SIARA 2025 receives 790 unique submissions from 68 countries, showing rising global commitment to refugee advocacy and sustainable solutions.
SHARJAH: The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) has achieved a record-breaking 790 submissions for its 9th edition in 2025, marking a significant 49.9% increase from the previous year. The surge highlights the growing global recognition of the award’s mission to empower refugees through sustainable, long-term solutions beyond emergency relief.
Organised by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) in collaboration with UNHCR, and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, SIARA 2025 attracted entries from 68 countries across five continents. This includes new submissions from countries like Tokelau, Madagascar, Angola, and Algeria, further underscoring the award’s expanding influence.
SIARA continues to offer a cash prize of AED500,000 (US$136,000), fully funded by TBHF, to support winning initiatives. This prize is not derived from public donations, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to directly investing in impactful advocacy for refugees’ rights and dignity.
The regional distribution of entries this year includes 368 from Africa, 229 from Asia, and 162 from the MENA region, along with submissions from Europe, North America, and Oceania. Countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Lebanon stood out with strong participation.
According to Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, “SIARA’s expansion reflects a global paradigm shift that prioritises long-term empowerment of displaced communities. The award recognises organisations that enable refugees to become self-reliant through education, healthcare, livelihood, and human rights initiatives.”
Now in its ninth year, SIARA remains a global platform spotlighting transformative grassroots and systemic efforts to improve the lives of displaced people. The diversity of submissions and regions represented affirms SIARA’s position as a leading force in humanitarian recognition and collaboration.
