Sharjah International Award for Advocacy and Support of Refugees receives 736 nominations from 57 countries; winners to be honored on November 25
The Sharjah International Award for Advocacy and Support of Refugees received 736 nominations from 57 countries in its tenth edition, attracting entries representing humanitarian experiences and expertise from five continents. The evaluation process is now entering its final stages ahead of the selection of the winner.
The award is organized by the Big Heart Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The prize awarded to the winning organization is 500,000 UAE dirhams, equivalent to approximately 136,000 US dollars, in recognition of the tangible, sustainable impact it has achieved in the lives of refugees and displaced persons.
As the award reaches its tenth edition, the winning organization will join nine previously honored institutions and organizations recognized for their approaches to enhancing protection, integration, and access to opportunities, as well as for building capacities and strengthening long-term resilience among displaced communities.
Africa and Asia
Africa led the nominations with 465 entries, followed by Asia with 244. Together, these two continents accounted for more than 96% of the total nominations. North America recorded 17 nominations, Europe 9, and Oceania one.
At the country level, Nigeria topped the list with 113 nominations, followed by Uganda with 95, Kenya with 70, Pakistan with 61, and Afghanistan with 43. These five countries accounted for 382 nominations, representing approximately 52% of the total entries. The remaining 354 nominations came from 52 other countries.
This distribution reflects strong representation in the tenth edition from countries closely linked to the world’s major displacement crises, alongside a wide range of humanitarian initiatives from around the globe. It also reflects the award’s focus on non-profit organizations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, as well as its encouragement of community-based and local organizations to participate.
A Legacy of Honoring Impactful and Sustainable Humanitarian Work
Maryam Al-Hamadi, a member of the advisory council of the Big Heart Foundation, said: “Since the launch of the Sharjah Award for Advocacy and Support of Refugees in 2017, each edition has helped us identify organizations that embody the meaning of advocating for those in need amid the harsh conditions witnessed worldwide. These organizations work directly with displaced communities, often with limited resources and modest international presence, yet they innovate practical solutions that help these communities restore safety, dignity, and a sense of belonging, and access new opportunities.
The nine previous winners have embodied the diversity of humanitarian work, ranging from protection, healthcare, and education to employment, clean energy, digital skills, and community spaces. What unites them is their ability to transform immediate response into sustainable solutions and opportunities that generate a broader positive impact.”
She added: “As the award reaches its tenth edition, we are seeking an organization capable of adding value to this legacy. Its work should be grounded in the realities of displaced communities and go beyond providing emergency assistance, contributing to empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and strengthen their ability to make independent decisions. Amid the challenges facing humanitarian resources, the importance of the award lies in identifying effective humanitarian organizations, honoring their efforts, enhancing their capacities, and providing the necessary support and visibility to expand the scope of their positive impact.”
The Impact of Humanitarian Work
The winning organization this year will join the nine previous winners, whose work reflects three interconnected dimensions of support for refugees: safety and recovery, belonging and integration, and independence and economic empowerment.
The award has honored the Sustainable Development Foundation from Yemen, the Dignity for Children Foundation from Malaysia, the International Amal Association from Lebanon, and the Riveyushi Organization from Kenya, in recognition of their efforts in supporting education, healthcare, protection, shelter, livelihoods, psychosocial support, and essential services.
It also honored the Tumaeni Letu organization from Malawi and the Seven Hills for Social Development from Jordan for their efforts in promoting belonging through culture and community participation. Additionally, it recognized the Talents Without Borders organization, the Nigerian Light Aid Impact Foundation, and the Conexio Africa organization for their work in providing employment pathways through skills- and competency-based migration programs, clean energy solutions, and digital skills.
The work of these organizations reflects the evolution of the award’s vision of humanitarian impact, from protection and basic services to empowering displaced persons to participate in society, earn income, and build their future.
The Sharjah International Award for Advocacy and Support of Refugees was launched in 2017 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his consort, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Chairperson of the Big Heart Foundation and Special Advocate for Refugee Children at the UNHCR. The award aims to honor institutions that provide sustainable solutions and impactful support to displaced communities.
The winning organization receives a cash prize of 500,000 dirhams, equivalent to approximately 136,000 US dollars. The award is fully funded by the Big Heart Foundation and is not deducted from the foundation’s donations designated for refugees and those in need worldwide. The award aims to help the winning organization expand its programs and sustain its impact.
