ADFA's Nuri Kino named a finalist for the Global Good Awards 2026

Investigative journalist and human rights advocate Nuri Kino, founder of A Demand For Action (ADFA), has been named a finalist for the Global Good Awards 2026 in the category Individual Changemaker of the Year. The international jury recognized him for building what they described as “a chain of humanity”—a phrase that captures the spirit of the movement he has spent decades creating.

The Global Good Awards honor individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in the world through humanitarian work, sustainability, and human rights. Kino is one of only seven finalists worldwide in his category.

“We were raised to be a chain of humanity. It is part of our culture as suryoye,” Kino says. “I hope the next generation carries it forward too.”

True to form, he is quick to share the recognition with others.

“Yes, I am in the final, and I am honored and grateful. But this is thanks to all our volunteers around the world and our board. We have people working in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Armenia, Ukraine and Uganda, to name just a few countries.”

The nomination follows a year of tireless advocacy. In November, Kino testified before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on the future of Syria after Assad. In February, he spoke as a plenary panelist at a major international human rights summit in Washington, D.C. Throughout the year, his articles in Newsweek reached readers around the world, drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable and often overlooked communities.

Recognition is not new to Kino. Last year he received bronze in the same category, placing third globally. According to research by the Global Good Awards, he is today among the most awarded investigative journalists and human rights defenders in the world. His honors include three Guldspaden awards—Sweden’s highest distinction in investigative journalism—the European Parliament Journalism Prize, and recognition as both Role Model of the Year and one of the most influential voices in Sweden’s foreign aid debate.

Yet awards are never the destination.

As the nomination is announced, Kino is preparing to travel to Lebanon, where ADFA has delivered two large containers of humanitarian aid. From there, he will continue to Morocco to speak at an international conference on human rights and the constitutional protections needed to safeguard them.

“As long as I have the strength, and the help of friends and colleagues, the fight continues,” he says.

The winners of the Global Good Awards 2026 will be announced at a ceremony in September.