UAE’s $1 million humanitarian award a ‘beacon of light’ in world divided by conflict

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honours organisations and people seeking to build a better future for all

Kenyan peace campaigner Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil, alias Mama Shamsa, accepts the 2023 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. Photo: Wam

An annual humanitarian award established following Pope Francis's historic visit to the UAE has been described as a “ray of light” in a world dimmed by crises and conflict as it prepares to name its latest winners.

The $1 million Zayed Award for Human Fraternity – inspired by the philanthropic vision of UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – celebrates organisations and people whose work seeks to bring about meaningful change and improve lives around the world.

The award was launched on February 4, 2019, to provide a legacy to the milestone meeting in Abu Dhabi between Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayeb.

The sixth annual awards ceremony will be held on February 4, to coincide with the International Day of Human Fraternity.

The prize recognises the efforts of high-profile figures and grass roots campaigners alike, with previous winners including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, as well as charitable foundations offering a helping hand to the needy from Haiti to Kenya and beyond.

In total, 13 recipients – nine people and four organisations -have been honoured in five years, with nominees drawn from 66 countries.

Promoting peace and prosperity

Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, secretary general of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, outlines the significance of the annual prize. Pawan Singh / The National

“It is a platform – a bridge that connects all those who cherish goodness, peace, coexistence, and fraternity,” said Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, secretary general of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, who oversees the committee of judges.

“What makes it even more remarkable is that it doesn’t only touch communities or individuals with initiatives – it reaches everyone, at every level: leaders, workers, philanthropists, and ordinary people alike. It is an award that truly touches all aspects of life, making it exceptional in every sense.

“Every year, some people ask, 'Human fraternity? What kind of human fraternity are we talking about?' What kind of fraternity does the award promote in a world full of wars, conflicts, and hatred?

'I always say that the impact of initiatives like this, the impact of the Document on Human Fraternity, and the impact of the Zayed Award in encouraging inspiring individuals, those with good hearts, and people with strong morals and values around the world, represents a powerful beam of light.

“It’s not just a glimmer of hope – it’s a strong ray of light in a world often clouded by dark events and challenges.”

Judge Salam said the award embodies the values of Sheikh Zayed and told of his hope that it can serve to help many more worthy causes.

“We’ve managed to achieve part of our goal, but the road ahead is still long. There’s still a great deal of work to be done, and many initiatives will require persistence, determination, resilience, and patience.

“But I’m confident that this award serves as a source of hope and a powerful beacon of light for many people around the world.

“The truth is that the spirit of Sheikh Zayed, deeply rooted in the Emirati people and leadership, made this possible. The UAE’s unique composition – a remarkable blend of heritage and modernity, of tradition and progress – brought this vision to life.”

Offering hope in dark times

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Trade Organisation director general and a member of the 2025 judging panel, said this year's award took on great significance as the world grapples with wars and the threat of climate change.

“Young people need hope because there is so much uncertainty in the world – this causes real anxiety,” she said.

“Seven hundred million people go to bed hungry every day. Billions of dollars are spent on arms. Respect for multilateralism is going down.

“It is absolutely clear why we need to have a prize like this, as it illustrates hope: people doing amazing things in terrible conditions – that’s what gives me hope. The award is a reminder to humanity that there are still good people in this world doing good work.”

Patricia Scotland, secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations and a fellow judge, echoed those sentiments.

“Human fraternity is the opportunity for us to make peace. The prize is also about innovation and giving young people hope,” she said.

Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil, known as Mama Shamsa, is offering vital support to people in Kenya through her charitable work. Photo: Zayed Human Fraternity Award

Making a difference

Award winners have used the prize fund to invest in their communities and lay the groundwork for a better future.

The Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty, a prize winner in 2022, was founded in Haiti in 1995 and works to provide support programmes in everything from education, development, and arts and culture, with the aim of enriching local life.

Since receiving the award in 2023, Kenyan peace mediator Mama Shamsa – Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil – has established the Zayed Micro-enterprise Seed Support Grant initiative in Kenya which has changed the lives of 7,000 young people, helping them to establish small businesses and transform their lives.

Egyptian surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, 89, the founder of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation in Egypt and the Chain of Hope charitable organisation in the UK, was among the 2024 prize winners.

He told at the time of how the prize would support his efforts to increase access to health care in disadvantaged parts of the world.

“We are active both in developed and developing countries in Africa and Central Africa to try to alleviate suffering and offer the very best free of charge, while respecting their dignity and looking after them at the highest level.”

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 – in pictures

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony recognising the 2024 honourees. All photos: Wam

The ceremony was attended by President Jose Ramos-Horta of East Timor, third left, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin of Indonesia, second right, and other leaders

The award ceremony was held on Monday evening at the Founder's Memorial under the theme 'Tales of Light'

It coincided with the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity

A performance during the ceremony

Sheikh Abdullah follows proceedings during the ceremony