Istanbul, April 15, 2025 — The Europe Today: First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan, was presented with the ‘Best Global Female Leader’ award during the Global Donors Forum, held in Istanbul and organized by the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists. The recognition honors her longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes and her leadership in promoting global solidarity.
In her keynote address, First Lady Erdoğan expressed her gratitude that the prestigious forum once again convened in Istanbul — a city she described as “a symbol of compassion where benevolence is etched into its architecture.” She reflected on the Ottoman legacy of philanthropy, from charitable endowments that supported young brides to foundations that distributed cold water during summer. “These acts prove that when the heart is full of goodness, the world becomes a reflection of paradise,” she remarked.
Call for Global Conscience and Action
Highlighting the moral challenges facing the world today, Erdoğan warned that “our conscience has been left in the dark,” emphasizing the erosion of humanity’s inner moral fabric. She drew attention to ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly the devastating situation in Gaza.
Referring to a recent list published by Gaza’s Health Ministry documenting over 50,000 deaths, Erdoğan said the 474-page record is “the greatest shame for humanity,” noting that it includes 15,613 children and several pages listing infants who had not yet reached their first birthday.
Despite the grim reality, she encouraged hope and perseverance, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s words: “Even if the end of time is near, plant the last sapling in your hand.”
Türkiye’s Global Humanitarian Leadership
Erdoğan underlined Türkiye’s strong record in global aid, stating: “Türkiye is one of the top humanitarian donors globally and the most generous when measured against national income. Like an olive tree, we extend our branches to humanity.”
She highlighted that Türkiye currently hosts nearly four million refugees, predominantly from Syria, and continues to provide humanitarian support to countries including Spain, Cuba, Vietnam, and Madagascar. She emphasized that the Turkish approach to aid is based on fraternity rather than superiority, transcending race, religion, and ethnicity.
The First Lady elaborated on Türkiye’s development-based humanitarian model, which includes investments in healthcare infrastructure and vocational education. Stressing the need for deeper collaboration among Muslim nations, she quoted, “A believer to another believer is like a building whose bricks enforce each other.”
She advocated for sustainable and strategic solutions that move beyond temporary relief to focus on rebuilding, restoring, and empowering affected communities.
Having witnessed humanitarian crises firsthand in Pakistan, Somalia, and Arakan, Erdoğan said that those who offered help during such tragedies “shone with an unmatched light of compassion.” She concluded her speech by declaring, “Philanthropy is the most reliable sanctuary on earth.”
Global Recognition and Support
In a video message, Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani, President of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, praised Türkiye’s unwavering support for Gaza and lauded Emine Erdoğan’s exemplary leadership. She highlighted that Türkiye’s legacy of diversity, knowledge, and compassion continues to be embodied by the First Lady.
Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf also commended Erdoğan for her advocacy and moral clarity, stating, “You spoke up when many chose to remain silent.”
Emine Erdoğan was previously honored with the Humanitarian Service Appreciation award in 2018, particularly for her vocal support of the Rohingya Muslim community.
The Global Donors Forum, which began in 2008, serves as a platform to mobilize financial and intellectual capital for a just and peaceful global society, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries. This year’s event was attended by a host of distinguished figures, including British MP Naz Shah, London Deputy Mayor Paul Palmer, and South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.
Separately, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, Emine Erdoğan emphasized the power of education as a vehicle for peace, calling on global leaders to revive a culture of tolerance and justice in an increasingly fractured world.
