ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has announced the Palestinian non-profit organisation Taawon as the third honouree of its seventh edition in 2026.

The organisation will be honoured alongside the historic peace agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, and Afghan girls’ education advocate Zarqa Yaftali, during the annual award ceremony at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2026.

Palestinian organisation Taawon was selected in recognition of its exceptional humanitarian and developmental work, which touches the lives of over one million people annually across Palestine.

Since its establishment in 1983, Taawon has invested more than $ 1 billion across various initiatives including education, youth empowerment, orphan care, cultural projects, rehabilitation of historic towns, and community development, covering health, agriculture, and emergency humanitarian assistance.

The organisation has implemented over 8,200 projects that empower Palestinians, particularly the younger generation, in strengthening resilience, advancing opportunities, and elevating communities economically, socially, and culturally, while preserving Palestinian heritage, promoting sustainable development, and showcasing enduring civilisation and renewed creativity.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said that the selection of Taawon as the third 2026 honouree is a recognition of the organisation’s long-standing humanitarian efforts, which have safeguarded human dignity and strengthened the resilience of Palestinian society amid highly complex and challenging circumstances.

He noted that Taawon has advanced a pioneering institutional model for humanitarian action and development, expanding its impact from immediate relief to long-term investment in education, health, youth empowerment, and social cohesion.

He also added that honouring Taawon aligns with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s mission to recognise organisations that translate the values of human fraternity into tangible impact, and help people and communities in need, following in the footsteps of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Dr Nabil H. Qaddumi, Chairman of Taawon’s Board of Directors, expressed pride in the organisation’s selection as a 2026 honouree, and conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the award’s judging committee, comprised of a global panel of experts dedicated to advancing dialogue and human coexistence.

Dr Qaddumi said that the recognition will provide Taawon with renewed moral momentum and a broader platform to highlight humanitarian and developmental priorities in Palestine. He underscored that the international recognition conferred by the award will advance the organisation’s capacity to further develop long-term programs in education, health, youth empowerment, and community development.

The announcement of Taawon as the third honouree for the award's seventh edition follows the award's announcement of the first and second honourees last week, namely the historic peace agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, and Afghan girls’ education advocate, Zarqa Yaftali.

President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, both expressed their pride in the joint recognition, which contributes to strengthening efforts to advance peace in the Caucasus region. Zarqa Yaftali said the honour carries a powerful and inspiring message to the women of Afghanistan and offers a renewed source of hope to many girls and women around the world.

Since 2019, the award has honoured 20 recipients from 20 countries including His Holiness Pope Francis (honourary recipient), Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb (honourary recipient), and international institutions and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to promoting and advancing the values of human fraternity worldwide.