Abu dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, attended a ceremony honoring the recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026, now in its seventh edition. The event was held at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi in the presence of a distinguished gathering of leaders, senior officials, prominent international figures, advocates of human fraternity, this year's honorees, and members of the Award's judging committee.
According to Emirates News Agency, His Highness congratulated the 2026 honorees: His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and His Excellency Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, in recognition of the historic peace agreement between their two countries; Ms. Zarqa Yaftali, for her advocacy for Afghan girls' and young women's right to education; and the Palestinian humanitarian organisation Taawon, for its humanitarian efforts for the Palestinian people.
The honorees' achievements affirm that human fraternity is a deeply rooted value that builds bridges, safeguards human dignity, and demonstrates that peace grounded in dialogue and cooperation can help shape a more just and hopeful future for all. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also conveyed his best wishes to the honorees for their continued success in advancing their humanitarian missions.
His Highness commended the independent international judging committee for its dedicated work in selecting exemplary humanitarian models. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting the global journey of human fraternity, noting efforts that have continued after the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has become a leading platform for honoring champions of humanitarian action and peacebuilding.
The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and several Sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, and guests of the UAE, including heads of state and international dignitaries.
During the ceremony, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev delivered remarks about the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing pride in receiving an award that bears the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His Excellency Nikol Pashinyan also addressed the ceremony, emphasizing that the award is a tribute to the peoples of both nations.
Dr. Nabil Qaddumi, Chairman of Taawon's Board of Trustees, highlighted the organisation's long-term, sustainable programs in various sectors that place the Palestinian individual at the center of development. Zarqa Yaftali dedicated her prize to Afghan girls and women, calling for a clear moral stance in support of their right to education.
The ceremony featured recorded messages of congratulations from leaders such as His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Trkiye, who commended the honorees' courage in advancing the values of peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, stated that recognizing the Award's honorees represents a triumph of human will over conflict. He emphasized that the award has evolved into an international platform dedicated to advancing goodness and peace.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an independent, international annual prize worth one million US dollars. It recognizes individuals, organisations, and institutions whose contributions advance peace, human fraternity, and coexistence, demonstrating the power of moral courage to inspire positive change.
The ceremony coincided with the International Day of Human Fraternity, reflecting international recognition of fraternity, coexistence, and dialogue as fundamental pillars for a peaceful world. The ceremony also marked the opening of nominations for the 2027 edition of the award, inviting submissions through the official Zayed Award portal.
