Hello Everyone, As everyone bounces into the August Bank Holiday weekend, I’m going to start by congratulating all our young people who received their GCSE and level 1,2 results on Thursday! I was excited when I went back to Plashet Secondary School in East Ham to join 300 excited young women, as they collected their grades – especially given that I studied there myself back in the day. I was totally in awe of the achievements of the amazing Year 11 young women as they were part of that cohort of our young people who began their secondary school experience during the Covid lockdowns. Now after five years of hard work, they have come through smiling, ready for the next challenge in their lives. It was so rewarding seeing our young people so excited and a huge honour to share in their joy with their proud parents and teachers – all dedicated to improving the lives of our young people today as they have always been. Speaking of future opportunities, this week began with a major opportunity to showcase Newham’s leadership in data and digital innovation as I led a session on AI in local government for civil servants from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The day brought together policymakers, practitioners, and partners to explore how AI can improve services, strengthen delivery, and open new opportunities for collaboration – and help us save money! The possibilities are endless. We shared our work through the AI Centre of Excellence, set up together with the University of East London, including prototypes developed to transform how we manage temporary accommodation, and discussed our ethical frameworks, skills development plans, and ambitions to place residents at the heart of a digital future. The feedback was hugely positive, with many commenting on how Newham’s approach - blending innovation with inclusion - could become a model for others across the country. Our position as a leader in this field is no accident. Working with the Institute of Global Prosperity at University College London, we identified Newham as a prime location for growth in the UK’s AI, data and cyber sectors. By 2035, it could generate over 5,500 jobs and add £100 million to our local economy. The creation of our “Data Corridor” from Canning Town to the Royal Docks, with two major data centres already approved and set to complete by 2028, is a key part of my vision. Through our flagship Newham Data programme, over 1,900 residents and businesses have already received training in AI and data skills, and our partnership with UEL has established the UK’s Centre for AI in the Public Sector right here in the borough - cementing our reputation as a national leader. But it isn’t just the grand vision stuff we do. On Tuesday, I visited Little Ilford Lane where resurfacing works are taking place as part of our Keeping Newham Moving programme. These improvements are part of our £8.9 million Highways Maintenance Programme for 2025/26, which will deliver resurfacing of key roads, footway repairs, and lighting upgrades. Do you know that over 119km (that’s 80 miles) of roads have been resurfaced under our Keeping Newham Moving programme since 2018, and we’ve repaired more than 6,000 potholes since 2021. It’s all part of our approach in ensuring our streets remain safe, accessible, and resilient to future wear. The works in Little Ilford are a great example of how we’re making targeted investments that benefit both drivers and pedestrians, helping residents travel more safely and efficiently. I’ve previously shared news about the Independent Commission on Belonging and Inclusion in Multi-ethnic Newham. Newham is a proudly diverse borough, and I want to ensure everyone feels included and able to thrive here. That’s why I set up the Commission – run by British Future, an independent, non-partisan charity - to explore how we can all live and work well together. It’s already gathered views from residents and if our haven’t responded you can give your views here. The Commission is now inviting input from local organisations, especially voluntary and faith groups. Your insights, reports, or case studies are vital to shaping this work. Even brief responses are welcome to help us understand what’s working and where change is needed. So please do share your views here. Already, there’s been a host of roundtables with schools, businesses, and frontline services and If you’d like to take part in sessions aimed at faith and community groups which will take place in September email jake@britishfuture.org to book a spot, but hurry! Today I was brimming with happiness at the joy we offer our young people in our borough, because over at the Little Ilford Youth Zone, they had organised an Community BBQ afternoon as part of our Holiday Activities and Food programme. The HAF programme is a vital part of Opportunity Newham, helping to connect families with services, activities, and opportunities, while also ensuring children and young people have access to nutritious food during the school holidays. To know that our young residents are enjoying a day makes me so proud that here in Newham we are a strong and connected community of people who look out for each other and care passionately about our youngsters and our future generations. Talking of generations, tomorrow at Stratford Library there’s an interesting Newham South Asian Heritage Month 2025 event, with a stellar line up of experts to discuss and reveal the contributions, sacrifices, and experiences of people from South Asia during World War Two. That includes my grandfather, who I recently discovered had served for the British during the war and was posted in Italy. The event is part of the ‘Our Freedom: Then & Now’ programme, marking 80 years since the end of the war and the significance of the Asian community in the fight against racism and fascism. If you want to find our more or attend, go to this link here. Talking of events, there’ll be heaps kicking off from this evening as part of this year’s Greenwich & Docklands International Festival 2025 which we are supporting as part of our Building Newham’s Creative Future cultural strategy, which is all about creating jobs and opportunities for Newham residents. Honestly, the events programme for the International Festival are really world class from the world’s largest cultural street festival. As well as breathtaking, all the events are free so go grab your chance to experience an incredible mix of theatre, circus and dance - all taking place between 22 August and 6 September, including Dancing City in Newham! Until next week, stay well and happy – and have a fab / restful Bank Holiday. Until next week, send my regards to your families and stay well.
Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz | 
