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August 24, 2026
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- CMD Award Aug 18, 2024
SCHIEDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, 21 August 2026 , The Center for Media and Dialogue (CMD) successfully hosted the CMD Awards 2026 on Friday, 21 August 2026, bringing together nearly 300 guests for an evening dedicated to celebrating Somali excellence, achievement, leadership, creativity, and community impact.
Held at Calas Palace Party Center in Schiedam, The Netherlands, the event welcomed a diverse audience of distinguished guests, including media professionals, journalists, athletes, digital creators, artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, public figures, and members of the Somali diaspora.
The atmosphere throughout the evening reflected the central message of the CMD Awards:
Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Communities, Building the Future.
The 2026 edition continued CMD’s commitment to recognizing individuals whose work and achievements have made a meaningful impact in their respective fields. The event was not only an awards ceremony, but also a gathering that brought together different generations, professions, and communities under one platform.
Through awards, speeches, entertainment, networking, and celebration, CMD Awards 2026 highlighted the diversity of Somali talent and the growing influence of Somali professionals and creators across Europe and around the world.
From sports and journalism to digital media, music, social leadership, investigative reporting, and community service, the 2026 award recipients represented a wide range of fields.
A total of 14 outstanding individuals were recognized during the ceremony for their dedication, professional achievements, influence, and contribution to society.
The awards reflected CMD’s belief that success comes in many forms. Some recipients have built international careers, while others have used media and digital platforms to influence and inspire a new generation. Others have dedicated their work to journalism, peace, community development, social leadership, and the defense of human rights.
By bringing these individuals together on one stage, CMD Awards 2026 created an opportunity to recognize not only personal achievement but also the wider impact that their work has had on communities.
CMD is especially honored to announce that Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, one of Somalia’s most accomplished international football referees, will attend CMD Awards 2026 as our Special Guest.
Mr. Artan has earned international recognition through his professionalism, integrity, and outstanding performances as a football referee. His achievements have made him one of Africa’s most respected referees and a source of pride for Somalia on the global sporting stage.
His journey demonstrates what dedication, discipline, and perseverance can accomplish. Through years of hard work, he has represented Somalia with distinction in major international football competitions and has become a role model for aspiring referees and young athletes across Africa.
During the ceremony, CMD will proudly present Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan with the CMD High Achievers Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to international football and his role in promoting Somali excellence worldwide.
We are delighted to welcome him to the Netherlands and look forward to celebrating his remarkable achievements alongside our distinguished guests.
CMD is especially honored to announce that Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, one of Somalia’s most accomplished international football referees, will attend CMD Awards 2026 as our Special Guest.
Mr. Artan has earned international recognition through his professionalism, integrity, and outstanding performances as a football referee. His achievements have made him one of Africa’s most respected referees and a source of pride for Somalia on the global sporting stage.
His journey demonstrates what dedication, discipline, and perseverance can accomplish. Through years of hard work, he has represented Somalia with distinction in major international football competitions and has become a role model for aspiring referees and young athletes across Africa.
During the ceremony, CMD will proudly present Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan with the CMD High Achievers Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to international football and his role in promoting Somali excellence worldwide.
We are delighted to welcome him to the Netherlands and look forward to celebrating his remarkable achievements alongside our distinguished guests.
The CMD Award 2024 will be held in the dynamic and innovative city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Known for its modern architecture, bustling port, and rich cultural scene, Rotterdam stands out as a symbol of resilience and creativity. The city’s best qualities include its forward-thinking urban design, diverse population, and a thriving arts and media landscape.
Rotterdam’s impressive skyline, featuring iconic structures like the Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses, reflects its progressive spirit and commitment to innovation. The city’s extensive public transport network and sustainable initiatives make it a model of modern urban living.
We chose Rotterdam for the CMD Award 2024 because it embodies the values of diversity, innovation, and dialogue that are at the heart of our mission. The city’s rich history of overcoming challenges and embracing change resonates with our commitment to fostering peace and understanding through media. Join us in this remarkable city to celebrate excellence in media and dialogue and experience the vibrant energy of Rotterdam.
