Pope Francis Commends Zayed Award For Human Fraternity's Judging Panel In Addressing Global Challenges

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has commended the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity's judging panel for their dedication to tackling global humanitarian issues. During a meeting at the Vatican, he highlighted the award's significance in promoting peace and addressing challenges like world hunger. This gathering included discussions with the 2025 judging committee about strategies to advance peace and resolve pressing humanitarian concerns.

The judging committee for the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is led by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. It includes notable figures from six countries: Macky Sall, former president of Senegal; José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former president of Spain; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences; and Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

This diverse group reflects a commitment to fostering global understanding across various fields such as diplomacy, economics, science, peacebuilding, and law. Their combined expertise aims to promote unity and cooperation worldwide. Pope Francis meets annually with this independent judging committee as an honorary recipient of the award. He encourages them to continue addressing human fraternity issues.

"There are millions of famished children around the world - children have to go through waste to find food," His Holiness stated. His words underscore the urgency of tackling these humanitarian challenges. The award's focus on human fraternity aligns with his vision for a more compassionate world.

Judge Abdelsalam expressed admiration for Pope Francis' dedication to peace and human fraternity. "His Holiness Pope Francis is a true hero for peace and human fraternity," he said. "His ongoing support for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity award since its inception - along with His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb - reaffirms the exceptionality of this prize."

Cardinal Peter Turkson echoed these sentiments: "Pope Francis invites us all to be apostles of hope." He emphasised that the award serves as a beacon of hope amid global conflicts. "The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity shows that every person can be a protagonist of hope and peace," he added.

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero remarked on the need for new strategies in today's world: "We need a new strategy for our world." He highlighted that this edition seeks to honour those pursuing peace relentlessly.

Award Ceremony in Abu Dhabi

The committee continues reviewing nominees for this sixth edition. The selected recipient(s) will receive US$1 million at an award ceremony in Abu Dhabi in February 2025. This event coincides with the UN-recognised International Day of Human Fraternity.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted Pope Francis' deep concern about global issues: "It is evident that Pope Francis is deeply and seriously concerned about the state of our world." She believes his support stems from recognising good people leading transformative efforts worldwide.

Patricia Scotland KC found inspiration in meeting Pope Francis: "The meeting with Pope Francis was a great inspiration for us all." She stressed that conflict isn't humanity's only path forward; peace can become reality through collective effort.

With inputs from WAM