It has been a moment of pride for Somalia as renowned humanitarian Dr. Hawa Abdi was awarded the 2018 Lifetime Achievement award during the TRT World Citizen awards held in Istanbul, Turkey.

She was among the winners from different categories who were rewarded for their efforts and support to humanity.

Dr. Hawa’s daughter Dr. Deqo Mohamed, who is the Director-General of the organization took to the stage to receive the coveted trophy on her mother’s behalf from the President of Turkey H.E Recep Erdoğan’s Daughter, Sümeyye Erdoğan,  who is also the President of of the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM).

“It is a huge honor for me to present this award to someone from Somalia. Somalia and the beautiful people of Somalia have left a deep mark on my heart from the time I had the chance to visit there alongside the President”. Added Sümeyye.

On her part, Dr. Deqo thanked the people of Turkey and various Turkish organizations for their support to Somalia on various occasions.

According to TRT World Citizen, the aim of the award is to recognize the contribution of different individuals to humanity.

“I receive this award on behalf of my mother and the great women of Somalia and the world,”. She said.

“In 2011 when President Erdogan arrived in Somalia, that is the day the world started looking at Somalia differently”.

Dr. Hawa Abdi’s foundation has been providing support to internally displaced people (IDP) in Somalia.

The Awards gala was held during the recently concluded TRT World Forum which brought together Politicians, scholars, and media professionals under the theme Envisioning Peace and Security in a fragmented world.

Istanbul, Oct 4, 2018.