The election was based on a jury report and votes from the public. The prize was presented by last year's winner, Norhan Alseikh Hidar, together with jury chairman Aart Jan de Geus: 'With every story you thought 'this is the best, this one deserves the UAF Award'. And then you read the next one and had that same idea. The six nominees each had a special story. The fact that Lobna discovers a passion for language and then, as a newcomer, also becomes a language expert in another language is very special. The fact that work and study are extremely important to Lobna is evident from her enormous drive and is admirable. An inspiring example of continuing in the face of rejection and following your own path.' 

Building a sustainable existence

The UAF Award was presented during a UAF conference. This addressed the question of how we ensure that refugee talent can flourish again: become part of Dutch society more quickly and build a sustainable existence. Because around 80% of refugees have not yet been able to enter the labor market five years after arrival.

During the conference, Fatimazhra Belhirch, director of the UAF, emphasized the importance for refugees to utilize talents, realize ambitions and take back control of their own lives. Member of Parliament Anne-Marijke Podt, who submitted the initiative memorandum 'Participate from day 1' to get status holders to work faster, underlined this in her lecture. This was then discussed by Leendert de Bell (special lecturer at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, promoting sustainable labor participation of refugees), Rachelle van Daalen (Diversity & Inclusivity program manager at ProRail) and journalist Somajeh Ghaeminia during a panel debate.