Azerbaijani-born journalist wins Stockholm public education award.

Sabina Isgenderli, an Azerbaijani-born journalist living in Sweden, has received Stockholm City’s public education award, becoming the first representative of the Azerbaijani community to earn the distinction.

The award was presented at Stockholm City Hall as part of the municipality’s annual recognition of achievements in culture and public education.

Isgenderli leads Cinema Club Stockholm, which introduces newcomers to Sweden to the history of Swedish cinema and society through film screenings and discussions. Since 2022, the club has attracted a growing number of Ukrainian refugees.

“Cinema is one of the best ways to understand a country’s culture and social development,” Isgenderli said. “Through film, people gain a deeper understanding of Swedish society, traditions and values.”

Her work is carried out within Sweden’s folkbildning system of adult education, which promotes lifelong learning, civic engagement and social integration through study circles and community-based courses.

Isgenderli was nominated by NBV (Nykterhetsrörelsens Bildningsverksamhet), one of Sweden’s largest adult education associations. Founded in 1971, NBV traces its roots to Sweden’s temperance movement and today organizes educational and community programmes across the country.

Eight candidates were nominated for this year’s award by Sweden’s educational associations and folk high schools.

The winners were selected by Stockholm’s municipal council. The ceremony took place at Stockholm City Hall, which also hosts the annual Nobel Prize banquet.

Isgenderli graduated from Baku State University and worked for national and international media organizations before moving to Sweden in 2004. She is the founder of the Azerbaijan Women Journalists Association and chairs Almen, a cultural organization that supports the integration of ethnic communities in Sweden.