UAE Hosts Sixth Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

UAE Hosts Sixth Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the prestigious sixth edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, held at The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi.

The ceremony, coinciding with the International Day of Human Fraternity, gathered world leaders, dignitaries, and humanitarian advocates, celebrating individuals and organizations making profound contributions to global peace, humanitarian aid, and social justice.

Distinguished Guests and Global Recognition

Among the notable attendees were President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta, First Lady of Colombia Verónica del Socorro Alcocer García, and former President of the European Council Charles Michel. Emirati officials present included:

  • Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence,
  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Wajib Volunteer Association,
  • Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office,
  • Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State,
  • Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice,
  • Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, and
  • Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The event, themed “Tapestry of Humanity,” opened with a moving performance by Indonesian singer Putri Ariani and Emirati pianist Rashed Al Marzooqi, symbolizing unity through music.

Honoring Champions of Human Fraternity

This year’s Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognized three distinguished honorees for their transformative impact:

  1. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, for her climate advocacy and global leadership.
  2. World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by Chef José Andrés, for its humanitarian efforts in food relief and disaster response.
  3. Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old health innovator, for developing a cancer-fighting soap to treat early-stage skin cancer.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley was honored for her bold leadership in climate action, particularly through the Bridgetown Initiative, which calls for global financial reforms to support climate resilience. She reaffirmed her commitment to making Barbados 100% renewable by 2030 and championing sustainable economic policies worldwide.

Since its founding in 2010, World Central Kitchen has provided over 300 million meals across more than 30 countries, responding to humanitarian crises with rapid food relief efforts. Chef José Andrés emphasized the award’s alignment with Sheikh Zayed’s values of tolerance, coexistence, and humanitarian service.

Young innovator Heman Bekele was recognized for his commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly for developing a low-cost soap designed to treat early-stage skin cancer. His collaboration with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is expected to revolutionize cancer treatment accessibility in underserved communities.

Messages from Global Religious Leaders

In video messages, His Eminence Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis praised the honorees for their contributions to human fraternity.

The Grand Imam commended Mottley’s climate advocacy, celebrated Bekele’s scientific achievement, and recognized World Central Kitchen’s dedication to humanitarian service, calling it “an acknowledgment of all relief workers who extend a helping hand to the vulnerable.”

Pope Francis emphasized the honorees’ role as examples of peaceful coexistence and interfaith collaboration, urging others to follow their path in service to humanity.

Looking Ahead: Future of Human Fraternity

The ceremony also marked the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, with submissions now available via the official website: zayedaward.org.

As the UAE continues to champion global humanitarian efforts, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity remains a powerful platform recognizing individuals and organizations committed to peace, coexistence, and social justice worldwide.