Co-founders of ConnectHear, Arhum Ishtiaq and Azima Dhanjee, have been honored with the coveted Communicator Award at the TRT World Citizen Awards ceremony. Held in Istanbul, this accolade marks the first time that Pakistani citizens have been recognized at the prestigious event, underscoring their exceptional efforts in enhancing global communication accessibility for the Deaf community.
The TRT World Citizen Awards, an initiative launched in 2018, spotlight individuals and organizations addressing pressing global challenges while inspiring societal transformation. With a vision to foster global awareness and change, TRT World Citizen annually recognizes achievements in five categories, including the Communicator Award. This particular honor is dedicated to individuals who have made a global impact by fostering connections and leveraging communication tools such as social media, technology, and art to address humanitarian issues. Over the years, award recipients have hailed from 13 countries, reflecting a wide spectrum of accomplishments aimed at improving the human condition.
The ceremony itself is a hallmark of TRT’s dedication to broadcasting excellence and social responsibility. It brings together a diverse array of global leaders, including government officials, academics, artists, NGOs, and change-makers, to honor awardees and amplify their stories on an international platform. This year’s Communicator Award recognized the extraordinary contributions of Arhum Ishtiaq and Azima Dhanjee, whose innovative work with ConnectHear has created lasting, positive change in the lives of the Deaf community worldwide.
The story of ConnectHear began in 2017, driven by the personal and professional experiences of its co-founders. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Azima Dhanjee was deeply familiar with the communication challenges faced by her parents and the broader Deaf community. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into the urgent need for accessible communication solutions. Meanwhile, her co-founder, Arhum Ishtiaq, brought a passion for leveraging technology to create social impact. Recognizing the communication gap experienced by the Deaf community in Pakistan and beyond, the two entrepreneurs united their expertise and vision to launch ConnectHear, a platform dedicated to bridging this divide and fostering inclusivity through cutting-edge technology.
Since its inception, ConnectHear has achieved remarkable milestones. The organization has facilitated over one million minutes of sign language interpretation through its proprietary application, enabling seamless communication for the Deaf community. It has also collaborated with over 100 companies as an accessibility partner, promoting inclusive practices in workplaces, events, and public spaces. One of its standout achievements was organizing Pakistan’s first-ever Deaf-inclusive concert, a groundbreaking event that highlighted the importance of accessibility in cultural and entertainment spaces. These accomplishments have earned ConnectHear international acclaim, with recognition from prestigious platforms such as The Diana Awards, World Summit Award, Draper University, and Forbes.
Speaking about the award, co-founder Arhum Ishtiaq expressed his gratitude, saying, “Being honored with the Communicator Award is a testament to the transformative power of technology when combined with empathy. It motivates us to continue creating solutions that drive social change and promote inclusivity in every aspect of life.”
Echoing these sentiments, Azima Dhanjee added, “This award is not just a recognition of our work but a call to action for everyone to become advocates for inclusion. You don’t need to have a disability or a personal connection to disability to make a difference. We urge people to see the world through a disability lens and champion equal opportunities for all.”
The TRT World Citizen Awards ceremony was a distinguished gathering of notable figures from various fields. Among the attendees were Fahrettin Altun, the Presidency’s Director of Communications, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, and representatives from TRT management. The event also attracted politicians, NGO leaders, academics, and prominent personalities from the worlds of culture, arts, and media, creating a vibrant platform to celebrate the achievements of the awardees.
The recognition of ConnectHear’s co-founders is a milestone not only for the organization but also for Pakistan’s representation on the global stage. Their work highlights the power of innovation and empathy in addressing pressing societal challenges and sets a benchmark for others to follow. By fostering communication accessibility for the Deaf community, Arhum Ishtiaq and Azima Dhanjee have demonstrated the profound impact of inclusive technologies, inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide to prioritize accessibility and equality.
This accolade is a testament to the transformative potential of vision-driven entrepreneurship and the enduring belief that meaningful change can be achieved when technology and compassion are brought together. As the first Pakistani recipients of the Communicator Award, the co-founders of ConnectHear have not only made history but also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
