The Dutch organization Kids Rights and the Global Childhood Forum have nominated the Syrian girl Bana al-Abed, also known as the “Icon of Aleppo,” for the 2025 International Children’s Peace Prize, in recognition of her role in raising global awareness about the suffering of Syrian children by documenting her life amid the destruction.
Bana, currently residing in Turkey, has made it to the top three finalists for this prestigious global award, which recognizes individual initiatives by children from dozens of countries, particularly those who have played key roles in education, climate action, and justice. She will participate in the final ceremony held today.
Who is Bana Al-Abed?
Born: 2009, in the Al-Shaar neighborhood in eastern Aleppo.
Early Story: Her journey began when she created a X account (formerly known as Twitter) in September 2016 with the help of her mother, an English teacher.
First Tweet: “I want peace,” followed by posts in English describing daily life and the suffering of residents under the bombing and siege by the former regime.
Impact: She documented the city’s suffering through the lens of childhood innocence, calling on world leaders to act for peace in Syria.
Reaction from Assad: In an October 6, 2016 interview with a Danish channel, Bashar al-Assad dismissed her as “a propaganda tool and a media play.”
Escape from Aleppo: At age seven, Bana and her family left the besieged neighborhood on December 19, 2016, and arrived in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed them two days later.
Achievements and Recognition
Became a global symbol, attracting worldwide attention and interactions, including from the British author of the Harry Potter series, who gifted her digital copies of her books.
Published her memoirs in English through an American publishing house in 2017 and delivered speeches at the United Nations and the European Parliament.
TIME Magazine listed her among the 25 most influential people on the internet in 2017, making her the first Syrian child to enter this list.
2018: Received the Freedom Award from the Atlantic Council for advocating freedom, dignity, and human rights; the Rising Star Award for young Asians with global impact; and the Arab Woman Award – Youth Achievement Category for creativity and social influence.
Honored at the 90th Academy Awards in Los Angeles in March 2018.
2019: Awarded the Princess Diana Award, one of the UK’s top youth honors for inspiring young people worldwide.
Bana expressed her gratitude on Facebook:
“I am extremely grateful and honored to be one of the three finalists for the 2025 International Children’s Peace Prize. This means so much to me and to every child who dreams of peace, safety, and school instead of war. Thank you to everyone who believes in me and a peaceful future for children.”
