Initiated by İNGEV (Human Development Foundation) and first organized in 2023, the ActHuman Human Development Awards were presented for the second time this year. At the ceremony held on the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Pera Museum, awards were presented to individuals and institutions that created significant impact in areas such as women’s empowerment, social innovation, the fight against inequality, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, reconstruction in earthquake-affected regions, rights-based work, and inclusivity.
At the end of the evening, the Prof. Fuat Keyman Lifetime Achievement Award—named in memory of the late Prof. Dr. Fuat Keyman, one of the founding members of INGEV and Vice Rector of Sabancı University—was presented to Ömer Madra.
The evening was hosted by Kübra Par, and the opening speech was delivered by İNGEV President Vural Çakır. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Award Recipients
In the Women’s Empowerment category, Defne Women’s Cooperative was honored for the production network and culture of solidarity they established following the earthquake. On behalf of the cooperative, Nesrin Deli received the award from Şengül Akçar, President of the Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work (KEDV).
In the Social Innovation category, awards were presented to Pelin Baykan (Anlatan Eller), who has made sign language a native language of accessibility, and Yasemin Kireç (Anadolu Meraları), who has developed nature-compatible agricultural models. They received their awards from Zehra Öney, President of the Women in Technology Association, and Faruk Eczacıbaşı, Vice Chairman of Eczacıbaşı Holding.
In the Combating Inequality category, Hacer Foggo (Deep Poverty Network) was awarded for her persistent efforts to make urban poverty visible. She received her award from Emine Erdem, President of the Federation of Sectoral Associations (SEDEFED).
In the Environmental Sustainability category, Nejla Işık was honored for her determined advocacy in defending the Akbelen Forest in Muğla and bringing the issue to national attention. She received her award from Altan Ertürk, President of TÜSES (Foundation for Social, Economic and Political Research of Turkiye).
In the Social Cohesion category, Delal Dink (Hrant Dink Foundation) was recognized for her work promoting coexistence among differences. On behalf of Delal Dink, Sibel Asna, a board member of the Hrant Dink Foundation, received the award from Seçkin Karataş, General Manager of the Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG).
In the Reconstruction and Livelihoods in Earthquake Zone category, Sema Genel Karaosmanoğlu (Support to Life Association) was honored for developing sustainable solutions during times of crisis. She received her award from Hansın Doğan, UNDP Turkiye’s Portfolio Manager of Private Sector and Strategic Partnerships.
The Special Award for Reconstruction was presented to Müge Aydın (Arsuz Women’s Cooperative), who has built a new life in Hatay through the labor and solidarity of women. She received her award from Hande Tibuk, President of TİDER (Basic Needs Association).
Also in the same category, Yousra Khamis (Bilsan Atölye), a Syrian migrant who settled in Turkiye and created a hopeful production model, was awarded. She expressed her gratitude to İNGEV through a video message.
In the Rights-Based Work category, Ruşen Yücesoylu Karakaya, the pioneer of the İSİAS Justice Vigil, was honored for her determined pursuit of justice. She received her award from NOW Primetime News Anchorman Selçuk Tepeli,
In the Inclusivity category, two awards were presented: one to lawyer Sedef Erken (Istanbul Autism Volunteers Association) for her advocacy for the rights of individuals with autism, and the other to the team behind the TV series “Kızıl Goncalar” (Esma Yılmaz, Mina Demirtaş, Şükrü Necati Şahin), recognized for its portrayal of societal polarization. Sedef Erken, together with her son Ozan, received the award from Esra Bezircioğlu, President of KAGİDER (Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkiye).
The Prof. Fuat Keyman Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Ömer Madra, a pioneering voice in Turkiye known for his broadcasting based on human rights, climate awareness, and conscience.
A Testament to Collective Conscience for Human Development
The ActHuman Human Development Awards aim to increase the visibility of individuals and organizations contributing to human development in Turkiye, support the dissemination of good practices, and raise social awareness in these areas.
In his speech, İNGEV President Vural Çakır stated:
“The ActHuman Awards are not a gesture of gratitude, but a form of testimony. These stories from all over Turkiye show us that human development is not measured solely by numbers, but by the lives touched, by tireless efforts, by courage, and by hope.”
A Journey That Will Continue
ActHuman will continue in the years to come to support and give visibility to individuals and organizations that contribute to human development. These awards, which shed light on Turkiye’s human development journey, also serve as a collective call of conscience for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Contact:
İNGEV – Human Development Foundation
info@ingev.org