Zayed Award For Human Fraternity Ceremony Celebrates Leaders In Climate Action And Healthcare Innovation
Under the auspices of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the sixth Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony. This event took place at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, drawing global leaders and humanitarian advocates.
The ceremony coincided with the UN-recognised International Day of Human Fraternity. This day marks the signing of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis on 4th February 2019. The theme 'Tapestry of Humanity' was highlighted through a performance by Indonesian singer Putri Ariani and Emirati pianist Rashed Al Marzooqi.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognised three honorees: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, World Central Kitchen (WCK), and young innovator Heman Bekele. Mottley was honoured for her leadership in climate advocacy, particularly through her Bridgetown Initiative launched in 2022. This initiative calls for systemic changes to address climate inequality.
Mottley aims to make Barbados fully renewable by 2030. Her debt-for-climate swaps have allowed countries to focus resources on building climate resilience. These efforts have influenced global policy shifts towards climate justice. "It is our responsibility to recognise that we must make history trend in the right direction," she stated.
Founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, World Central Kitchen has delivered over 300 million meals across more than 30 countries. Its rapid response model allows it to operate in challenging environments, providing immediate aid and long-term support to communities affected by disasters. Andrés noted, "This award is an expression of the values Sheikh Zayed has taught his nation and the world."
Heman Bekele was recognised for his innovative approach to healthcare accessibility. Inspired by high skin cancer treatment costs in developing nations, he developed a cost-effective soap for early-stage skin cancer treatment. Collaborating with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Bekele aims to improve global access to affordable treatments.
Messages from Religious Leaders
His Eminence Grand Imam Al-Tayeb extended congratulations via video message: "The Honorable Mia Mottley, I commend your tireless efforts in addressing the global challenges of climate change." His Holiness Pope Francis remarked on the awardees' potential as models for peaceful coexistence initiatives.
Bekele expressed his commitment: "I have always been driven by one goal: to equalise access to healthcare—to ensure that life-saving treatments and technologies aren't limited by geography, wealth, or privilege." He invited others to join him in making healthcare universally accessible.
Nominations Open for Future Awards
The ceremony also announced that nominations are open for the 2026 edition of the award. Eligible nominators can submit their nominations through the official website of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
With inputs from WAM
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