Pope Leo XIV: Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Embodies UAE Founder's Legacy

Pope Leo XIV met with the jury committee of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 at the Vatican, discussing urgent steps needed to strengthen human brotherhood principles. The meeting highlighted how every person and religion is called to support human fraternity, while the committee reviewed nominations for the 2026 award cycle.

The Pope emphasized that the Zayed Award embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE. He praised committee members for using their talents and moral convictions to serve the noble cause of promoting human fraternity.

During the Vatican meeting, participants reflected on the award's foundation following the signing of the "Document on Human Fraternity" by the late Pope Francis and Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The 2026 jury includes prominent global figures: Charles Michel, former European Council President and ex-Belgian Prime Minister; Moussa Faki Mahamat, former African Union Commission Chairperson and ex-Chad Prime Minister; Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director; Saida Mirziyoyeva, Presidential Administration head in Uzbekistan; Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça from the Vatican's Culture and Education department; and Mohamed Abdelsalam, the award's Secretary-General.

The committee follows an annual tradition of meeting in different world cities. This year's gatherings took place in Rome and previously in Cairo, where members met with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and visited key religious and cultural institutions including the Azhar Mosque and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

"Since the beginning of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has committed to supporting the message of human fraternity," said Mohamed Abdelsalam. "Today's meeting renewed this commitment, confirming our shared belief that the Zayed Award has become an influential global platform serving humanity."

Catherine Russell noted the meeting reinforced the jury's priorities of protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, safeguarding our shared planet, and building bridges in a divided world. Cardinal Tolentino said the gathering embodied the cooperative and interfaith spirit underlying the award.

The winner or winners of the 2026 award will receive $1 million and be honored at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2026. This date coincides with the International Day of Human Fraternity, established by the UN to commemorate the signing of the Human Fraternity Document.

The award recognizes individuals and organizations working to establish human fraternity values and create meaningful progress toward peaceful coexistence. Since its inception, it has become a significant platform for highlighting efforts that bridge religious, cultural, and social divides worldwide.