Latest news with #ZayedAward
The National
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Unicef head and former world leaders on judging panel for UAE humanitarian award
A senior UN official championing the rights of children across the globe and two former heads of state will help select the next winners of a major UAE humanitarian award. The $1 million Zayed Award for Human Fraternity – which celebrates the philanthropic legacy of UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – shines a light on the efforts of organisations and people around the world seeking to effect change and improve lives. The award was launched on February 4, 2019, in recognition of a milestone meeting in Abu Dhabi between the late Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayeb. The expert judging panel for the seventh annual award in 2026 was unveiled on Monday and has been praised for representing the 'global mission of the award'. The six members of the 2026 jury are Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN children's fund (Unicef); Charles Michel, former president of the European Council and former prime minister of Belgium; Moussa Faki Mahamat, former chairman of the African Union Commission and former prime minister of Chad; Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See; and judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, secretary general of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 'This year's judging committee members hail from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas – and represent various fields including humanitarian aid to children, diplomacy, culture, education, media, and law,' said Mr Abdelsalam. 'This richly diverse jury of influential figures truly represents the global mission of the award, and we look forward to honouring individuals and entities who are serving humanity, reflecting the late Sheikh Zayed's legacy of humanitarianism rooted in extending support to all, without distinction.' The prize recognises the efforts of high-profile figures and grassroots campaigners alike, with previous winners including the late Pope Francis, 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. To date, 16 winners drawn from 15 countries have been honoured in the six-year history of the award. Nominations for this year's award are open until October 1. World Central Kitchen (WCK) was named among this year's winners of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The non-profit organisation was praised for its work in delivering food relief to communities suffering from humanitarian crises and natural disasters. The climate change champion and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, and the 15-year-old 'health innovator' Heman Bekele are also previous winners of the award.
The National
07-02-2025
- Politics
- The National
Winners of the Zayed Award are an inspiration
Opinion UAE, Middle East and world breaking news, stories and analysis February 07, 2025 Winners of the Zayed Award are an inspiration Regarding Shireena Al Nowais's report World Central Kitchen among winners of 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity (January 31): This was really well deserved. I think the people behind the World Central Kitchen did such an inspiring job. It's not just food. They serve humanity, having delivered more than 300 million meals to communities in over 30 countries. I want to thank them for their kindness and their outstanding work. All the other winners were incredible as well. The 14-year-old who developed an inexpensive soap to treat skin cancer? I salute him, too. Meera Sandhu, Dubai A child's message to Trump about his Gaza plan With regard to the video of the Gazan child Maria Hannoun addressing US President Donald Trump: Incredible to see this. When I was her age, I didn't know what politics was or who a president was supposed to be. But this smart child, educated by force by the cruel reality of war is so brave to question the president of America. May she be kept safe and may the Palestinians be able to secure their land and be able to stay on it forever. Eva D, Berlin, Germany In every way, despite their circumstance, Palestinians are teaching the world the basics of life. Bless this little girl, being so wise and eloquent at such a tender age. Lana Bazzi, via email She's adorable and braver than a lot of politicians we've seen. Randa Karam, Beirut, Lebanon Efforts towards solving the Palestinian issue and ensuring long-term peace have being continually derailed by political tensions and violence. However, both Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu appear to be intent on making a genuine attempt to restore security in the region. Whether this new plan could lead to a lasting peace or further complicate an already volatile situation is yet to be seen. K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India Lessons from a Palestinian family on a TV show In reference to William Mullally's report Why Mo Amer chose not to tackle October 7 in season two of Netflix comedy (January 30): I appreciated this show very much. It touched so many issues in a way that was direct and on point while still being clever. I hope it hits people who are unaware of the Palestinian experience, as hard as it hits us who do know. Andrew Limon, Guadalajara, Mexico I think the series really helped a lot of American viewers understand the Israel-Palestine issue from a Palestinian perspective. Victoria Smith, New York City, US
The National
30-01-2025
- General
- The National
UAE's $1 million humanitarian award a ‘beacon of light' in world divided by conflict
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. '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.' 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. 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.'
