First lady Emine Erdoğan gets 'changemaker award'

LONDON- Anadolu Agency

Turkey's first lady Emine Erdoğan received recognition on April 17 for her “exceptional efforts of inspiring leaders, innovative initiatives and partnerships who have provided smart solutions for global challenges.”     

Erdoğan was granted the “changemaker” award at the World Humanitarian Forum, which is being held in London.     

“I accept this award on behalf of the generous Turkish people whose hearts ache when they see a child in tears, and who regard a foreigner as a god sent guest rather than with suspicion,” Erdogan said in her acceptance speech.     

 “I take great pride in the fact that my country is remembered with the egalitarian and inclusive approach it has adopted in dressing the wounds of the world," she said.     

Erdoğan told the forum that the “history is full of wars, disasters, tears and blood”.     

“While some parts of the world are thirsty for peace, trust and stability, the other half does not even realize that it is humanity that is falling off the face of the earth,” she said.     

“Unfortunately, the world we live in is going through major humanitarian crises despite all claims of development and civilization of the 21st century,” she added.     

“Against such a background, our duty as individuals and societies is to choose to side with the good or the evil.”       

At the event, Emine Erdoğan also visited stands of humanitarian aid organizations, including Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).