Finalists Announced for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2026

Three exceptional humanitarians from across the world have been named as finalists for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2026 (RBHA), which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Supported by South Ayrshire Council's Destination South Ayrshire service, the award recognises individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to humanitarian causes, reflecting the compassion championed by Robert Burns.

The 2026 finalists are Osas Aizeyosabor Agho, Mandy Sanghera OBE, and Ajay Shah.

Osas Aizeyosabor Agho is a public health and humanitarian specialist with over 17 years' experience delivering life-saving health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions across Nigeria, Djibouti and Ukraine. He has led major humanitarian projects reaching thousands of vulnerable people in crisis and conflict settings.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he led emergency WASH and disease response work across 120+ displacement camps in Northeast Nigeria, reaching more than 85,000 people with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Osas said: "Being selected as a finalist for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is a great honour and a deeply humbling moment. It reinforces the belief that has guided my work throughout my life — that every person, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to dignity, protection and justice."

Mandeep Kaur Sanghera (Mandy) is an award-winning philanthropist and human rights activist who received an OBE in the King's New Year's Honours List 2025 for her work supporting refugees, migrants and survivors of abuse worldwide.

For more than 35 years, Mandy has worked across the UK and internationally, supporting people affected by honour-based abuse, forced marriage and trafficking, as well as leading refugee resettlement and humanitarian evacuation efforts from crisis zones including Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine and Hong Kong.

Mandy said: "I am incredibly grateful and honoured to be shortlisted for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. For more than 35 years, my focus has always been on supporting victims of abuse, challenging harmful cultural practices and helping refugees rebuild their lives — never on recognition.

"I have been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated people committed to saving and changing lives."

Ajay Shah volunteers with Hope4Smile (MZ & KZ Shah Foundation), a UK charity established in 1996 that supports vulnerable communities across India, Kenya, Nepal, Syria, Uganda and the UK. Through education projects, medical camps, feeding programmes and disaster response, the charity has supported hundreds of thousands of people over the past three decades.

Hope4Smile is also involved in anti-trafficking rescue and survivor aftercare, working alongside local partners to protect vulnerable children and young people.

Ajay said: "No child should ever grow up surrounded by fear, hunger or neglect.

"Witnessing the suffering caused by human trafficking and exploitation forces us to confront the darkest realities, but it also shows us the power of people who refuse to look away. Past RBHA winners and everyday heroes remind us that one person truly can make a difference."

Councillor Brian Connolly, Chair of the RBHA judging panel and Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, it is an honour to recognise three truly remarkable individuals whose compassion, courage and dedication reflect the very spirit of Robert Burns. This award continues to shine a light on the power of humanity, and I look forward to the ceremony."

The winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award will be announced during an online ceremony on Sunday 25 January 2026. The recipient will receive the RBHA title and a prize of 1759 guineas (approximately £1,800), a nod to the year of Burns' birth and the currency of the time.

For more information, visit: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/robert-burns-award.