An inspirational journey shaped by his Moroccan roots
Born to a father from the Moroccan city of Oujda, Ayman Ramdani was raised with values based on resilience and solidarity. After the loss of his father, who was an orphan and a pillar of his inspiration, he left a promising career in the corporate world to set up Play4Peace in his father's memory.
“I dedicate this distinction for my dad, Allah y Rahmou, and to my mum, and all the mums and dads of the first generation. They have given us strong values, a love for our Moroccan culture and tools to succeed while remaining true to our roots,” said Ayman Ramdani at the ceremony.
Play4Peace: a youth-focused NGO
Since it was founded in 2014, Play4Peace in Belgium has become a leading player, providing support to more than 20,000 youths in ten years. Using innovative initiatives, the NGO is breaking down social and cultural barriers through sport and education to provide young people with the tools to develop their potential.
Academy4Peace, the flagship initiative launched two years ago, offers personalised support and mentoring to more than 100 young people every year. CEOs, entrepreneurs and high-level executives give their time as volunteers to help provide the young people with the necessary tools to help them develop their entrepreneurial spirit and succeed in their careers.
Play4Peace is also internationally recognised. In 2018, the NGO was awarded the prize for the best global event at the ‘International Day of Sport for Development and Peace’ held at the Peace and Sport Forum, chaired by Prince Albert of Monaco, and for the past six years has enjoyed the patronage of His Majesty King Philippe.
Mr Ramdani has an ambitious dream for Morocco:
“I not only just wish to help build the future of Morocco for young people, I want to work with them. I aim to help establish projects with a high impact, in partnership with institutions as well as the private sector, involving local managers.
Youth needs to be at the centre of this change and to become the driving forces in their own success and the development of their country”.
Award for social impact
This exemplary career path has brought Ayman Ramdani numerous awards, in Belgium and abroad. This most recent success further strengthens his commitment to pursue the mission of offering real opportunities and helping to shape young people into the leaders of tomorrow, while at the same time remaining rooted in Moroccan values.
