Stephen Shaya receives 2026 Agent of Change Award at the United Nations

Stephen Shaya, M.D., was honored by the Global Partnerships Forum at its Annual Awards Luncheon during UN General Assembly week in New York City on Sept. 23, 2026. The award recognizes his work in healthcare, global collaboration and access to care through J&B Medical, Akkad Holdings and Global Health Futures.

Why it matters: - The award puts a spotlight on healthcare leadership tied to access, collaboration and service at a global stage. - Shaya’s recognition reflects growing attention to leaders trying to connect philanthropy, investment and health outcomes. - The honor also underscores the role of public-private and cross-sector partnerships in improving care delivery.

What happened: - Stephen Shaya, M.D., received the 2026 Agent of Change Award from the Global Partnerships Forum on Sept. 23, 2026. - The presentation took place at the organization’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the United Nations in New York City during UN General Assembly week. - Shaya is Executive Servant Leader at J&B Medical and Managing Director of Akkad Holdings. - The Global Partnerships Forum presents the Agent of Change Award annually to leaders and innovators with meaningful social impact.

The details: - The forum cited Shaya’s leadership, commitment to improving human health and dedication to advancing human potential. - The organization also pointed to his long-standing service, healthcare leadership and work to make quality care more accessible worldwide. - Global Partnerships Forum highlighted Shaya’s leadership with the Global Health Futures program. - The group said his approach centers on collaboration, innovation and purpose-driven leadership. - Amir A. Dossal, president and CEO of the Global Partnerships Forum and founder and curator of Vision for the Future, said Shaya’s service, compassion and purpose are creating meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond. - Shaya said meaningful change starts with people, shared purpose and using resources to create opportunities for others. - Shaya added that healthcare has shown him how one decision, one partnership or one act of compassion can change a life. - Shaya said “People, Purpose, and Paying It Forward” are a responsibility to keep serving, building bridges and helping people live healthier and more hopeful lives. - Shaya’s work spans healthcare, investment, philanthropy and global collaboration. - Through J&B Medical and Akkad Holdings, he has worked to expand access to healthcare solutions and build partnerships across public, private, nonprofit and family office sectors. - Global Health Futures brings together leaders from healthcare, technology, investment, government and philanthropy. - The initiative aims to advance ideas and partnerships that can improve global health outcomes. - The recognition at the United Nations builds on Shaya’s broader commitment to servant leadership shaped by his family and carried throughout his career. - The forum specifically cited the principles of People, Purpose, and Paying It Forward. - About the Global Partnerships Forum: The organization brings together leaders and innovators to foster collaboration, develop partnerships and advance solutions to global challenges. - About the Global Partnerships Forum: Its annual Agent of Change Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and innovation create meaningful impact in society. - About Stephen Shaya, M.D.: Shaya is described as a globally recognized healthcare leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist and faith-driven servant leader focused on compassion and stewardship. - About Akkad Holdings: Akkad Holdings is Shaya’s family office, founded in 2017. - About Akkad Holdings: The firm was created to align strategy and capital with philanthropy and purpose across a global portfolio of companies. - About Akkad Holdings: The firm invests in healthcare, life sciences, technology and sustainable development. - About Akkad Holdings: Akkad works with family offices, sovereign investors and innovators to support ventures that create measurable impact and enduring value. - About J&B Medical: J&B Medical is a healthcare company focused on improving quality of life, clinical outcomes and healthcare costs for consumers and businesses. - About J&B Medical: Its services include insurance-covered and emergency-medical supplies, retail-at-home and veterinary products, and medical technology solutions. - About J&B Medical: J&B Medical is a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise. - More information is available at the forum's website and J&B Medical.

Between the lines: - The award frames Shaya’s work as part of a broader push to blend business leadership with social impact. - The emphasis on partnerships suggests the forum values leaders who can operate across sectors rather than within a single industry. - The repeated focus on purpose and stewardship signals that the recognition is as much about leadership style as it is about business results.

What's next: - Shaya is likely to continue promoting cross-sector collaboration through Global Health Futures, J&B Medical and Akkad Holdings. - The recognition may strengthen visibility for his work on access to care and health partnerships. - The forum will continue its annual awards program to recognize other leaders with social impact.