#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Human Fraternity #Zayed Award

Advocating for Peace: Highlights from the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Roundtable

On February 4, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity welcomed a diverse group of notable individuals to its annual roundtable in Abu Dhabi, uniting to foster discussions on peace and coexistence. This event marked the third gathering of its kind, showcasing a commitment from past and present honorees and judging committee members to tackle the challenges facing human fraternity today.

The discussions were moderated by CNN's Caroline Faraj and chaired by His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Zayed Award. This year’s assembly featured prominent figures such as Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Pontifical Academy, and the inspiring young innovator Heman Bekele.

The overarching theme revolved around collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting human fraternity. Participants expressed their intention to enhance their combined efforts in advocating the values that the Zayed Award embodies. As stated by Judge Abdelsalam, “Our world increasingly recognizes that the only path to peace is through collaboration that transcends conflict and differences.” This encapsulates the essence of the objectives set forth by the Zayed Award and its ambassadors.

A highlight of the roundtable was the messages delivered by the 2025 honorees, including Erin Gore, CEO of World Central Kitchen, and 15-year-old innovator Heman Bekele. Erin emphasized the need to break down barriers that prevent individuals from taking initiatives to act for the good of society, while Heman stressed the importance of including youth in discussions regarding the future, stating, “We need to be heard and included.”

The gathering also highlighted the role of education and cultural understanding in fostering solidarity. Participants concurred that nurturing human fraternity starts in the home and extends to schools, where foundational values of compassion and coexistence can be instilled in future generations.

As the roundtable concluded, there was a shared vision among all participants to build a robust global network of human fraternity ambassadors. This network would focus on embracing unity and diversity, transforming potential divisions into sources of strength and collaboration. The Zayed Award serves a vital role in connecting individuals and groups dedicated to these ideals, further highlighting its commitment to creating impactful initiatives that advance the goals of human fraternity.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honors individuals and organizations who, through their selfless acts, help to foster solidarity, integrity, and compassion across communities globally. Its inception was inspired by a historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, emphasizing interfaith dialogue and understanding.

In essence, the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Roundtable not only reinforced the commitment of ambassadors to peaceful coexistence but also sparked new dialogues on how to effectively implement these principles in our global communities. Such gatherings are imperative in today’s world, where the pursuit of peace requires collective effort transcending geographic, social, and cultural barriers. As they move forward, the ambassadors are tasked with amplifying the message of human fraternity, ultimately striving for a world enriched by collaboration and understanding among all peoples.