Eighteen-year-old Kazakhstani Diana Murzagaliyeva has been awarded the Diana Award. This honor was bestowed upon Diana for her remarkable efforts in the social sector. The announcement was made on December 6, 2024, by the British Embassy in Kazakhstan.
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is presented by the charity of the same name and is supported by both of her sons—Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.
According to the embassy's statement, Diana was diagnosed with dysarthria from an early age due to nuclear tests conducted near her hometown of Semey.
“Diana Murzagaliyeva has dedicated her life to supporting those who face challenges due to speech disorders and health issues. Diagnosed with dysarthria caused by decades of nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk test site, Diana has overcome numerous difficulties, including bullying at school and multiple surgeries. Unable to speak in her childhood, she expressed her thoughts through writing, later creating stories about the dreams of children with disabilities. These stories became the basis for her animated film 'Үміт әрдайым жанымызда' ('Hope is Always with Us'),” the embassy shared.
Diana Murzagaliyeva founded the Inclusive Academy and the AI-based application SpeakUp, which assists individuals with speech impairments. Her work focuses on promoting global inclusion through education, technology, and storytelling, as noted by the British diplomatic mission. The embassy believes that Diana “breaks barriers and promotes inclusivity worldwide.”
“In this special 25th anniversary year of the Diana Award, it is wonderful to see young people from around the world being recognized. Sometimes the world can seem like an uncertain and unfamiliar place, and I am confident that many of you have put in considerable effort to overcome obstacles and make positive changes. I know my mother, whose memory you honor by receiving the Diana Award, would be proud of you. I hope this award helps you continue your work and support those around you,” reads an official letter signed by Prince William.
Diana herself wrote on her Instagram page that this is a very important day for her and she will “cherish it in her heart for the rest of her life.”
“I am incredibly proud to announce that I received a letter from His Royal Highness Prince William, expressing gratitude for my selfless assistance to children with disabilities. And now, I am the proud recipient of the prestigious Diana Award!” Diana wrote.
The young woman also shared that she has dreamed of helping children with special needs since childhood, and this desire has driven her throughout her life.
“When I read the letter from the prince, tears streamed down my face. I remembered that little girl I once was—writing in my diary about children with disabilities and promising to help them. Back then, I never could have imagined that this promise would lead me to such incredible recognition,” the Kazakhstani shared her feelings.
In her post, Diana also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her—her parents, teachers, friends, UNICEF coordinators, and the team from the Diana Award charity—and urged everyone to “make the world a better place.”
The Diana Award is given to young people who have dedicated at least 12 months to making a positive contribution to society through various activities such as education, fundraising, or providing services. Nominees are put forward by adults familiar with their work. In 2024, over 80 volunteers from more than 30 countries evaluated 1,700 applications based on five criteria: vision, social impact, inspiring others, youth leadership, and pathways to social action.