Leila Cobo, co-chief content officer of Penske Media Corporation’s Billboard, is among the honorees for Fashion 4 Development’s 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon furthering a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Goals.
The luncheon, held at New York City’s Pierre hotel on Tuesday and cohosted by F4D’s founder and president Evie Evangelou, included honorees from Oscar de la Renta, among others. Cobo, a Colombian journalist and writer, is recognized for her endeavors to preserve Latin culture through music.
Leila Cobo
Courtesy
“My longtime mission has been to highlight the achievement of Latin-centric artists and creatives, particularly in music, showcase their talents to the world and serve as a bridge between cultures,” Cobo said in a statement.
“Getting this recognition from Fashion 4 Development, an organization whose core is global development and promoting cross-cultural understanding, makes me immensely proud, and reinforces what I have long known: Together we can make tangible change.”
F4D was founded by Evie Evangelou to support the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in cooperation with the office of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and in support of “Every Woman, Every Child.” The inaugural First Ladies Luncheon initiative kicked off in 2011.
Coinciding with the 81st Session of the United National General Assembly, the 2026 honorees and guests included figures from a variety of sectors including fashion, diplomacy, philanthropy, visual and performing arts, culture and environmental activists from across the globe, all of whom support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and efforts made by the organization to promote positive strategies for sustainable development and positive social change.
Cobo and other honorees received medals of honor exclusively designed for F4D by Toye, Kenning & Spencer, London. Oscar de la Renta featured a special fashion presentation, with recognition for Alex Bolden, the label’s chief executive officer. A ballet performance by dancers from the Joffrey Ballet School on behalf of Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest global network of dance scholarship and education, also took place during the luncheon.
