Stephen Bediako OBE, a leading social impact entrepreneur, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social enterprise.
Stephen is the founder of several businesses including The Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP), a consultancy firm that works with governments, philanthropists, and social impact organisations to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex social problems. The award was presented to Stephen at a ceremony at the Guildhall in the heart of the city.
Of his work and receiving the honour Stephen said “Social entrepreneurship is about using business principles to solve social problems. It’s about creating value for society, not just for shareholders. And it’s a powerful tool for creating a more just and equitable world.“It is an incredible honour to receive this key to the City of London. I am deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition of the work that my colleagues and I do to make a difference.”
In addition to founding TSIP and cooperative recruitment agency, Turning Basin Labs in the US, Bediako is also a visiting Social Entrepreneur at the prestigious Stanford University, where he will mentor, guide and inspire the next generation of social entrepreneurs. He has also been recognized for his work with a number of awards, including an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2019.
The Freedom of the City of London is an ancient tradition that dates back to mediaeval times. It is a symbolic honour that recognizes outstanding contributions to the City of London and its communities. Recipients of the Freedom are given the right to enter and leave the city at will, and they are invited to participate in ceremonial events and processions.
Stephen’s award is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of social entrepreneurship and its potential to drive positive social change.