Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Opens 2027 Submissions to Honour Global Humanitarian Efforts
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has officially launched submissions for its 2027 edition, calling on individuals and organisations worldwide to showcase exceptional humanitarian work that promotes peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding.
The prestigious annual award, which carries a prize of $1 million, was inspired by the landmark Document on Human Fraternity signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The initiative reflects a global commitment to advancing unity and dialogue across cultures and religions.
Named in honour of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the award embodies his enduring legacy of humanitarianism, tolerance, and respect for all people, regardless of religion, race, gender, or nationality. It recognises outstanding contributions that build bridges of understanding and foster peaceful coexistence worldwide.
His Excellency Mohamed Abdelsalam, Judge and Secretary General of the award, emphasised the growing importance of such initiatives in today’s global climate. He noted that the eighth edition comes at a time when promoting peace and human fraternity is more critical than ever, highlighting the award’s mission to celebrate impactful humanitarian efforts that translate the principles of the Human Fraternity document into real-world programmes.
The most recent ceremony, held on February 4, 2026, at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, was attended by global leaders including Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ilham Aliyev, and Nikol Pashinyan, alongside representatives from more than 40 countries.
The 2026 award recognised the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as Taawon and Afghan women’s rights advocate Zarqa Yaftali for their contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and education.
Since its inception in 2019, the award has honoured 20 individuals and organisations from around the world for their work across diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, sustainability, refugee support, food relief, and community development.
Nominations for the 2027 edition are now open and can be submitted via the award’s official website until October 1, 2026.
