Global Luminaries Join 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Judging Committee

Five distinguished international leaders representing government, humanitarian action and cultural institutions have been appointed to judge the eighth edition of the prestigious award honouring those advancing human fraternity and peaceful coexistence worldwide.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has unveiled its 2027 judging committee, comprising five eminent figures whose collective expertise spans statecraft, international humanitarian endeavour and cultural stewardship. The announcement marks a significant expansion of geographical representation, with Italy, Iraq, Lebanon and Kazakhstan represented among the jury for the first time.

The five committee members are Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, former President of Portugal; Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and former President of Iraq; Nehmat Aoun, First Lady of Lebanon; Maulen Ashimbayev, former Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan; and Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture at the Holy See.

Recognition of Global Achievement

This distinguished panel will select the honouree or honourees for an award that transcends national boundaries and background, recognising individuals and organisations advancing human fraternity and peaceful coexistence anywhere in the world. The prize carries a financial award of US$1 million, underlining its significance within the global humanitarian landscape.

Legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s Vision

Named in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, the award embodies his enduring commitment to humanitarianism and assistance to people regardless of their origin or circumstance. Established following the historic 2019 meeting in Abu Dhabi between the late Pope Francis and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar—during which these two preeminent religious leaders signed the historic Document on Human Fraternity—the award represents a tangible manifestation of that epochal encounter.

Nominations Now Open

The award is presently accepting nominations for its eighth edition from individuals and organisations championing human fraternity and solidarity across the globe. Interested parties may submit nominations before 31 October through the award’s dedicated website at https://www.zayedaward.org/en/nomination/form

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office