Zayed Award For Human Fraternity Reveals Judging Committee For 2026 Edition

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has announced its new judging panel for the 2026 edition. This international prize honours individuals and organisations worldwide that work tirelessly to promote human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father, the award celebrates his legacy of humanitarianism.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the award, highlighted the diversity of this year's jury. "This year’s judging committee members hail from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas - and represent various fields including humanitarian aid to children, diplomacy, culture, education, media, and law. This richly diverse jury of influential figures truly represents the global mission of the award, and we look forward to honouring individuals and entities who are serving humanity, reflecting the late Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of humanitarianism rooted in extending support to all, without distinction. The award continues to receive the steadfast support from the patron of human fraternity, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

The six-member committee includes Catherine Russell from UNICEF; Charles Michel, former European Council President; Moussa Faki Mahamat from Chad; Saida Mirziyoyeva from Uzbekistan; Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça from the Holy See; and Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. These members bring a wealth of experience across various sectors such as diplomacy and education.

Catherine Russell expressed her enthusiasm about joining this esteemed panel. "I’m honoured to join the judging committee of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, an important award with a strong commitment to furthering the lives of children and future generations. The award sets out to advance the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity, including children’s rights and welfare, and aligns well with UNICEF’s mission to protect the rights of the world’s children."

Charles Michel shared his admiration for the award's role in promoting peaceful coexistence. "More than a prize, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity serves as a platform to inspire and present to the world diverse models of peaceful coexistence and progress. As someone who has admired and supported the award since its inception, I am deeply honoured by this opportunity to join the jury of the seventh edition."

Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasised his lifelong dedication to unity across Africa. "As someone who has worked my entire life to promote unity across Africa and around the globe, I am privileged to be a jury member for the prize, which has so far honoured five recipients from the African continent. Alongside my fellow judges, we will focus our efforts on the next chapter of human fraternity."

Recognising Unsung Heroes

Saida Mirziyoyeva expressed her humility at being part of this prestigious group. "I am humbled to join this illustrious judging committee as the first-ever jury member from Central Asia. Together with my fellow jury members, we will aim to recognise the unsung humanitarian heroes who are improving communities and solving pressing challenges around the world."

Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça reflected on his appointment's significance. "My appointment to the judging committee was part of the precious legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, who inspired the establishment of the award and was an honorary recipient. I accept this responsibility bestowed upon me by Pope Francis...to honour those putting into practice values of human fraternity."

Nominations Open Until October 2025

Nominations remain open until 1st October 2025 through their official website: zayedaward.org. Since its inception in 2019 following a historic meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi where they co-signed a document on human fraternity—the award has recognised 16 recipients from 15 countries.

Past honourees include prominent figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres; King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein; Queen Rania Al Abdullah; Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil; Indonesian organisations Nahdlatul Ulama & Muhammadiyah among others.

With inputs from WAM