Leyla Aliyeva Participates in “Human Fraternity Majlis” at Zayed National Museum
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Leyla Aliyeva on February 3 participated in the “Human Fraternity Majlis” event held at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to promote dialogue on tolerance, coexistence, and human solidarity.
The event opened with a video address by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by remarks from Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Cardinal George Koovakad read out a letter from Pope Leo XIV addressed to the participants, underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue and global cooperation in advancing the values of human fraternity.
A video presentation highlighting the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was subsequently screened, outlining the award’s mission and global impact in promoting peace and coexistence.
A panel discussion titled “Women’s Leadership as the Foundation of Human Fraternity” featured remarks by Megawati Sukarnoputri, former President of Indonesia and a member of the Zayed Award jury, Nehmat Aoun, First Lady of Lebanon, and Verónica Alcocer García, First Lady of Colombia.
Addressing the panel, Leyla Aliyeva emphasized that respect for diverse cultures, religions, and traditions has long been a core element of life in Azerbaijan. She highlighted the importance of growing up in a nurturing environment with strong family values as a foundation for shaping confident and responsible future generations.
Referring to the work of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva noted that the foundation has constructed and renovated numerous schools not only in Azerbaijan but also in Pakistan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She further stressed the need to modernize education systems in line with rapid technological advancements, adding that this transformation process has already begun.
Leyla Aliyeva also underscored the responsibility of parents and educators to value children, treat them with respect, and ensure that their voices are genuinely heard. Highlighting the challenges posed by social media, she said Azerbaijan is exploring ways to protect children from harmful content by drawing on best international practices.
The event also featured an address by First Lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, who spoke on the importance of women’s leadership and collective efforts in fostering human fraternity.
