Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Invites Nominations for 2026 Edition with $1 Million Prize

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Opens Nominations for 2026 Edition

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has officially opened its nomination process for the 2026 edition, extending an invitation to individuals and organizations worldwide who are making significant contributions towards promoting human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. Established in 2019, this prestigious award honors the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, whose humanitarian legacy continues to inspire future generations.

A $1 million prize accompanies the award, aimed at supporting leaders and organizations advocating values of tolerance, solidarity, and peace. His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the award, emphasized that this award highlights inspiring figures who foster peaceful coexistence. He noted that over the years, the award has gained substantial recognition, generating thousands of nominations globally.

Call for Nominations

Eligible candidates for nominations include academics, spiritual leaders, public figures, government representatives, and heads of non-governmental organizations. Those interested can submit their nominations through the official website until October 1, 2025.

Since its inception, the Zayed Award has celebrated a total of 16 recipients recognized for their extraordinary work in various domains such as healthcare, education, sustainability, and youth empowerment. The award's establishment was a response to the landmark meeting between His Holiness Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, which led to the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity—a declaration that upholds the core values represented by the award.

Reflecting on the 2025 Award Ceremony

The recent 2025 award ceremony held on February 4 recognized honorees including the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, for her climate advocacy; World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés, for its food relief initiatives in conflict zones; and 15-year-old health innovator Heman Bekele, celebrated for his innovative ideas aimed at providing affordable healthcare solutions. This prestigious gathering in Abu Dhabi also featured dignitaries, humanitarians, and government officials who celebrated the impactful contributions of these honorees.

Past Recipients and Global Impact

Past award recipients have included distinguished personalities such as Pope Francis, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and various humanitarian organizations. Their collective efforts underline the award's commitment to recognizing the unwavering dedication towards creating peaceful, inclusive societies.

The Zayed Award continues to set a benchmark for honoring those who tirelessly work towards human welfare, inspiring a new generation of ambassadors for fraternity, understanding, and mutual respect across cultures.

For further information or to make a nomination, please visit the Zayed Award website. Join the movement in recognizing and supporting those who exemplify the values of humanity in their remarkable endeavors.