Global Changemakers Recognized at Sixth TRT World Citizen Awards Ceremony
Launched in 2017 under the motto of “Inspiring Positive Change,” the TRT World Citizen Awards held its sixth ceremony in Istanbul, honoring individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made notable contributions to their communities and beyond. Organized by TRT, the initiative highlights global stories of courage and selflessness to promote positive transformation. This year’s ceremony celebrated key figures from multiple countries and recognized their outstanding efforts in different fields.
Launched in 2017 under the motto of “Inspiring Positive Change,” the TRT World Citizen Awards held its sixth ceremony in Istanbul, honoring individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made notable contributions to their communities and beyond. Organized by TRT, the initiative highlights global stories of courage and selflessness to promote positive transformation. This year’s ceremony celebrated key figures from multiple countries and recognized their outstanding efforts in different fields.
The event was hosted by TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobaci and attended by Presidency’s Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, prominent political figures, NGO leaders, media representatives, and notable names from the worlds of art and academia. The ceremony featured a performance by Palestinian singer Llnur, who presented his songs “Wake Up” and “Keep Your Key,” written as a tribute to Palestine.
During his address, Fahrettin Altun emphasized the importance of institutionalizing goodness, saying, “The TRT World Citizen initiative is one that emerged to institutionalize goodness.” He noted that sharing the stories of real heroes and giving them visibility is an essential aspect of this program. Altun praised the team behind the project and called for its continued longevity, remarking that goodness is a principle that can be passed down through generations and that it plays a key role in addressing global injustices.
Winners of the 2024 TRT World Citizen Awards
| Category | Recipient | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Communicator | Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq | Recognized for their impactful contributions in the field of communication. |
| Educator | Rana Dajani | Awarded for significant achievements in the field of education. |
| Youth | Helene Ba | Honored for making meaningful contributions at a young age. |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Steve Sosebee | Founder of PCRF, recognized for saving lives of children in conflict zones. |
| World Citizen of the Year | Aysenur Ezgi Eygi | Posthumously awarded; received by her father Mehmet Suat Eygi. |
| TRT Special Award | Dr. Amani Ballour | Awarded for managing a hospital during the war in Syria. |
TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobaci also stressed the significance of amplifying voices that promote justice. “Through the World Citizen Award Ceremonies we have organized in past years, we have witnessed how countless overlooked stories of sacrifice can contribute to the spread of goodness,” he stated. Sobaci emphasized that TRT, with its 17 television channels, 17 radio channels, and various international platforms, works to bring the stories of marginalized communities to the forefront. “As Turkiye’s public broadcaster, we act as the voice of the just and represent 8 billion people worldwide in media and broadcasting,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards in various categories. In the “Communicator” category, Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq were recognized, while Rana Dajani received the award in the “Educator” category. The “Youth” category award went to Helene Ba.
A special moment of the night was the presentation of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Steve Sosebee, founder of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), who was acknowledged for his extensive work in saving the lives of children in war zones. The “World Citizen of the Year” award was given posthumously to Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was killed by the Israeli Defense Forces during a protest in Nablus on September 6, 2024. Her father, Mehmet Suat Eygi, accepted the award on her behalf.
Additionally, the “TRT Special Award” was presented to Dr. Amani Ballour, who managed a hospital under extreme conditions during the Syrian war. The event highlighted the stories of individuals whose actions continue to inspire hope and motivate global efforts for positive change.
