Speaking at the TRT World Citizen programme, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, underlined that Türkiye’s leading role in humanitarian assistance is not a coincidence.
The TRT World Citizen Awards, presented annually to individuals who draw attention to global challenges, seek solutions, and try to raise awareness on these matters, once again found their recipients this year.
At the ceremony, attended by First Lady Emine Erdoğan as the guest of honour, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, stated that serious humanitarian problems coexist with high levels of prosperity worldwide.
Head of Communications Duran said, "On a global scale, nearly one-third of the poor population suffers from malnutrition. In some regions, access to education and fundamental health services is severely restricted. While access to clean water may be a part of our lives that is taken for granted, it is one of the essential problems of life in some regions."
Noting that this is not just about statistics but a summary of the daily struggle for survival of millions of people, Head of Communications Duran said, "Of course, wars, occupations, and migrations exacerbate this already dire situation. Many babies in Gaza died from the cold and lost their lives due to a lack of access to adequate nutrition, not to mention the martyrs and the wounded. This reality actually forces us to question the sense of justice in the global system fundamentally."
Head of Communications Duran underscored that this contradiction is not only an economic problem but also a moral crisis experienced by all of humanity.
Stating that responsible actors should step forward and address the issues of humanity in the face of global injustice, Head of Communications Duran said, "Türkiye is also an effective pillar of such responsibility. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our country is demonstrating such a virtuous will. The most beautiful expression of this is once more reflected in our President's words: 'Freedom, peace, prosperity, justice, a peaceful and secure future for everyone.' Fighting for this cause without deviating even a millimetre from its goal, our country is working with all its means and capabilities for the construction of a 'fairer world'."
Head of Communications Duran explained that this struggle is also necessary for the future of children, saying, "The steps we have taken for ending the Ukraine-Russia war, ending Israel's genocide in Gaza, and resolving the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia only represent a few examples of Türkiye's stance. Moreover, the steadfast responsibility assumed by our country throughout the 13-year Syrian civil war, together with the sacrifices made and the hosting of our Syrian brothers and sisters, represents another example.”
Emphasising that Türkiye's position as a leading country in humanitarian aid is not a coincidence, Head of Communications Duran said, "The esteemed First Lady Emine Erdoğan serves as a guiding light for our efforts. Through her assistance and development initiatives across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as the sensitivity she has shown towards the needs of our Syrian guests, she has secured an enduring place in our hearts,” he added.
Head of Communications Duran stated that Islam commands to stand on the side of good and forbids wrongdoing, and went on to say:
"In essence, it means, 'Do not suffice with goodness alone; also take a stand against wrongdoing.'" Therefore, continue the struggle against oppression and evil without succumbing to moral fatigue or letting your hearts grow dark. Today, we have gathered here for virtuous people from different regions who have stepped out of their personal comfort zones to fight for humanity, justice, mercy, and others with courage. I consider it a duty to express gratitude before you to these kind-hearted and courageous individuals, whose stories inspire us all."
Head of Communications Duran thanked TRT for their efforts in public broadcasting, saying, "As the Directorate of Communications, we are also engaged in an effort that conveys Türkiye's honourable and virtuous stance, challenges injustices, and produces alternative discourses and narratives. A fair ground for narratives must emerge. There should be stories that protect the oppressed, call out injustices, and also tell our story. We are making efforts toward this end."
"Our country is positioned firmly against the oppressors"
The TRT Director General, Zahid Sobacı, stated that since 2018, the TRT World Awards have served as an opportunity to recognise and draw inspiration from many individuals who have been committed to taking action for the welfare of humanity.
Noting that today the world is under the shadow of humanitarian crises such as war, conflict, forced migration, famine, and poverty, Sobacı said, "All these humanitarian crises and injustices point us to a single way out: 'responding with compassionate action and awakening consciences.' While some spread evil, extraordinary individuals must stand by what is good, beautiful, and righteous, and courageously do what is required."
Sobacı commemorated TRT freelance reporter Yahya Barzaq, who lost his life while on duty in Gaza, and said, "The photos he left behind are not merely news frames but silent yet powerful records of compassion turned into action. We are obliged to make visible the true stories of genuine heroes like Yahya Barzaq and to give the leading role in the narrative of humanity to its rightful owners."
Zahid Sobacı continued his remarks as follows:
"Our country positions itself firmly against the oppressors and assumes the guardianship of all the oppressed. As Türkiye's public broadcaster, TRT, we are working with all our might to support this noble cause and to foster the spread of goodness. The TRT World Citizen Awards are a tangible reflection of this will. The individuals to whom we will present the awards are those who turn compassion into action and shoulder a noble cause. That cause is unequivocal; humanity will not yield to evil and will build its future with goodness."
TRT World Citizen Awards
Under the principle of social awareness, individuals who draw attention to global issues, seek solutions, and try to raise awareness in these areas are recognised annually based on an assessment of their work.
Since the inaugural TRT World Citizen Awards in 2018, 31 individuals from 17 countries have received awards across the categories of Communicator, Youth, Educator, World Citizen of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.
In addition, the Head of Communications, Duran, shared a post on his NSosyal account about the ceremony.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran stated, "I was extremely pleased to attend the TRT World Citizen Awards ceremony, graced by the presence of the esteemed First Lady Emine Erdoğan. I hope this event leads to auspicious outcomes. "I congratulate our esteemed guests who will receive awards, and I thank our public broadcaster, TRT, for spearheading a meaningful change with the TRT World Citizen program."
