Bana Al Abed, a 16-year-old Syrian activist, has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize by the Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation. Recognized for her relentless advocacy for children affected by war, Al Abed has dedicated her efforts to reuniting families, reopening schools, and offering hope to children in conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria. Her journey began in 2016 when she and her family were evacuated from Aleppo to Turkey, where she has since become a global voice for children’s rights. Al Abed has attended international conferences, visited refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan, authored two books, and garnered recognition from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. In her acceptance speech at Stockholm City Hall, Al Abed boldly addressed global leaders, including former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning their roles in the suffering of children worldwide. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for rebuilding war-torn societies, stating that it provides hope and opportunities for growth. Al Abed also highlighted the plight of 5,000 Syrian children forcibly separated from their families during the war, whose fates remain unknown. Marc Dullaert, founder and chairman of KidsRights, praised Al Abed’s courage and resilience, noting her transformation of personal hardship into a powerful advocacy platform. Previous recipients of the award include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.