HM King launched Isa Award to honour service to humanity pioneers

Manama, June 30 (BNA): The Board of Trustees of the Isa Award for Service to Humanity, led by Deputy Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Khalifa, has announced the laureate of the fourth session of the Award (2018-2019). During a press conference held at the Gudaibiya Palace today, in the presence of the Deputy Premier and First Deputy Chairman of the Award’s board of trustees, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and Foreign Affairs Minister and board member, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Award’s board of trustees announced that the Pakistan-based Edhi Foundation was selected as the winner of the fourth session of the award, as recommended by the jury. The decision was made following a field research carried out by the Award’s Secretariat-General and the jury on the Edhi Foundation’s work mechanisms and achievements. In a speech during the press conference, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak paid tribute to the late Amir, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, whose name the Award carries, noting that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa launched the Award and named it after the late Amir to keep the torch of goodness burning, and to honour whoever contributes to serving humanity. The dpeuty premier said that the Award’s board of trustees has, ever since the Award was launched, strived to explore distinct and humanitarian projects that are out of the limelight at the international arena. Today, we have discovered those worthy of attention and assistance to highlight their good efforts that support all the needy without distinction based on cast or creed, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak said. About the Award: A one million US dollar cash prize, a pure gold medal and a high-level cerificate of appreciation will be granted to the laureate of the biennial award during a grand royal ceremony, to be hed under the auspices of HM King Hamad in November, 2019, in the presence of world celebrities, alongside official delegations. Established by HM the King in 2008 to commemorate the humanitarian work of the late Amir HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Isa Award for Service to Humanity has dedicated its work to bringing to light unique and distinguished humanitarian efforts all over the world, thus proving its openness to various races and religions and main focus on humanitarian work. The prestigious Award is the first of its kind Arab initiative dedicated to service to humanity. It boasts an outstanding international reputation, as it attracts nominees from all over the world, and is supervised by a jury comprising experts from various continents. Malaysian Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Indian Dr. Achyuta Samanta and the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt (popularly known as Hospital 57357) won the first, second and third editions of the Award, respectively. About the laureate: Founded by Pakistani philanthropist and humanitarian worker, Abdul Sattar Edhi, in 1951, the Edhi Foundation a non-profit social welfare programme in Pakistan. It provides 24-hour emergency assistance across Pakistan and abroad, Its services include shelter for the destitute, free hospitals and medical care, drug rehabilitation services, and national and international relief efforts.