Dr Syed is a British Indian humanitarian and entrepreneur committed to building bridges between cultures, faiths, and nations. Inspired in part by the tragic murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, he founded WHD to foster communal harmony and educational engagement through initiatives in arts, sports, trade, and moral values, particularly among young people.
Under Dr Syed's leadership, WHD has gained Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, partnering with faith leaders, government bodies and NGOs to promote positive community transformation globally.
He sits on multiple international boards and advisory groups, including:
Founder Chairman
World Humanitarian Drive (WHD) Platinum Consultant London Ltd, Abdul Basit Syed Pvt Ltd, ABS Entertainments, WHD Publishing House
Board of Director
Universal Peace Federation (U.K) International Diplomatic Club (Amicability), Space Kidz India, Faiths Together, Croydon, U.K.
Dr Syed is also a published writer and educator, with a particular interest in global peace education, interfaith dialogue, and innovations for trade‑based peacebuilding initiatives such as "Trade4Peace", "The Science Bazaar" & "World Moral Day."
Honours & Awards
- Freeman of the City of London (September 2023)
- International Ambassador, appointed by the Mayor of Croydon (June 2019)
- Mahatma Gandhi Award, conferred in the UK Parliament by NRI Welfare Society and MP Alok Sharma (May 2019)
- Knight of Malta, awarded by Sovereign Order of OSJ Malta (November 2018)
- Ambassador for Peace, by Universal Peace Federation UK (February 2018)
- Award of Excellence, jointly from UNODC & Saudi-American Public Relations Affairs Committee (UN Terrorism Programme)
- Peace Award, presented by BRICS Alliance and Indian Prime Minister's Office (May 2018)