The choice of Fatima Zibouh, who is co-leading Brussels' bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2030, reflects the sociologist's particular concern for “the voiceless, the sidelined and the invisible, as well as her mission to create connections between different cultural and social universes.”

In awarding the prize to Zibouh, the Jury wished to express “its confidence and encouragement in making ‘Brussels 2030’ a national and international success,” François Didisheim, founder of the magazine, told MAP.

According to Didisheim, “the fact that Fatima comes from an immigrant background adds an extra dimension to this confidence, and represents a facet of development that Brussels has taken on and must take on.”

For Fatima Zibouh, the award represents “a fine recognition of my commitment over more than 20 years to Brussels and Belgium, but also a fine tribute to my Moroccan grandparents and parents.”

“At a time when we have just commemorated the 60th anniversary of the bilateral agreement signed between Belgium and Morocco, which enabled the arrival of Moroccan immigrants, this prize testifies to the strength of the contribution made by these immigrants,” she stressed, adding that she was “proud to be able to contribute to strengthening the connections between the different communities and the different cultural and social universes to create beautiful synergies between the groups that make up our diverse societies.”

MAP