Member of the Global Family Awards

2023 Awards:

Afghan women activist Khalida Popal and Turku City Council member Paco Diop were honored with the prestigious "Member of the Global Family" award in Helsinki, on December 28, 2023.

Khalida Popal and Paco Diop received the "Member of the Global Family" award in Helsinki on December 28, 2023, alongside Ilona Taimela, Maryam Abuzaid-Ryu, and Turun United Youth.

For the first time, the award transcended national borders to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of Khalida Popal, a former Afghan football player and director. Popal's journey embodied resilience, advocacy, and empowerment, making her a global source of inspiration. Born in Kabul in 1987, Khalida Popal is the founder and director of the Girl Power Organization. She served as the Program and Event Director of the Afghanistan Women's National Football Team, Ambassador to Street Child World Cup, and Event Manager & Mentor/Refugee Consultant in COLUM. Popal had been a leader in various capacities, from heading the Afghanistan Women's Football Committee to captaining the national team and coaching U17 and U15 women's football teams in Afghanistan.

The "Member of the Global Family" award, inspired by Harry Belafonte's "Global Family" speech in 1997 Helsinki, was presented annually by Liikkukaa RY and Rasmus RY. Established in 2004, the award recognized individuals and communities contributing significantly to achieving an equal, fair, socially united, and international society in Finland.

The award was jointly presented by Liikkukaa Ry and Rasmus Ry. Liikkukaa Ry aimed to promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in Finnish society through sports, leisure, and cultural activities. Rasmus Ry is a nationwide network dedicated to combating racism and xenophobia.

The award had previously been presented to notable figures such as Former European Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, Journalist and Writer Umayya Abu Hanna, former ombudsman for equality Eva Biaudet and Helsinki City Deputy Mayor Nasima Razmyar. The ceremony celebrated the outstanding contributions of Khalida Popal and Paco Diop, Ilona Taimela, United Youth, and Maryan A, reflecting their commitment to social progress, equality, and diversity.

Previous Awards:

Go to Finnish / Suomeksi

The “Member of the Global Family” - Award was inspired by the Global Family speech held by Harry Belafonte in 1997 Helsinki and founded by Cosmos Juniors.
The awards patrons were South Africa's Ambassador to Finland Ms. Bukelwa Hans and Claes Andersson, Minister of Sports and Culture.
Previously the Global Family Award was presented to e.g. journalist and writer Umayya Abu Hanna, the Bank of Finland's director Erkki Liikanen, MP's Nasima Razmyar, Ozan Yanar and Eva Biaudet, Paleface, Alemanji Aminkeng Atabong and footballer Riku Riski.
The awards include: Life-time achievement, Contributions to the community, Historical Initiative and Volunteering.