London, November 2025 – Baroness Hooper, CMG, has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of the Republic of Peru, the nation’s most prestigious civilian distinction. Established in 1821 by General José de San Martín, the Order of the Sun is the oldest decoration of its kind in the Americas, symbolising Peru’s independence and cultural heritage. The Grand Cross is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional service in diplomacy, education, and international cooperation.
Baroness Hooper’s distinguished career spans decades of public service. Trained as a lawyer, she served as Member of the European Parliament for Liverpool before being elevated to the House of Lords in 1985, where she held ministerial responsibilities in Education, Energy, and Health. A longstanding advocate of Latin American relations, she notably founded the British School of Quito and continues her legacy as Patron of The FuturED Institute, promoting educational innovation and intercultural dialogue.
The ceremony, presided over by H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of Peru to the United Kingdom, was attended by distinguished guests, among them Juan Dávila y Verdin, Founder and CEO of The FuturED Institute.
This honour not only celebrates Baroness Hooper’s remarkable trajectory but also highlights the enduring importance of cultural diplomacy, educational leadership, and institutional partnerships in strengthening global cooperation.
