HM King to patronise ceremony to honour Isa Award laureate

Manama, Nov. 11 (BNA): Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, a grand ceremony will be held on Tuesday to honour the laureate of the fourth edition of the Isa Award for Service to Humanity. The “Isa Award for Service to Humanity” is a highly valuable award as it carries the name of the late Amir, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who had been dedicated in the humanitarian field, and promoted his country’s image as a beacon of communication in the charitable and humanitarian fields. The importance of this edition of the biennial award stems from the the fact that it is still unique in its field compared to other well-known Arab awards, being the first Arab award in the humanitarian service. It also builds on the outstanding success of the past three editions which covered different geographical regions, and honoured individuals and institutions with acclaimed field work among the needy patients and needy. The laureates of the previous editions were Malaysian Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, the President of the “Mercy Malaysia” foundation, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in India, and the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (Hospital 57357). In June this year, the Board of Trustees of the Isa Award for Service to Humanity, chaired by Deputy Premier HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, announced that “EDHI Foundation” in Pakistan as the winner of the fourth edition of the Isa Award for Service to Humanity (2018-2019). The Award was given following recommendations by the International Jury, which selected the EDHI Foundation after shortlisting several qualifiers from different countries. The Secretariat General of the Award, in cooperation with the jury, conducted intensive field research covering the work sites of the Foundation, reviewing methods of providing services and verifying the records of achievements. The EDHI Foundation deserved the prestigious award for its honourable role in the development of the concept of voluntary work that is dedicated to serving humanity in all possible aspects and covering the various needs through its endeavours and tireless efforts that have continued for decades. The jury of the award comprises a group of renowned members with remarkable experience in the political, legal and academic work, both at the national and international levels. The award has gained a great international reputation over the years, as reflected in the increasing number of nominees from various countries of the world, and its high-profile jury members. The award was launched by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa In 2009, as a tribute to the late Amir of Bahrain, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who was dedicated to serving humanity. By honouring and rewarding those who provide exceptional services to humanity, the Award recognises the late HH Shaikh Isa's outstanding humanitarian legacy and the impact he had on his country and on the world. It also confirms Bahrain’s keenness on presenting itself as a platform to honour humanitarian work pioneers. This year’s edition, which will honour a charity foundation in Pakistan, will add to the kingdom’s widely acclaimed record of openness to the world and its various cultures.