Zayed Award For Human Fraternity Roundtable Focuses On Strengthening Peaceful Coexistence Initiatives

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recently held its third annual roundtable. This event brought together past and present awardees, as well as current and former judging committee members. The aim was to enhance collaboration, share ideas, and work towards promoting solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the award's Secretary-General, chaired the session. CNN's Caroline Faraj moderated the discussions. Attendees included Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences, former Costa Rican Vice President Epsy Campbell Barr, and Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic.

This year's focus was on strengthening efforts to promote the values championed by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The award serves as a global platform recognising individuals and institutions making significant contributions to human fraternity. Participants were encouraged to lead initiatives that align with this vision and tackle challenges in fostering fraternity across diverse communities.

Judge Abdelsalam emphasised that the award aims to unite those who believe in goodwill, coexistence, and peace. He stated, "Our world is increasingly recognising that the only path to peace is through collaboration that transcends conflict and differences."

Patricia Scotland highlighted the importance of love in human fraternity. She remarked, "Human fraternity is bound by the very important value of love, which requires us to speak to one another, to accept one another and to treat others as you would your own and to collaborate for the sake of peace and compassion."

World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore noted that people often hesitate to act for good due to challenges or barriers. She urged extending human fraternity beyond these obstacles: "We must extend the invite of human fraternity beyond these barriers, and encourage others to extend a helping hand."

Youth Empowerment

Fifteen-year-old innovator Heman Bekele stressed the need for youth inclusion: "Youth need to be given a place at the table; we need to be heard and included." He believes innovation and collaboration can make a positive impact: "I strongly believe that if we continue the work we have started as a Zayed Award family, the world will become a better place for all."

The discussions underscored that human fraternity begins at home and is nurtured in schools. Education and cultural understanding are vital in laying a foundation for solidarity.

A Global Network

Participants highlighted building a global network of human fraternity ambassadors as crucial. This network should thrive on unity while embracing diversity as a strength source.

The roundtable concluded with an emphasis on creating a future where collaboration transcends differences. By uniting under shared values of peace and compassion, participants aim to foster a more harmonious world.

With inputs from WAM