Celebrating Humanitarian Achievements at the Zayed Award Ceremony 2025 in Abu Dhabi

A Celebration of Humanity at the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2025

On February 5, 2025, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity held its sixth annual ceremony under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. This momentous event took place at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, bringing together a multitude of distinguished leaders, dignitaries, and humanitarian advocates from around the world. The gathering included notable figures such as José Ramos-Horta, the President of East Timor, and former president of the European Council, Charles Michel, among others.

Themed ‘Tapestry of Humanity’, the ceremony opened with an inspiring performance by the young sight-impaired Indonesian singer, Putri Ariani, and Emirati pianist Rashed Al Marzooqi, captivating the audience with a soulful melody. This event coincided with the International Day of Human Fraternity, emphasizing the global commitment to unity and compassion, commemorating a significant milestone in the humanitarian journey.

The Zayed Award honored three remarkable individuals and organizations for their unwavering contributions to society:

1. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados – Recognized for her bold climate leadership and advocacy for vulnerable communities. Through initiatives like the Bridgetown Initiative, she has championed efforts to address climate inequality, aiming for a 100% renewable Barbados by 2030. Her innovative policies have inspired others to pursue climate resilience on a global scale.

2. World Central Kitchen (WCK) – Founded by Chef José Andrés, WCK has emerged as a global leader in disaster relief, providing over 300 million meals across more than 30 countries. The organization’s rapid response model exemplifies humanitarian commitment in the face of adversity, aiding communities impacted by natural disasters and conflict.

3. Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old health innovator – Awarded for developing a cost-effective soap aimed at treating early-stage skin cancer in developing countries. Partnering with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Heman's initiative is projected to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and affordability for the most vulnerable populations.

Messages of support and encouragement for the awardee were delivered through video addresses by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Pope Francis highlighted the importance of these honorees in promoting peaceful coexistence while Imam Al-Tayeb praised their dedication to addressing pressing global challenges, especially climate change and humanitarian relief.

Prime Minister Mottley articulated the importance of leadership in creating a better future, stating, "It is our responsibility to recognize that we must make history trend in the right direction… for opportunities and peace for the people of the world."

Chef José Andrés, reflecting on the values of the UAE, celebrated the award as a representation of tolerance, coexistence, and respect, reiterating WCK's commitment to these principles.

Heman Bekele expressed his determination to equalize access to healthcare through innovative solutions and urged attendees to join him in advocating for healthcare as a universal right. His sentiments underscored the potential of youth-led initiatives in addressing global health disparities.

The ceremony also served as a kickoff for nominations for the 2026 edition of the award, inviting individuals and organizations worldwide to submit their nominations via the official website.

Since its inception in 2019, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has honored those striving for solidarity, integrity, and peaceful coexistence across divides, nurturing the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This year's event reinforced the UAE's position as a global advocate for humanitarian efforts, setting a benchmark for future actions in the name of humanity.

For more information and for nominations for future awards, please visit the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity's official website.