Abu Dhabi, 14 January 2022:  The independent judging panel of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which honors individuals and/or entities advancing peaceful coexistence in the world, will decide this week the honoree(s) of the award’s third edition.

 

The judging panel consists of celebrated public figures from around the world, including former heads of state, a Nobel Peace Laureate, and experts in peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue. Due to the global spread of coronavirus, this year’s panel’s deliberations are taking place virtually.

 

The panel will select a winner based on candidates recommended by qualified nominators who include members of government, former heads of state, Supreme Court judges, UN leaders, leading academic and cultural figures, members of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity (HCHF), and international non-governmental organization (NGO) heads.

 

The honoree(s) of the award will be announced at a press conference at the end of January and will later be celebrated at a public award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi on February 4, which marks the UN-recognized International Day for Human Fraternity. The recipient(s) will receive USD $1 million in prize money to support the continuation of their work in advancing human fraternity, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence.

 

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “This year’s Zayed Award for Human Fraternity will be a spotlight of hope for our world at a time when we are emerging from the darkness of the coronavirus pandemic, and we look forward to recognizing and supporting individuals and entities that are going above and beyond to serve humanity and advance human fraternity.”

 

“The values of tolerance, respect, and dignity articulated in the Document of Human Fraternity are essential to progress and peaceful coexistence, and much needed in the current state of world affairs. It is indeed a privilege to be a part of this jury, with such a diverse and inspiring pool of nominees,” said Dr. Leah Pisar, Chair of the Aladdin Project and member of the judging panel.

 

In 2021, the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity honored UN Secretary General António Guterres and French-Moroccan activist against extremism, Latifa Ibn Ziaten.

 

“This award is an acknowledgement that human fraternity must be nurtured, and never taken for granted. It was humbling to be recognized last year for work that I, like many others, have done to promote tolerance and mutual understanding in communities. I am equally honored to have the chance to meet this year’s honorees,” said Latifa Ibn Ziaten, founder of the Imad Association for Youth and Peace.

 

“The award would inspire everyone to continue the pioneering efforts of the Grand Imam, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, to advance interfaith dialogue and promote common humanity.” said Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

 

Secretary-General Guterres has decided to donate his share of the award - $500,000 - to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 'to support its indispensable efforts to protect the most vulnerable in the human fraternity, the forcibly displaced.'

 

Established in 2019, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was inspired by the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and patron of human fraternity.

 

The award is named in honor of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and founder of the United Arab Emirates, to celebrate his legacy of championing peaceful coexistence. It is organized by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, an independent international committee instituted to promote human fraternity values in communities around the world and to fulfill the aspirations of the Document on Human Fraternity.