3rd International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis to Bring Together Global Leaders and Peacebuilders at Zayed National Museum

The 3rd International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis, organized by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, is set to convene on February 3, 2026, at the newly inaugurated Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. Held ahead of the annual award ceremony, the Majlis will unite world leaders, peacebuilders, and humanitarian experts to discuss pressing global challenges and advance the principles of coexistence, compassion, and solidarity.

The event marks the first time the Majlis will be hosted at the Zayed National Museum, a landmark celebrating the life and legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision of tolerance and human fraternity continues to inspire global dialogue.

Global Voices for Peace and Fraternity

The 2026 Majlis will open with remarks from H.E. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and member of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging committee, who will speak on behalf of this year’s panel of judges.

The first session, titled “Female Leadership at the Heart of Human Fraternity,” will feature a distinguished lineup of international women leaders whose work has strengthened social cohesion and humanitarian values in their countries. Panelists include:

• Megawati Sukarnoputri, former President of Indonesia and 2024 Zayed Award judging committee member

• Nehmat Aoun, First Lady of Lebanon

• Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan

• Verónica Alcocer, First Lady of Colombia

• Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation

The second session, “Humanitarian Response in Action: Leading with Courage, Compassion, and Integrity,” will focus on the importance of collaboration and empathy in global crisis response. Confirmed speakers include:

• José Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor and Nobel Peace Laureate

• Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, renowned Egyptian cardiac surgeon

• Javier Garcia, CEO of World Central Kitchen and 2025 co-honouree

• Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate and 2023 judging committee member

• Dr. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office at Vienna and Director-General of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime

A Platform for Dialogue and Global Cooperation

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said the Majlis serves as an annual platform for dialogue and reflection on advancing global peace.

“The International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis reaffirms our commitment to transforming shared human values into actionable pathways that counter division and promote coexistence. It unites global leaders, thinkers, and humanitarians in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.”

Honouring the Spirit of the Document on Human Fraternity

The Majlis is held annually to commemorate the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4, marking the historic 2019 meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. The meeting, hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, led to the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity — a milestone in interfaith dialogue and global unity.

Honouring Global Champions of Peace

The seventh edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity will take place on February 4, 2026, at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, recognizing exceptional achievements in peacebuilding and humanitarianism.

This year’s honourees include:

• The historic peace agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, represented by President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

• Zarqa Yaftali, Afghan advocate for girls’ education

• Taawon, a Palestinian humanitarian organization dedicated to social development and resilience

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity remains an independent global initiative recognizing individuals and institutions that embody the values of solidarity, fairness, integrity, and optimism, championing humanity across borders.