3 winners of $1million Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2025 honoured in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the sixth edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was held at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night.

The $1million-award recognised three distinguished honourees of 2025: Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, for her visionary leadership in climate advocacy; World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by Chef José Andrés, for its humanitarian efforts in food relief; and Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old innovator, for developing a cancer-fighting soap for early-stage skin cancer treatment.

The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with world leaders, dignitaries, and humanitarian advocates.

The event coincided with the International Day of Human Fraternity, commemorating the signing of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in 2019.

Themed “Tapestry of Humanity”, the ceremony opened with a touching performance by Indonesian singer Putri Ariani and Emirati pianist Rashed Al Marzooqi.

Leaders call for global unity

Pope Francis addressed the gathering in a video message, stating, “I trust that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honorees will encourage others to promote peaceful coexistence and fruitful collaboration between people of different religions.”

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar also extended his congratulations virtually, praising Mottley’s dedication to climate action, WCK’s relief efforts, and Bekele’s revolutionary healthcare innovation.

Honourees share their vision

Mottley highlighted the urgency of climate action. She said: “It is our responsibility to recognize that we must make history trend in the right direction, not for us who have lived life, but for the young ones. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity bringing together the best of what is represented both by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam allows us to reflect on what really matters. Without life, we have nothing and without a planet, we definitely have nothing. I thank you for this high honor bestowed upon me, and I take it not in my name but in the name of all those who want a voice for a better planet and for opportunities and peace for the people of the world.”

Founder of World Central Kitchen, Chef Joseì Andreìs, shared his insights during the ceremony, emphasising, “This award is an expression of the values Sheikh Zayed has taught his nation and the world; tolerance, coexistence, understanding and respect, they are the values of the UAE, and I think in our own way, World Central Kitchen seeks to live by these simple principles.”

Meanwhile, Heman Bekele said, “I have always been driven by one goal: to equalize access to healthcare—to ensure that life-saving treatments and technologies aren’t limited by geography, wealth, or privilege. Science and innovation should serve humanity, not just those who can afford it. This award will help so much in fueling my dreams. This is just the beginning, and I invite you all to join me in making healthcare a universal right, not just a privilege.”

Global dignitaries gather

The ceremony also marked the launch of nominations for the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, with submissions now open via the official website.

The world leaders, dignitaries, and humanitarian advocates who attended the ceremony include President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Wajib Volunteer Association; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office; Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister Of Culture; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; First Lady of Colombia Verónica del Socorro Alcocer García; and former president of the European Council Charles Michel.

Winners’ achievements

Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP, received the award for her bold leadership on climate action. Through the Bridgetown Initiative, launched in 2022, she advocates for systemic changes to combat climate inequality and urges global financial systems to prioritize climate resilience in vulnerable nations.

Mottley has committed to making Barbados 100 percent renewable by 2030, setting a powerful example for climate action. Her innovative debt-for-climate swaps have enabled countries to redirect resources toward building climate resilience, influencing policy shifts worldwide and creating lasting impacts on a global climate justice.

Since its founding by Chef José Andres in 2010, World Central Kitchen has delivered over 300 million meals across more than 30 countries. Its rapid response model and ability to operate in some of the most challenging and dangerous circumstances have established WCK as a global leader in disaster relief, offering immediate aid and long-term support to communities in need.

Heman Bekele received the award for his ambition to save the lives of the most vulnerable and his vision of accessible and affordable healthcare. Inspired by the high cost of skin cancer treatment in developing countries, he developed a cost-effective soap that aims to treat early-stage skin cancer. He is now collaborating with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to refine and assess his concept, with skin cancer researchers recognizing his potential to revolutionize healthcare in underserved communities and improve global access to affordable treatments.