ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 (DNA): The winners of this year’s “TRT World Citizen” awards, initiated under principle of “Inspiring Positive Change,” have been honoured.
Launched in 2017, the TRT World Citizen Awards, one of the most significant social responsibility initiatives celebrated its sixth edition this year.
The awards, given to individuals from various countries who have made significant global contributions to their communities, aimed at amplifying their stories worldwide and inspiring positive change. The TRT World Citizen Awards has so far honored 25 individuals from 15 different countries.
The sixth award ceremony was held in Istanbul, Turkiya and hosted by Director General of TRT, Mehmet Zahid Sobacı.
The ceremony was attended by Presidency’s Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, TRT executives, politicians, NGO leaders, and notable figures from fields of culture, arts, media, and academia.
During the ceremony, Palestinian singer Llnur performed his songs “Wake Up” and “Keep Your Key,” composed for Palestine.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fahrettin Altun emphasized that the TRT World Citizen initiative is one that emerged to institutionalise goodness.
He stressed the great value of this initiative to institutionalize goodness in an era when evil has become ordinary.
Altun also stated that he sees this program as the concrete manifestation of the inspiration and courage that one human can give to another, saying, “In this context, I view telling the stories of real heroes and providing opportunities for them as a crucial aspect. I would like to thank all of my dear colleagues who contributed to this valuable program.”
He said, “I also thank all the managerial colleagues who transformed this valuable idea into a project and I believe that for many more years, this valuable initiative should continue to live, and we must act with the awareness that goodness is a real ideal that can be passed from generation to generation and is an effective element in solving the oppressions humanity faces.”
He expressed the hope that this program serves this purpose.
In his remarks, the Director General of TRT said, “As TRT, we contribute with all our resources to our country’s campaign for goodness, bringing those pushed to the margins into the very center of the frame.”
Mehmet Zahid Sobacı said that the World Citizen Awards were established to support the amplification of the voices of those who defend justice and truth, ensuring their efforts reach a much wider audience.
Sobacı said, “Through the World Citizen Award ceremonies, organized in past years, we have witnessed how countless overlooked stories of sacrifice can contribute to the spread of goodness. I believe that the heroes and their stories, which we will come to know closely here today, will open new horizons for all of us and inspire the goodness of the future.”
He emphasized that the most effective way to learn about goodness is by following those who embody and protect it.
Mehmet Zahid Sobacı continued, “As Türkiye’s public broadcaster, we at TRT strive to contribute to our country’s campaign for goodness with all our resources.”
He said, “Through our 17 television channels, 17 radio channels, digital news platforms, international digital platform, and international events, we act as the voice of the just, bringing those pushed to the margins into the very center of the frame. We work tirelessly to represent 8 billion people in the fields of media, broadcasting, and production.”
Zahid Sobaci expressed gratitude to those who inspire hope and champion the cause of goodness.
Later, the winners were presented
Awards.
Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq were presented in the “Communicator” category while in the “Educator” category Rana Dajani, and in the “Youth” category, Hélène Ba received awards from TRT executives.
The “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented by Mehmet Zahid Sobacı to Steve Sosebee, the founder of Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), for saving lives of thousands of children in war and conflict zones.
The “World Citizen of the Year” award went to Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, who was tragically shot and killed by the Israeli Defense Forces during a protest in Nablus on September 6, 2024.
Eygi’s award was received by her father, Mehmet Suat Eygi, by Fahrettin Altun.
The “TRT Special Award,” given exclusively this year, was presented to Dr. Amani Ballour, who managed a hospital during the war in Syria.
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