Sultan Al Qasimi honours Talent Beyond Boundaries
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah honoured Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), the winner of the 7th Sharjah International Award for Advocacy and Refugee Support (SIARA 2023) in the presence of His Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) and eminent advocate for refugee children at UNHCR, during the award ceremony held on Wednesday 14 June 2023 at the Sharjah Police Academy of Sciences.
Jawaher Al Qasimi: Kindness is a culture, a conscience and a daily decision that we do not back down from
The ceremony began with the national anthem of the UAE and the screening of a video about SIARA, followed by the opening speech of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi: "On behalf of the TBHF and personally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his unwavering support for this award and his commitment to its continuity and development in achieving its objectives. In an age of proliferating conflicts, catastrophes, tragedies, poverty and displacement, God's wisdom creates balance in this universe and leaves us the option to be the helping hand in times of hardship. Therefore, you should be proud because you have taken the responsibility of goodness upon yourselves and made it a way of life".
"Kindness is not a fleeting or isolated act, but a culture, an awareness and a daily decision that we do not shrink from, and we are proud to see our work bear fruit in the lives of others. We want to see our efforts become a smile on a child's face, a source of knowledge for a young mind, care for a family weakened by circumstances and a future full of hope for new generations. This is how we understand kindness, and this is why we launched SIARA. Let it serve as a reminder that this kindness has creative people behind it and continues to provide the world with inspiring models of hope and giving," added Her Highness.
Her Highness concluded the inaugural speech by encouraging people of goodwill and good heart to always remain hopeful, noting that support will continue, as the mission is not over yet.
Mariam Al Hammadi: We chose to support the refugees out of love and willingness
Mariam Al Hammadi noted: "Today we gather in a different competitive context: a contest that celebrates kindness and is dedicated to promoting goodness. Each nominee is a winner, though only one can be crowned. Our collective commitment to choose to do good is a significant triumph in its own right, because it is a commitment to respect the rights of human beings, a commitment to love, giving and cooperation. This free and conscious choice has shaped the global humanitarian sector. If the refugees had no choice in deciding their fates forced by injustice, we in Sharjah, led by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, have chosen to stand by their side out of love and will."
She added: "The SIARA award shines a light on role models who support refugees and offer them new opportunities and beginnings. These distinguished role models need the world to stand with them, so that their impact spreads from one refugee to thousands and millions around the world".
Al Hammadi congratulated TBB, stating that the organisation has worked hard, innovated, achieved its goals and highlighted facts that the world may have overlooked, namely that many refugees possess skills, talents, visions and aspirations that make them a real asset to host communities if invested in in the right way. She applauded the efforts of the TBHF committee that selected the winner of this year's SIARA.
Khaled Khalifa: TBHF has improved the lives of more than one million refugees
For his part, His Excellency Khaled Khalifa expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, an eminent advocate for refugee children at UNHCR and a visionary leader with a big heart, visionary insight and generous contributions of around USD 30 million since 2013, which have helped improve the living conditions of more than one million refugees around the world.
"Refugees are not just numbers; they are doctors, engineers, skilled workers and software developers. Many have skills but lack opportunities in countries where they are not allowed to work. By engaging governments, the private sector and non-profit organisations, we create safe pathways that allow refugees to transition to work, resume their professions and rebuild their lives." He congratulated TBB on winning the 7th SIARA and praised the efforts of THF and the teams helping refugees, shedding light on their suffering, providing needed support and bringing hope and joy to their hearts.
Another video on TBB's key efforts, achievements and successes in helping skilled and talented refugees and displaced people was shown at the awards ceremony.
Stephany Cousins: We dedicate our win to forcibly displaced refugees around the world
Stephany Cousins, TBB's global CEO, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership in Sharjah and their visionary initiative to create the coveted SIARA Award, as well as to TBHF and UNHCR for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to ensure its continued success each year. She stressed: "Refugees possess skills and aspirations and can positively impact working environments, economies and societies when given the right opportunity and allowed to migrate to places that need their skills and experiences. At the same time, this positive impact can be extended to refugee families and communities in their country of origin during reconstruction".
She added: "We have been able to help more than 1,200 refugees find sustainable solutions to their displacement, which is a small fraction compared to what we will achieve with your support. One organisation alone cannot find a solution for refugees and displaced people, as it requires collective efforts and radical changes in systems and practices. I am honoured to dedicate this award to refugees and forcibly displaced people around the world who are trying to practice their profession and achieve their dreams under the darkest conditions and challenges. Together we will build a world where refugees and displaced people can migrate safely and peacefully to work".
Yusra Mardini: Award embodies the values of generosity and kindness that represent the UAE and its people
On her refugee status, Yusra Mardini, Olympic Refugee Team swimmer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, said: "I went through the ordeal of seeking refuge in 2015 and suffered its harshness, which is why UNHCR and the initiatives of TBHF and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi hold a special place in my heart. Her Highness is a truly inspirational role model who has tirelessly advocated for refugees over the years and actively champions the cause of UNHCR."
She added: "With the growing number of refugees around the world, it can be easy to forget that these are real people with stories that speak of their resilience in the face of crises, aspirations and dreams that bring a bright ray of hope. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, I have been able to tell my story and other stories of refugees I have met along my journey. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to shed light on our stories in order to raise awareness of the refugee issue around the world".
She congratulated TBB and thanked His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and His Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi for supporting SIARA, which exemplifies the ethics and values of kindness and hospitality of the UAE and the Emirati people.
Talent Beyond Borders: An innovative vision in support of humanitarian efforts.
TBB received AED 500,000 from TBHF in recognition of its role and innovative vision in supporting humanitarian efforts for more than 6,000 refugees worldwide. The organisation has collaborated with businesses, recruitment agencies and non-profit organisations around the world to match more than 1,200 refugees with businesses in need of their skills, while benefiting more than 5,000 additional refugees who have benefited from TBB's services and support, and organised an International Job Fair exclusively for refugees and skilled displaced persons. The organisation has also had a significant impact on the governments of several countries, inspiring them to review and improve their migration programmes and visa services.
TBB's efforts are carried out by teams operating in several countries around the world, ensuring continued support to refugees even after their migration and facilitating their smooth integration into new communities. As a result, the organisation has contributed to increasing the annual income of refugees by more than 750%. In addition, it has created a digital platform that verifies the professional qualifications of more than 65,000 refugees worldwide.
Along with His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the award ceremony was attended by ((held in the presence of)) Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid bin Mohammed bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD); Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Charity International (SCI); Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women's Council (SBWC); Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN; and numerous senior officials, ministers and heads of government departments and agencies, representatives of humanitarian organisations and the media.
SIARA Patrons
The SIARA Awards Ceremony was sponsored by Bee'ah Group, SIARA Gold Sponsor; Sharjah Police Science Academy and Arada Developments, Venue Sponsors; Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Tourism Sponsor; in addition to Air Arabia and ION, the Sustainable and Intelligent Transport Company, as Transport Sponsors; along with hospitality sponsor Doubletree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences.
