Nominations open for 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

Vatican News

Nominations have officially opened for the eighth edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which honours individuals and organizations working to promote peaceful coexistence among peoples.

The award was established following the historic 2019 meeting in Abu Dhabi between the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and the late Pope Francis.

During the encounter, the two religious leaders signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.

Nominations may be submitted until October 1, 2026 through the official website of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

Sheikh Zayed’s moral legacy

Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, the award includes a financial prize of US$1 million.

It reflects Sheikh Zayed’s moral legacy, humanitarianism and respect for others, as well as his commitment to helping people regardless of religion, gender, race or nationality.

Each year, it honours those who have contributed to dialogue and solidarity.

Honouring humanitarian efforts

In a statement, Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “Opening nominations for the independent global award’s eighth edition reflects the continuity of its mission to highlight and honour pioneering humanitarian efforts that serve humanity and advance the values of human fraternity worldwide.”

Judge Abdelsalam added that the award “continues to support high-impact initiatives that translate the principles of the historic Document on Human Fraternity into practical programmes that create sustainable impact in communities around the globe. We look forward to receiving new nominations this year for individuals and entities making meaningful contributions to advancing the values of human fraternity globally.”

Twenty honourees since 2019

The recipients of the award’s seventh edition were honoured on February 4, 2026 during a ceremony held at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi.

The award was granted to the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Palestinian humanitarian organization Taawon, and Afghan women’s rights advocate Zarqa Yaftali, in recognition of their contributions to peaceful coexistence, humanitarian aid and education for all.

Since 2019, the award has recognized 20 honourees from 20 countries for their contributions across a broad range of humanitarian fields, including health, education, sustainability, refugee support, community development, food relief, and the empowerment of young people and women.