SIARA’s Tenth Edition Celebrates Global Humanitarian Excellence with 736 Nominations
The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support reaches its landmark tenth year with unprecedented international participation, recognising organisations delivering transformative support to displaced communities worldwide.
The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) has received 736 nominations from 57 countries for its tenth edition, reflecting the global reach and significance of humanitarian work supporting refugees and displaced populations. Organised by The Big Heart Foundation in collaboration with UNHCR, the prestigious award will present AED500,000 to an organisation demonstrating exceptional and sustainable impact in restoring dignity and opportunity to displaced communities.
The geographical distribution of nominations reveals the award’s strong connection to regions experiencing major displacement challenges. Africa led with 465 nominations, whilst Asia contributed 244, together representing over 96 per cent of all submissions. Nigeria emerged as the leading source with 113 nominations, followed by Uganda with 95, Kenya with 70, Pakistan with 61 and Afghanistan with 43. This concentration reflects SIARA’s strategic focus on non-profit organisations operating across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, particularly those rooted within and led by local communities.
As SIARA reaches this milestone edition, the award recognises the evolving nature of humanitarian response. The nine previous recipients have addressed interconnected dimensions of refugee support: safety and recovery, belonging and inclusion, and economic agency. Their work spans education, healthcare, protection, shelter, psychosocial support, cultural engagement and digital skills development, demonstrating that sustainable impact requires multifaceted approaches tailored to community needs.
Mariam Al Hammadi, Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasised the significance of this recognition: humanitarian organisations often work with limited resources and minimal international visibility, yet deliver practical solutions that restore safety, dignity and opportunity. At a time when humanitarian funding faces unprecedented pressure—UNHCR received 24 per cent less funding in 2025 than the previous year—such recognition helps proven organisations attract essential support to expand their reach.
The global context underscores this award’s importance. According to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends Report, 117.8 million people remain forcibly displaced worldwide, equivalent to one in every 70 people. Approximately 70 per cent of refugees live in protracted situations lasting five years or more, where challenges extend far beyond immediate safety to encompass education, healthcare, employment and meaningful social participation.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, the selection process involves rigorous evaluation by TBHF, UNHCR and experts from humanitarian, academic, philanthropic and private sectors. Assessments consider tangible impact, gender sensitivity, sustainability and the organisation’s capacity for developing practical, scalable solutions.
The 2026 winner will be announced during the award ceremony on 25th November 2026, joining nine distinguished previous recipients whose transformative work continues to reshape humanitarian response globally.
Source: WAM