Dr Sooliman was recognised for his efforts in developing the Gift of the Givers Foundation into one of Africa’s largest disaster relief organisations, raising more than $150m in life-saving aid for 42 countries around the world including war-ravaged states such as Syria, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Bosnia. His team of 200 provide medical assistance, equipment and supplies, as well as high energy and protein supplements, food and water to millions of people each year. During the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the organisation sent four rescue teams and aid materials to the country. At one point in 2011, they were the only international aid group providing food parcels to Somalia, airlifting 180 tons and shipping 2000 tons of aid.
Even more remarkable is the organisation’s cutting edge innovation and invention. The Gift of the Givers designed and developed the world’s first and only containerised hospital comprising 28 units, as well as a groundnut-soya high energy and protein supplement which is used in the treatment of severe malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, TB, cancer and other life-threatening and debilitating conditions. The foundation also established an open source computer lab. In Syria, which is the main focus of the foundation’s relief efforts at the moment, they have erected two hospitals and are running a program to upgrade and transfer their skills to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.
Dr Christian H. Kälin, group chairman of Henley & Partners, says the Global Citizen Award is given each year to an inspirational individual who has made an extraordinary contribution towards improving the global community. “Dr Sooliman is an exceptionally worthy recipient of the award as his work is not only visionary but also innovative in many ways. He has demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment, and the work of his foundation has had a significant impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in our global community. I believe these are the most important reasons why our Award Committee has given this year’s award to Dr Sooliman.”
The Global Citizen Award consists of a specially made commemorative medal, an award certificate signed by the chairman of the independent Award Committee and a $50,000 monetary prize, of which $25,000 is donated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and $25,000 is given to a charity of the recipient’s choice.
Upon receiving the award, Dr Sooliman thanked Henley & Partners, saying the accolade was an important acknowledgement of the significant work being done by African non-governmental organisations (NGOs) internationally. “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the continent and all that we can do. Being honoured with a prestigious award like this means we have the global stamp of approval which helps build faith and confidence in others to support African NGOs and our work in the future,” he said.
