The TRT World Citizen Awards have recognized individuals making significant global contributions under the principle of “Inspiring Positive Change.” This year marked the sixth edition of the awards, which have been held annually since 2017. The ceremony took place in Istanbul, and the event celebrated the achievements of individuals from 15 different countries. Hosted by TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, the event was attended by various political, cultural, and media leaders.
During the ceremony, Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s Head of Communications, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing goodness in an era where evil has become normalized. He condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine, calling them genocidal, and criticized the international community’s inaction. Altun framed this ongoing injustice as part of a broader struggle between good and evil, a conflict that transcends time and place. He also highlighted Turkey’s efforts, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to be a stabilizing force in global crises.
Mehmet Zahid Sobacı also spoke on Turkey’s commitment to promoting justice, pointing out the atrocities committed in Gaza and Syria, and how Turkey, through its media presence, aims to bring the voices of the oppressed to the global stage. He noted that Turkey, under President Erdoğan’s leadership, has consistently stood with those suffering from global injustices.
The awards were presented in several categories:
- Communicator Award: Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq.
- Educator Award: Rana Dajani.
- Youth Award: Hélène Ba.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Sosebee, founder of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, who has saved thousands of children in conflict zones.
- World Citizen of the Year Award: Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a young activist tragically killed by Israeli forces during a protest in Nablus in September 2024. Her father accepted the award on her behalf.
- TRT Special Award: Dr. Amani Ballour, who managed a hospital during the Syrian war.
The TRT World Citizen Awards aim to honor individuals who inspire positive change and raise awareness of global issues such as human rights, injustice, and oppression. The initiative underscores the role of media in shaping narratives, amplifying marginalized voices, and spreading the message of goodness worldwide.