The CMD Award 2024 will be held in the dynamic and innovative city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Known for its modern architecture, bustling port, and rich cultural scene, Rotterdam stands out as a symbol of resilience and creativity. The city’s best qualities include its forward-thinking urban design, diverse population, and a thriving arts and media landscape.
Rotterdam’s impressive skyline, featuring iconic structures like the Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses, reflects its progressive spirit and commitment to innovation. The city’s extensive public transport network and sustainable initiatives make it a model of modern urban living.
We chose Rotterdam for the CMD Award 2024 because it embodies the values of diversity, innovation, and dialogue that are at the heart of our mission. The city’s rich history of overcoming challenges and embracing change resonates with our commitment to fostering peace and understanding through media. Join us in this remarkable city to celebrate excellence in media and dialogue and experience the vibrant energy of Rotterdam.
Center for Media and Dialogue (CMD) is a non-governmental organization based and registered in the Netherlands that is working for and with the media by providing platform for a peaceful dialogue for visionary leaders to enhance the po-litical capacity that can steer nations to greater stability and prosperity.
At the Center For Media and Dialogue (CMD), we are dedicated to fostering community engagement, celebrating achievements, and promoting meaningful dialogue.
Explore our diverse range of initiatives and stay updated on the latest developments through our key categories: Events, News, Media & Dialogue, and Awards.
Each category offers unique insights and opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute to our shared goals of unity, progress, and excellence.
Research and Analysis:
Research and analysis are at the core of CMD’s efforts to inform public discourse and influence
policy-making. Our research projects focus on political, security, and social issues in East Africa,
with a particular emphasis on Somalia.
● Political Research: CMD conducts in-depth studies on the political landscape of East
Africa, examining the dynamics of governance, electoral processes, and political stability.
Our research aims to provide actionable insights for policy-makers, political leaders, and
the international community.
● Security Analysis: We analyze security trends and challenges in the region, including
issues related to conflict, terrorism, and human rights abuses. Our security research helps
inform strategies for peace-building and conflict prevention.
● Social Affairs Research: CMD explores various social issues affecting Somali
communities, such as education, healthcare, and social integration. By understanding
these challenges, we aim to develop targeted programs and advocate for policies that
address the needs of the community.
● Publications and Reports: Our research findings are published in comprehensive reports,
policy briefs, and academic articles. These publications are disseminated to stakeholders,
including government agencies, NGOs, and the general public, to raise awareness and
drive informed action.
At the Center for Media and Dialogue, our mission is to cultivate an environment where media literacy and open dialogue thrive. We aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex media landscape and engage in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and cooperation across different communities.
We envision a society where every person has the ability to critically evaluate media and participate in constructive dialogue. By fostering these skills, we aspire to build a world where misinformation is minimized, and mutual respect and empathy are the norms in every community.
The Center for Media and Dialogue was established in 2015 with a clear goal: to enhance media literacy and promote dialogue among communities. Over the years, we have expanded our reach and impact through numerous initiatives, workshops, and events. Key milestones in our journey include:
Dive into the heart of CMD’s vibrant community and initiatives. Each section offers a unique perspective on our efforts to foster dialogue, celebrate achievements, and drive positive change.
The Center For Media and Dialogue (CMD) was founded with a clear mission: to empower the Somali community and foster a culture of dialogue, unity, and progress. We recognized the need for a platform that not only highlights the achievements of individuals but also promotes constructive conversations that lead to positive change. CMD was created to bridge gaps, celebrate excellence, and support the growth and development of our community. Through our initiatives, we aim to inspire, connect, and uplift, ensuring that every voice is heard and every success is celebrated.
At CMD, we believe in the power of collaboration. We are proud to work with a network of local, regional, and international partners who share our vision of promoting media literacy and dialogue. These partnerships are essential to achieving our mission and creating lasting change.
Meet the dedicated and passionate individuals behind the Center For Media and Dialogue (CMD). Our team is comprised of professionals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: to foster dialogue, celebrate achievements, and drive positive change within the Somali community and beyond.
Chairman
Financial Responsible
Saint Paul Minnesota
