The Humanitarian Memorial in Gunnersbury Park, unveiled by Prince William in October 2025, has marked its first anniversary with a ceremony remembering aid workers killed or injured while helping others around the world.
Humanitarian workers, aid organisations and government representatives attended the commemoration on 1 October 2026, a year to the day after the memorial was unveiled.
The seven-metre memorial, designed by British artist Michael Landy, features 15 figures engraved with testimonies from aid workers and people they have helped.
Among those taking part at the anniversary ceremony were Rasha Bakeer from the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Khalid Qurashi from Sudan Emergency Response Rooms, who shared their reflections on humanitarian work.
Dr Elaine Laycock, founder of the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership, read a poem honouring those who had died, while the Coro Choir performed. The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Faduma Mohamed, was also among those attending.
Earlier in the day, 35 humanitarian leaders, including UK Government representatives, met to discuss how to improve the safety of aid workers worldwide. The findings are expected to be published shortly.
Local school pupils also took part in an art and poetry workshop.
