The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has reaffirmed its role as a global platform for advancing peaceful coexistence and solidarity by hosting its third annual roundtable discussion.
The event, held on Wednesday, brought together past and present honourees, as well as current and former judging committee members, to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration in promoting the values of human fraternity.
Moderated by CNN’s Caroline Faraj and chaired by the award’s Secretary-General, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the roundtable featured distinguished participants, including Commonwealth Secretary-General the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences Cardinal Peter Turkson, former Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Campbell Barr, and former President of the Central African Republic Catherine Samba-Panza.
The 2025 award honourees, including World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore and 15-year-old innovator Heman Bekele, also took part in the discussions.
Advertisement
This year’s dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration and exploring initiatives that align with the award’s vision of fostering unity across diverse communities. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam underscored the importance of a collective effort, stating, “As ambassadors of human fraternity responsible for promoting the values of this award, which aims to create a global platform uniting all those who believe in goodwill, coexistence, and peace, transcending differences, we must work together for a greater future. Our world is increasingly recognizing that the only path to peace is through collaboration that transcends conflict and differences.”
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and a 2025 judging committee member, Patricia Scotland, emphasised the significance of mutual understanding and compassion, remarking that, “Human fraternity is bound by the very important value of love, which requires us to speak to one another, to accept one another, and to treat others as you would your own and to collaborate for the sake of peace and compassion.”
World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore stressed the importance of breaking barriers to humanitarian action, stating, “People often do not take initiative to act for good because of challenges, rules, or barriers. We must extend the invite of human fraternity beyond these barriers, and encourage others to extend a helping hand.”
Heman Bekele, the youngest recipient of the 2025 award, highlighted the role of youth in shaping the future, asserting, “Youth need to be given a place at the table, we need to be heard and included. I've seen first-hand the power of innovation and collaboration. I strongly believe that if we continue the work we have started as a Zayed Award family, the world will become a better place for all.”
Participants agreed that human fraternity begins in the home and is reinforced through education, where cultural understanding can foster lasting solidarity. The discussions underscored the importance of creating a global network of human fraternity ambassadors who embrace diversity as a source of strength.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honoured its 2025 recipients on 4th February, the UN-recognised International Day of Human Fraternity, at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi. The award continues to recognise individuals and organisations from diverse backgrounds who are making remarkable contributions to promoting solidarity, integrity, fairness, and optimism.
Launched in 2019 following the historic meeting between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, during which they co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity, the award carries forward the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. His commitment to unity and coexistence remains the guiding principle of the award’s mission to create a more harmonious world.