Sami Ben Gharbia, Tunisia

Sami Ben Gharbia (1967, Tunis) is an innovative cyber-activist who works mainly through social media. He is the co-founder of the popular web portal Nawaat.org, a Tunisian blog collective on news and politics that played an important role in the Tunisian revolution. He is dedicated to the freedom of information: essential for both culture and development.

Habiba Djahnine, Algeria

Habiba Djahnine (1968, Béjaia) is a respected writer and filmmaker whose main focus is documentary cinema directed to an accurate portrayal of Algerian realities. Returned to her country to transmit her knowledge and skills, Djahnine is an educator, mentor and a dynamic force in the Algerian cultural scene. 

Yassin al Haj Saleh, Syria

Yassin al Haj Saleh (1961, Raqqa) is a writer, public intellectual and voice of reasoned analysis in the midst of the current Syrian crisis. He provides crucial insight on a wide range of political, social, and cultural subjects relating to Syria, the Arab world and their international geo-political relations. 

Widad Kawar, Jordan

The passion and commitment of collector Widad Kawar (1931, Tulkarem) rescued and preserved important cultural heritage that otherwise would have been lost forever. Her superb collection consists of more than 2,000 examples of the textile artistry of Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, Bedouin and other Arab cultures. 

Teresa Margolles, Mexico

Teresa Margolles (1963, Culiacán, Sinaloa) is a radical and challenging visual artist who examines the social causes and consequences of death through powerful artworks. 

Boniface Mwangi, Kenya

Boniface Mwangi (1983, Taveta) is a self-taught photojournalist and exemplary photo-activist, determined to reduce violence and build peace through culture. 

Phare Ponleu Selpak, Cambodia

The active Phare Ponleu Selpak (1994, Battambang) is a far-reaching cultural organisation that empowers youth and successfully integrates local traditions with new ideas to uplift, support and enrich post-conflict Cambodia and the Khmer culture. 

Ian Randle, Jamaica

The pioneering Ian Randle (1949, Hanover) transformed the knowledge production and circulation in the Caribbean through his first local independent publishing house. 

Maung Thura, alias Zarganar, Burma

The charismatic performer, comedian and social activist Maung Thura (Yangon, 1961), stage name Zarganar (‘tweezers’), uses humour as a potent weapon in the struggle against tyranny and injustice. He revitalised the unique tradition of anyeint, bringing laughter, solidarity and hope to Burma whilst at the same time nurtured a new generation of cultural activists.

Maxamed Ibraahim Warsame, alias Hadraawi, Somaliland/Somalia

The profound and beautiful poems of Maxamed Ibraahim Warsame (1943, Togdheer) enrich the centuries-old Somali poetry tradition, build bridges and promote peace.