FAQS

What is the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity?

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent and international award recognizing people and entities of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world, that are working selflessly and tirelessly across divides to strengthen real human connection and spearhead breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence.

The award was launched in 2019, to mark the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, during which they co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity. The award is named in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, renowned for his humanitarianism and dedication to helping people no matter their background.

Who is Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan?

Sheikh Zayed was the main driving force behind the unification of the seven independent emirates, which led to the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. His life was dedicated to working closely with people from all backgrounds, regardless of religion, gender, and background. His legacy remains one of compassion, respect, and innovation - values that to this day shape the culture of the people and leadership of the UAE.

When was the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity created?

The award was established in 2019 to mark the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, during which the Document on Human Fraternity was co-signed.

What are the categories for the award?

There are no separate categories. It is a single annual award that goes to the honoree(s) that best meets the criteria as evaluated by the judging committee.

What will the winner or winners of the award receive?

In addition to a trophy and an honorary certificate, the award includes USD $1 million, which can be granted to one or more honorees each year. Honorees will be celebrated at an annual ceremony hosted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Who can make a nomination?

  • A member of government or a current or former head of state
  • A member of parliament
  • The head of a Supreme Court
  • A member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity
  • A United Nations senior executive
  • The head of an international non-governmental organization (NGO)
  • A university president
  • A Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honoree
  • An intellectual, spiritual, or cultural leader

Only qualified nominators can nominate candidates for the award. Nominations from qualified nominators can be submitted without invitation.

Nominators will be required to upload official documentation confirming eligibility to nominate. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Who can be nominated for the award?

Nominees for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity can be individuals or entities from all walks of life and all backgrounds, who have made profound contributions toward human fraternity in communities around the world.

What are the criteria for evaluating nominations?

Nominations are assessed by the award’s judging committee based on the following criteria:

  • Contributions to the promotion of global fraternity, solidarity, fairness, and world peace
  • Impact on the local community; being a role model and inspiring and mentoring role models
  • Innovation to find new ways to foster fraternity and collaboration
  • Recognition from international organizations and community members

Who decides the honoree(s) of the award?

Honorees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity are decided by an independent judging committee appointed annually by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, bringing together a group of experts in peacebuilding and human coexistence.

Who are the members of the judging committee for the 2023 award?

  • H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-secretary-general and High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
  • H.Em. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Holy See
  • Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr, former Vice-President of the Republic of Costa Rica
  • Mr. Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace laureate and children’s rights activist
  • Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui, 2015 Nobel Peace laureate and entrepreneur
  • Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders

Who were the members of the judging committee for the 2022 award?

  • H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, former president of the Republic of Niger
  • H.E. José Ramos Horta, former president of East Timor and Nobel Peace Laureate
  • H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-secretary-general and Executive Director of UN Women
  • H.Em Cardinal Michael Czerny, Interim Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Holy See
  • Dr. Leah Pisar, President of the Aladdin Project
  • Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders

Who were the members of the judging committee for the 2021 award?

  • H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic
  • H.E. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, former Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia
  • TRH Michaëlle Jean, 27th Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada
  • H.Em. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura
  • Adama Dieng, former UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
  • Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

How is the judging committee appointed?

The award’s judging committee is appointed annually by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, bringing together a group of experts from around the globe – individuals who have shown a deep commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Each year, the judging committee includes:

  • An individual selected by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar
  • An individual selected by the Pope of the Catholic Church
  • An individual selected by the Secretary-General of the United Nations
  • Two individuals selected by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity from among world figures recognized for their endeavors to promote tolerance, peace, and human fraternity
  • The Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

The judging committee members assess the nominations and make their decision independently.

When will the honoree(s) of the award be announced?

The honoree(s) for the 2023 edition of the award will be announced in February 2023.

When will the nomination period for the 2023 Award end?

Nominations for the awards will close on November 30, 2022.

For more information about the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, visit the website -

https://www.zayedaward.org/en

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