Takreem ( ar, تكريم) is a non-profit organization founded in 2009 by

Ricardo Karam Ricardo Karam is a Lebanese television presenter, producer, talk-show host, author and public speaker. Over the years, he has created several shows, series and documentaries, and founded RK Productions which has taken charge of producing all his ...

to honor Arab individuals or organizations that have contributed to the development of their respective communities and to the betterment of the world in the fields culture, education, science, environmental studies, humanitarian services, and socio-economic development.

History

The idea of Takreem was first introduced by Ricardo Karam in 2004, yet the actual foundation was only launched in 2009. Karam observed guests he had interviewed on his talk show, and realized that the

Arab world The Arab world ( ar, اَلْعَالَمُ الْعَرَبِيُّ '), formally the Arab homeland ( '), also known as the Arab nation ( '), the Arabsphere, or the Arab states, refers to a vast group of countries, mainly located in Western A ...

needed to highlight more of its achievers. In one of his interviews, he states: “…every year we try to spot different achievers from different fields, and we try to give hope to the youth by telling hem tolook at these examples. You can make it as well." Karam officially announced the launching of Takreem at a press conference held at École supérieure des affaires (ESA), Beirut. Takreem organizes conferences, symposiums, and meetings. It offers mentorships and holds an annual Awards Ceremony celebrated in a different city every year. By highlighting examples of success from the Arab world, the foundation challenges the negative stereotypical image of the region, and embraces creativity, freedom of thought, human rights, entrepreneurship, advanced technology, and gender equality. In 2018, Takreem launched TAKminds, an interdisciplinary think-tank bringing together thought-leaders, change-makers, and professionals. In 2019, Takreem decided to expand its activities to reach the Arab diasporas in both Americas. Takreem America was launched in 2022.

Activities

Takreem holds year-round activities such as conferences, panel discussions, talks, forums, in addition to its annual awards ceremony. These activities host speakers from different parts of the world who share their insights on important issues drawing on their life experiences and careers.

Conferences

Panel discussions

TAKminds

TAKminds also provides the talents of the Arab world with a platform where they can connect, build bridges and together find new ways to create sustainable communities and opportunities for the Arab youth.

Award ceremonies

Laureates selection process

Nominations: Takreem uses a strict framework for its candidate selection process with one single mandatory prerequisite: Arab ancestry, except for one: the International Contribution to Arab Society category. This framework operates in an unbiased and non-discriminatory manner, giving equal rights to entry without regard to religion, gender, nationality, political beliefs, or age. Once deemed eligible, candidates are classed in the most suitable category. Selection process: Takreem established a comprehensive evaluation process to assess candidates, select the finalists, and set the winners apart. The two-stage screening process involves a Selection Board and a Jury Board whose experienced and diligent members evaluate eligible applicants through pre-determined by-laws. The Selection Board drafts a short list of candidates for the Jury Board to appraise and select a laureate for each of Takreem's nine categories. The grading is classified, and the identity of the laureates is only disclosed on the night of the ceremony.

Award categories

Takreem presents each year an award in each of the nine following categories to one individual or institution: * Young Entrepreneur * Scientific and Technological Achievement * Cultural Excellence * Environmental Development and Sustainability * Outstanding Arab Woman * Excellence in Education * Humanitarian and Civic Services * Corporate Leadership * International Contribution to Arab Society Takreem also honors renowned personalities through three different options: * Lifetime Achievement Award * Special Distinction * Legacy Award

Jury board members

Laureates

Honorary distinctions

Takreem America

In 2019, Takreem established a branch in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

, Takreem America, also known as Takreem USA.{{Cite web, last=USA, first=Takreem, title=Takreem usA, url=https://takreemusa.org/, access-date=2022-01-03, website=Takreem USA, language=en-US, archive-date=2021-12-07, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207121354/https://takreemusa.org/, url-status=live

References

Arab culture Organisations based in Lebanon Lebanese awards