at the hands of their more privileged oppressors. His presidential successor may be termed the ‘Tweeter-in-chief’ (mainly for his frequent social…
Elon Musk has looked to revolutionise transportation by introducing fully electric vehicles on a large scale. Focussing on the internet, space and clean energy, the entrepreneur and self-made billionaire – who counts an estimated new worth of almost US$ 43 billion – is widely regarded as an inspirational figure in tech; and he has declared…
Angela Merkel is considered the de facto leader of the EU… unsurprisingly so. The record four time German Chancellor, who is a scientist by profession, has often been called upon to play peacemaker in a region fraught with diverse interests. Amid an apparent shift to insularism in neighbouring Britain as well as across the Atlantic,…
Emmanuel Macron assumed the role of President of France as recently as May 2017 and his new age political philosophy is attributed to his election to the highest office in the land. The investment banker turned politician established a liberal and progressive movement – En marche – as part of his presidential bid, drawing the…
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