Awards
Sakena and AIL have been honored with many awards over the years. - Awards List Document
Below you will find some some highlights
2019
Rotary International's 3 day conference "Peace in the Streets" on peace in conflict resolution. October 2019 Wayne State University, Detroit, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies University of Windsor, Ontario and Arab American Museum Dearborn, Michigan Dr. Yacoobi was honored to receive the Global Peace Maker Award from the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. "..honoring notable individuals and groups who have made a key difference in promoting peaceful relations in the Detroit community or globally." The awards page International Sensation Award 2019, DARPAN Magazine, Canada Given to Dr. Yacoobi at the Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2019, recognizing “the extraordinary achievement of a South Asian on a global scale.” DARPAN Magazine is a pioneer in South Asian media, serving South Asians, who originate primarily from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and other parts of the globe, while also setting trends in the Canadian media market since 2004. DARPAN focuses on highlighting inspiring South Asian role models and achievers, who have made significant accomplishments in their respective fields and the societies they live in. Congratulations to Dr. Yacoobi! photo credit: Darpan Magazine |
2018
TRT World Citizen Educator Award
Dr. Yacoobi was honored to receive this award in Istanbul on October 3. "She pioneered a ground-breaking approach empowering women and communities to bring education and health services to girls living in rural as well as poverty-stricken urban areas of Afghanistan." The World Citizen Awards are given to those who have contributed to a better world in at least one of the following areas - peace, environment, education, food and nutrition, health, and culture and heritage. In accepting the award, Yacoobi paid tribute to her dedicated staff. |
Dr. Yacoobi honored with the AMI Humanitarian Award from the Al Mahdi Institute, Birmingham UK
2017
Dr. Yacoobi's photograph added to Citizenship Wall in Presidential Palace of Afghanistan
This wall honors, protects and institutionalizes democracy and good citizenship. Pictures include those of kings and presidents who created the idea of Afghan democracy, honoring human rights, emancipation, women’s rights and gender equality.
“The wall has pictures of dedicated Afghans who provide services in the areas of culture, art, civil society, research, writing, poetry and commentary and sport. Dr. Yacoobi is one of the top civilian women and honored for the high quality and unique services she provides.”
Senior Advisor International Affairs.”
Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence in Education 2017
Press release
Dr. Yacoobi's photograph added to Citizenship Wall in Presidential Palace of Afghanistan
This wall honors, protects and institutionalizes democracy and good citizenship. Pictures include those of kings and presidents who created the idea of Afghan democracy, honoring human rights, emancipation, women’s rights and gender equality.
“The wall has pictures of dedicated Afghans who provide services in the areas of culture, art, civil society, research, writing, poetry and commentary and sport. Dr. Yacoobi is one of the top civilian women and honored for the high quality and unique services she provides.”
Senior Advisor International Affairs.”
Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence in Education 2017
Press release
Recognition for Dr. Yacoobi and AIL - August 2017 - Afghan Senate Committee.
Sakena was recognized for her 22 years of civil and humanitarian work. The Senate committee presented her with a Medal of Appreciation for AIL's efforts in developing work opportunities, providing health services, and building the capacity of women. To watch the presentation, please click the link Dr. Sakena Yacoobi Senate Meeting
Dr. Yacoobi 2017 Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate
2016
Yacoobi receives Honorary Doctorate from Middlebury Institute for International Studies at Monterey
Dr. Yacoobi is recipient of Harold W. McGraw Prize in Education (International)
Yacoobi receives Honorary Doctorate from Middlebury Institute for International Studies at Monterey
Dr. Yacoobi is recipient of Harold W. McGraw Prize in Education (International)
2015 WISE Prize for Education awarded to Dr. Yacoobi The WISE Prize for Education Laureates are inspiring role models for all those concerned with building the future of education as the foundation for a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable world. |
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In awarding the prize, Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia said:
“Dr. Sakena Yacoobi has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the promotion of education and health services for women and children in Afghanistan. She is an eminently deserving recipient of this faith-based humanitarian award—for her disproportionate contributions to the betterment of our global family."
Each year, the Opus Prize honors unsung heroes of any faith tradition for efforts to solve today's most persistent and pressing global issues, including poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease, and injustice. The main prize and awards for the two other finalists are collectively considered one of the largest faith-based humanitarian awards recognizing social innovation in the world. More information about this year’s winner and finalists is available at this link.
