The prize giving ceremony of the seventh edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity takes place in Abu Dhabi, recognising initiatives and individuals working to advance peace, human dignity, and solidarity across divides.
Vatican News
The 2026 honourees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity gathered at Abu Dhabi’s “Founders Memorial” on Wednesday, February 4, to receive their prizes and address the event’s organisers.
They included the delegations of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan for the peace agreement signed between the two countries on 8 August 2025; Afghan girls’ education advocate Zarqa Yaftali; and the Palestinian non-profit organisation Taawon.
An independent international jury had selected the recipients for their contributions to addressing pressing social challenges and fostering coexistence at both local and global levels.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an independent international prize that honours people and institutions of all backgrounds who work to promote the values of solidarity, integrity, fairness, and hope.
A peace agreement after decades of conflict
Receiving the award on behalf of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the significance of the prize, noting that it bears the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, and is supported by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
Recalling more than three decades of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, President Aliyev said that the past six months marked a new chapter for both countries. “We were at war for more than 30 years. Now we live in peace for six months,” he said, describing the period as a time of learning.
“We are learning to live in peace. I can tell you it’s a special feeling,” he said.
He underlined that peace had been achieved through political determination and international support, adding that the agreement could serve as an example for others.
“Our example demonstrates that peace is possible despite long-lasting conflict, despite suffering and mistrust,” he said. “Peace is possible when there is a strong political will from both sides.”
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the award as “a great honour,” noting that it was established in the wake of the milestone Document on Human Fraternity signed jointly by the late Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He said this fact symbolised the support of both the Muslim and Christian worlds for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
While the award was formally presented to the leaders, Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed that it belonged to the peoples of both countries.
“It is in truth an achievement that belongs to all peoples,” he said.
“This award is as much for every Armenian and Azerbaijani who dared to hope for peace,” adding that “peace is the only relief for all” and “the biggest respect for victims.”
File photo of President Aliyev and PM Pashinyan meeting in Abu Dhabi
Advocating for girls’ education in Afghanistan
The second honouree, Zarqa Yaftali, was recognised for her long-standing advocacy for the right to education for girls and women in Afghanistan. Addressing the ceremony, she described the award as “not only a personal triumph, but a profound responsibility.”
With humility, she dedicated the honour to Afghan women and girls who continue to raise their voices despite severe restrictions.
“This honour belongs to the courageous women of Afghanistan who, even when deprived of their most basic rights, continue to stand every day with dignity, resilience, and courage,” she said.
Yaftali recalled that only a few years ago girls attended school freely and women were active in public life, including in education, media, and the justice system. “Today, the reality has been reversed,” she said, describing the systematic removal of women’s rights as a grave situation that “must never be met with silence.”
Referring to statements by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, she recalled that preventing women from accessing education contradicts Islamic teaching.
“The pursuit of knowledge is for every person, male and female,” she said, expressing appreciation for the moral support offered by religious leaders.
Looking to the future, Yaftali said, “I envision a future where every girl and every woman is free to learn, to lead, and to take her rightful place – not by permission, but by right.” Until that day, she added, it remains a shared responsibility “to stand with them and never allow their silence to become normalised.”
Zarqa Yaftali
Humanitarian service to the Palestinian people
The third honouree, the Palestinian organisation Taawon, was recognised for its humanitarian and development work serving more than one million Palestinians each year across the West Bank, Gaza, and refugee camps in Lebanon.
Through its programmes in education, health, culture, and community development, Taawon has sought to preserve human dignity and support resilience amid prolonged hardship.
This year’s ceremony marked the first time that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has honoured recipients from the Caucasus and Afghanistan, reflecting the award’s global scope and its focus on diverse paths towards peace, justice, and human fraternity.
