Rabat – Hatim Azahri Akhnous, a 28-year-old community leader born in Nador, Morocco, has won the Princess of Girona Social Award 2026, one of Spain’s most prestigious honors for young people making a social impact.
The award was announced Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Parellada Sports Center in Sant Boi de Llobregat, near Barcelona. King Felipe VI chaired the event, marking the official launch of the 2026 Talent Tour organized by the Princess of Girona Foundation.
The Princess of Girona Social Award recognizes young leaders committed to social inclusion, justice, and community impact.
Akhnous moved to Barcelona from Morocco when he was two years old and grew up in the Poble-sec neighborhood. His personal experience as a young migrant shaped his commitment to supporting young people facing social exclusion.
He is a higher technician in Social Integration and is currently studying Social Work at the University of Barcelona. In 2019, he founded Joves Units del Poble-sec, a non-profit youth association that uses community sports, safe spaces, and public space renewal to support young people at risk.
Hatim has promoted sports activities in the neighborhood, helped improve public spaces such as the Gardens of the Three Chimneys, and supported the creation of the first community gym in Poble-sec. His initiatives also include international solidarity projects, such as the community construction of water wells in Togo.
He also serves as a cultural mediator and is a member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Council of the Barcelona City Council, as part of the city’s Anti-Racism Plan 2025-2035. In addition, Hatim is involved in the Municipal Council of Immigration and is a board member of the Bofill Foundation.
In his acceptance speech, Hatim thanked his former teachers, Rosa and Conchita, for listening to him and believing in his dreams. He encouraged people to connect with those around them, saying: “Let’s look at the people around us, talk to them, ask them their names. Let’s keep building bonds between each other.”
The Princess of Girona Awards received around 400 applications across four categories, including Social, Research, Business Creation, and Arts. Five finalists were selected. The Social Award includes €20,000 and a sculpture by contemporary artist Juan Zamora.
