Posted: September 16, 2026 in Newsletters
2026 ABDELKADER GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP PRIZE WINNERS
AEP is proud to present the 2026 Abdelkader Global Citizenship Prize winners. This annual opportunity centers on Emir Abdelkader’s values of ethical leadership with moral courage, human rights for all, and cultural understanding.
In 1873 the New York Times wrote about Emir Abdelkader, “The nobility of his character won him the admiration of the world…he was one of the few great men of the century.”
This powerful history encourages critical thinking so needed in today’s troubled world.
Students were asked to research Emir Abdelkader’s leadership style and identify how his approach could help address challenges in their community today. Using these insights, students wrote an open letter to a local educator, official, or other leader recommending actions to strengthen civic life. They also created a brief video to express the core idea of their letter.
COLLEGE PRIZE WINNERS
1ST PRIZE
ZARA AHMED
DES MOINES, IA
“Iowa has the opportunity to embody Abd el-Kader’s ethical leadership. Reforming the tactics for immigration enforcement will demonstrate that political authority in the state of Iowa is guided by justice and knowledge rather than abusive power or unethical profit.”
2ND PRIZE
AYLA ZOOK
HANOVER, NH
“Abdelkader argued that the distinguishing quality of humanity is the pursuit of knowledge, especially knowledge that allows people to live well together. He described politics not as power-seeking, but as the art of organizing collective life in a just and harmonious way.”
3RD PRIZE
SALADIN WISE
ATLANTA, GA
“Abdelkader protected Christians during religious conflicts, even when it cost him politically. His leadership was rooted not in punishment, but in responsibility to humanity. Georgia officials are left with a similar choice today. They can govern for the classes or govern for the masses.”
HONORABLE MENTION
SHAH WASIF FABIAN
CHARLESTON, IL
“Abdelkader’s actions in Damascus did not erase tension. They demonstrated that moral authority has credibility only when it protects those outside one’s own circle. When authority acts from principle rather than fear, it strengthens institutional integrity.”
HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE WINNERS
1ST PRIZE
ELLA LYONS
SHORELINE, WA
“But fear, and anger, do nothing on their own. The message of Emir Abdelkader is even more powerful in this day and age- the message that every person has inherent, God-given value, and that it is the responsibility of the strong to protect the oppressed.”
2ND PRIZE
HASINA JAMEEL
IRVING, TX
“As a student, I think about how easy it is to react emotionally when we feel wronged. Whether it is a disagreement with a classmate or a misunderstanding online, we sometimes respond quickly instead of wisely. Abdelkader’s restraint reminds me that strength is not loudness or anger. It is self-control.”
3RD PRIZE
MARIAH MOSER
MONONA, IA
“Some people are sad. Some are frustrated. Some are hopeful. Abdelkader’s advice reminds us that good leadership does not dismiss these voices. Instead, it reflects on them and responds to them.”
HONORABLE MENTION
JENNA WATERS
ST. LOUIS, MO
“How often is it that leaders today take the time to recognize the face behind a country’s policy or political decisions? Time to recognize the people. The human person. Our world is so consumed by hate, mudslinging, and propaganda that, for many civic leaders, it is almost never. For Abdelkader, it was routine.”
HONORABLE MENTION
HANA HUSSAIN
IRVING, TX
“Abdelkader had every reason to harbor resentment, yet he chose protection over revenge. In our community, disagreements about politics, religion, or identity sometimes cause students to withdraw from one another. Abdelkader’s example challenges us to actively defend those who feel marginalized — even if we disagree with them.”
COMING SOON!
- SEPT. 4-7 – ISNA, Detroit, Michigan – Come see us at this event!
- OCT. 3-4 — ELKADER “ART IN THE PARK” with ABDELKADER SCULPTURE
- OCT. 17 – Abdelkader Education Project Forum in Elkader – Open to the public! Details TBA
- DECEMBER LAUNCH – 2027 Abdelkader Global Citizenship Prize (HS & College)
A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR, KATHY GARMS
As we continue to broaden our audience and strengthen partnerships across the United States and beyond, please let us know your thoughts. Let’s learn and grow together!