Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is set to make history with over 350 nominations from more than 75 countries ahead of its 2026 edition. Nominations have been submitted by a distinguished group of eligible nominators, including heads of state, Nobel laureates, grassroots activists, and youth influencers, showcasing the award's expansive global appeal.
The leading nominating countries include the UAE, the US, Italy, Canada, and Egypt, emphasizing the award's international recognition. The judging committee is currently evaluating the nominations and will likely announce the honoree(s) next month. This seventh edition of the award features a prize of US$1 million, with the winners set to be acknowledged at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2026, in line with the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity.
Since its launch in 2019, the Zayed Award has celebrated 16 recipients from 15 nations, highlighting individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. Notable past recipients include global leaders such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, the late Pope Francis, Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and humanitarian teams like World Central Kitchen and the Community of Sant’Egidio.
Named in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE founder, the award celebrates contributions that go beyond religion, ethnicity, or nationality, aiming to highlight efforts that facilitate real-world impact in building understanding and coexistence.
The unprecedented number of nominations for 2026 illustrates the award's increasing importance on the global stage, drawing attention to those dedicated to unity, tolerance, and human solidarity.
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