Refugee of the Year 2026: Youssef Asad Alkhatib
Refugee of the Year 2026: Youssef Asad Alkhatib
Refugee of the Year 2026 Youssef Asad Alkhatib
The Finnish Refugee Council has named Youssef Asad Alkhatib as the Refugee of the Year 2026. The recognition was announced in Helsinki on 16 June.
Originally from Syria, Youssef arrived in Finland in 2017 through UNHCR’s resettlement programme as an unaccompanied minor. Having fled conflict and persecution at the age of 15, he has since built a new life in Finland and is now completing his studies at the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki.
Reflecting on his journey, Youssef describes what it meant to finally find safety:
"When a person escapes the grip of a dictatorship, it feels like a bird being released from a cage."
After arriving in Finland, he quickly set his sights on a future in acting. Just days after reaching the reception centre, he began contacting Finnish actors and theatres, determined to pursue his dream. Today, he is about to graduate from the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki.
"When I arrived in Finland, all I had was my dream. Now, almost ten years later, I know so many wonderful people and I'm about to graduate from the Theatre Academy."
As Refugee of the Year, Youssef hopes to build bridges between people and cultures and inspire young people facing difficult circumstances.
"I believe that is my role here: to take care of the Finland that welcomed me and, at the same time, to share the culture and experiences I come from."
Looking ahead, he hopes his story can encourage others to believe in new possibilities:
"If even one young person finds a new direction through my story, that is a great victory."
The Refugee of the Year award is presented annually by the Finnish Refugee Council to recognize a person with a refugee background who has made a significant contribution to Finnish society and helped promote understanding between communities.