“Dr. Sakena Yacoobi has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the promotion of education and health services for women and children in Afghanistan. She is an eminently deserving recipient of this faith-based humanitarian award—for her disproportionate contributions to the betterment of our global family."
Each year, the Opus Prize honors unsung heroes of any faith tradition for efforts to solve today's most persistent and pressing global issues, including poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease, and injustice. The main prize and awards for the two other finalists are collectively considered one of the largest faith-based humanitarian awards recognizing social innovation in the world. More information about this year’s winner and finalists is available at this link.

Honorary Doctorate from Princeton University
The official citation reads: With a profound reverence for the well-being of others, this visionary leader devotes her life to the empowerment of poor Afghan women and children. With an unwavering commitment to social justice, against all odds, and often at great personal risk, she built and sustains an institute that makes healthcare and education possible for the most vulnerable. It owes its success in establishing clinics, teaching children, and training educators and caregivers to the deep and lasting ties she has forged with the people she serves and with global communities of care. After decades of work, she is still creating hope, in her home country and throughout the world.
The official citation reads: With a profound reverence for the well-being of others, this visionary leader devotes her life to the empowerment of poor Afghan women and children. With an unwavering commitment to social justice, against all odds, and often at great personal risk, she built and sustains an institute that makes healthcare and education possible for the most vulnerable. It owes its success in establishing clinics, teaching children, and training educators and caregivers to the deep and lasting ties she has forged with the people she serves and with global communities of care. After decades of work, she is still creating hope, in her home country and throughout the world.
2012 World Children's Prize Honorary Award presented in Sweden “This prize breaks the isolation of the children of Afghanistan and connects them to other children in the world. Many people only know that Afghanistan has war, not that there are children living their lives and getting education for making a change.” . The World’s Children’s Prize contributes toward a more humane world in support of the rights of the child; it is the world’s largest annual educational program teaching young people about the rights of the child, democracy, the environment, and global friendship. |
German Media Award
The annual event seeks to honor outstanding personalities for exceptional performance, leadership, and visionary qualities. This year, the prize chose to focus on “quiet peacemakers,” those visionaries whose media profile lacks the scale of their impact. Former winners include Nelson Mandela, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Kofi Annan, the Dalai Lama, and Angela Merkel.
2011
National Peace Award presented to Yacoobi by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
2010
Yacoobi is named Schwab Social Entrepreneur in Asia by Schwab Foundation "Social entrepreneurs emphasize long-term sustainability instead of short-term gain. Their primary focus is to maximize benefits for society and the environment through innovative and effective business models. Their approach to entrepreneurship is one of sustainable economic growth across sectors and industries, from renewable energy and education to waste management, health and rural development
Honorary Doctorate from Santa Clara University
2009
The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership is awarded to Dr. Sakena Yacoobi
2008
Honorary Doctorate Loma Linda University.
2007
Gleitsman International Activist Award recipient for 2007 is Dr. Sakena Yacoobi as announced by Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
Honorary Doctorate University of the Pacific
The annual event seeks to honor outstanding personalities for exceptional performance, leadership, and visionary qualities. This year, the prize chose to focus on “quiet peacemakers,” those visionaries whose media profile lacks the scale of their impact. Former winners include Nelson Mandela, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Kofi Annan, the Dalai Lama, and Angela Merkel.
2011
National Peace Award presented to Yacoobi by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
2010
Yacoobi is named Schwab Social Entrepreneur in Asia by Schwab Foundation "Social entrepreneurs emphasize long-term sustainability instead of short-term gain. Their primary focus is to maximize benefits for society and the environment through innovative and effective business models. Their approach to entrepreneurship is one of sustainable economic growth across sectors and industries, from renewable energy and education to waste management, health and rural development
Honorary Doctorate from Santa Clara University
2009
The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership is awarded to Dr. Sakena Yacoobi
2008
Honorary Doctorate Loma Linda University.
2007
Gleitsman International Activist Award recipient for 2007 is Dr. Sakena Yacoobi as announced by Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
Honorary Doctorate University of the Pacific

2006
Sakena Yacoobi elected Ashoka Fellow and Skoll Social Entrepreneur
2005
Sakena Yacoobi among 1000 women nominated for Nobel Prize