The search for the next honourees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has officially begun, with the opening of nominations for the prize’s eighth edition, reinforcing the award’s global standing and growing impact in promoting the values of human fraternity and honouring individuals and organisations building bridges of understanding and peaceful coexistence among peoples.
The annual humanitarian award honours individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to advancing human fraternity, promoting dialogue, and fostering solidarity, in alignment with the values of the historic Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by the late His Holiness Pope Francis, 266th pope of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.
Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, the award reflects Sheikh Zayed’s moral legacy, humanitarianism, and respect for others and helping them regardless of religion, gender, race, or nationality.
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, said: “Opening nominations for the independent global award’s eighth edition reflects the continuity of its mission to highlight and honour pioneering humanitarian efforts that serve humanity and advance the values of human fraternity worldwide.”
His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam added that the award “continues to support high-impact initiatives that translate the principles of the historic Document on Human Fraternity into practical programmes that create sustainable impact in communities around the globe. We look forward to receiving new nominations this year for individuals and entities making meaningful contributions to advancing the values of human fraternity globally.”
The annual award, which includes a financial prize of US$1 million, was established following the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi in 2019 between His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late His Holiness Pope Francis, 266th pope of the Catholic Church, during which the two prominent religious leaders signed the Document on Human Fraternity, a pivotal declaration in modern history.
On February 4, 2026, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honoured the recipients of its seventh edition during an award ceremony held at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, attended by President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; His Excellency Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; and high-level figures from over 40 countries around the world.
The 2026 award was granted to the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Palestinian humanitarian organisation Taawon, and Afghan women’s rights advocate Zarqa Yaftali, in recognition of their contributions to advancing peaceful coexistence, humanitarian aid, and education for all.
Since 2019, the award has recognised 20 honourees from 20 countries for their contributions across a wide range of humanitarian fields, including health, education, sustainability, refugee support, community development, food relief, and empowerment of youth and women, among others.
Nominations can be submitted through the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s official website - https://zayedaward.org - until October 1, 2026.
