SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Current and former heads of state, first ladies, Nobel Prize laureates, and humanitarian leaders from around the globe came together on Tuesday for the International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis in Abu Dhabi.

Held at the Zayed National Museum, the majlis featured discussions focused on translating peace, solidarity, and coexistence into tangible initiatives that respond to the realities of communities and address urgent humanitarian challenges.

The event opened with remarks from Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam; and representatives of the Vatican and Al-Azhar delivering messages on behalf of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

In a video address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak highlighted the values that have long underpinned the UAE’s vision for peace and coexistence.

“Sheikh Zayed always acted on the conviction that a peaceful and prosperous society must be anchored in a commitment to the universal human values we all share,” the minister said.

Dr Maitha AlShamsi said that hosting the International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis at the Zayed National Museum reflects the UAE’s steadfast belief in dialogue, coexistence, and a shared human destiny. She noted that the UAE has long been — and will remain — a land of encounter and human fraternity, creating common spaces that unite rather than divide.

She added that the UAE’s leadership continues to support initiatives that promote peace, strengthen human solidarity, and build bridges between nations.

Women at the Heart of Human Fraternity

The majlis’ first session —" Female Leadership at the Heart of Human Fraternity” — featured prominent women figures including First Lady of Lebanon Nehmat Aoun; First Lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto Zardari; First Lady of Colombia Verónica Alcocer García; former President of Indonesia and member of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 judging committee Megawati Sukarnoputri; and Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva.

Aoun emphasised that it is a shared responsibility to “turn diversity into harmony and strength, reaffirming the enduring values of coexistence and unity across all segments of society.”

Zardari reflected on her own experience, noting the influence of her mother’s leadership in shaping a network of thousands of women who advanced Pakistan’s community-based healthcare initiatives. “We have witnessed the positive impact of these initiatives firsthand—in improved health outcomes and in reinforcing the role of women,” she said.

García stressed that international cooperation is ultimately a human responsibility. “Whether with patients, incarcerated women, or the elderly who feel unseen, real change begins when we listen, show compassion, and act together,” she noted.

Sukarnoputri encouraged young women and girls to aspire to leadership and positions of responsibility, stressing that when women embody justice and equality, they actively contribute to the larger goal of human fraternity. Aliyeva, meanwhile, underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation: “We are committed to raising children with compassion, empathy, and a strong sense of family, as these principles play a profound role in building cohesive and resilient societies.”

Responding to Crises

The majlis continued with a second session – “Humanitarian Response in Action: Leading with Courage, Compassion, and Integrity” - which examined challenges facing humanitarian responders in crisis and conflict-affected regions worldwide.

José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and 2022 Zayed Award judging committee member, stressed the need for collaboration between governments and the private sector to drive real change.

Highlighting the critical role of healthcare in humanitarian aid, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, Egyptian cardiac surgeon and 2024 Zayed Award honouree, spoke on inequality in healthcare: “Who should care? All of us. We all have to care for inequity in healthcare delivery because we are all equal. The human genome shows we are all equal.”

Dr. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, underscored the urgency of proactive preparedness: “We live in a world where we are moving from crisis to crisis. No one is safe until we are all safe. We need to strengthen systems and institutions in times of peace to be ready in times of need.”

Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and 2023 Zayed Award jury member, drew attention to the vulnerability of children in conflict zones: “Until and unless we feel all children are our children, we are not going to solve these problems.”

Reinforcing the importance of collaboration across sectors, Javier Garcia, CEO of 2025 Zayed Award honouree World Central Kitchen, said: “Real change requires a genuine partnership between governments and the private sector. Only when they work together, across borders and systems, can we deliver lasting impact.”

Powerful Source of Hope

For humanitarians and global leaders alike, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity stands as a beacon of peace and a symbol of hope in an increasingly complex world.

Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the majlis, Charles Michel, former Prime Minister of Belgium and former President of the European Council, expressed his support for the award, highlighting the core values it represents.

“In the current context, it is crucial to promote values rooted in mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Satyarthi, echoed this sentiment, describing the award as a powerful source of hope. “This award matters because it brings inspiration and optimism,” he said. “It reminds us that together, we can overcome challenges and solve the problems we face.”

For David Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity conveys a significant message for humanity.

“It highlights the importance of focusing less on self and more on other people,” he said, describing this as the foundation for true coexistence and tolerance.

Luis Miguel Merlano, Ambassador of Colombia to the UAE, praised the award’s growing influence each year, noting that its impact is especially meaningful at a time when humanity and fraternity must remain at the heart of global efforts.