The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has received a record number of nominations for its 2026 edition, with candidates from over 75 countries, submitted by a select group of eligible nominators including heads of states, Nobel Peace laureates, grassroots activists, and youth changemakers.
More than 350 nominations were received, with the five top nominating countries being the UAE, US, Italy, Canada, and Egypt.
The judging committee are currently reviewing nominees and will select the honouree(s) next month for the seventh edition of the award, which includes a US$1 million prize. The 2026 recipient(s) will be announced in January and honoured at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2026, coinciding with the UN-recognised International Day of Human Fraternity.
His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said: “The record number of nominations received by the judging committee this year reflects the award’s global stature, the growing trust it merits, and its expanding impact, affirming its position as the most significant and influential award in advancing human fraternity and coexistence worldwide. The award embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision continues to anchor the UAE’s commitment to helping all people regardless of religion, ethnicity, background, or nationality.”
The six distinguished jury members are: former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium His Excellency Charles Michel, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Minister of Chad His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See His Excellency Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, and Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam.
Named in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognizes individuals and organisations of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world - working selflessly and tirelessly to advance human fraternity and create breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence.
The award has so far recognised 16 recipients from 15 countries since its establishment in 2019, following the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between the late His Holiness Pope Francis, 266th head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, during which the two religious figures co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity.
Past award recipients include Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb (honorary recipient), The late Pope Francis, 266th head of the Catholic Church (honorary recipient); UN Secretary-General António Guterres; activist against extremism Latifa Ibn Ziaten; Their Majesties King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Haitian organization the Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty; the Community of Sant’Egidio organization; Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil; Indonesian charitable organizations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah; world-renowned cardiac surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub; Chilean NGO founder Sister Nelly Leon Correa; Prime Minister of Barbados the Honorable Mia Amor Mottley; food relief organisation World Central Kitchen; and youth health innovator Heman Bekele.
