The 2026 Zayed International Award for Human Fraternity will be presented to Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Afghan human rights defender Zarka Yaftali. For the first time in the history of this global initiative, the winners have been recognized as representatives of the Caucasus and the Afghan people. This was reported by podrobno.uz. reports .
The jury praised the historic peace agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling it one of the most important dialogue processes aimed at ending a decades-long conflict, easing humanitarian suffering, and normalizing relations. The award’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that this outcome will lay the foundation for a secure future for both nations.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the award as recognition of the joint efforts of the government and society. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted that the international jury’s appreciation of peace initiatives is of particular importance for the entire region.
The second laureate, Zarka Yaftali, was honored for her courage in defending women’s and children’s right to education. Her work has helped provide more than 100,000 people with educational resources and psychological support. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell recognized Yaftali’s tireless leadership, while the rights defender said the win would be a powerful message of hope for Afghan women.
The winners were selected by an independent international jury. The panel included Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva, former President of the European Council Charles Michel, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Culture and Education Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, and the award’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam.
Saida Mirziyoyeva stressed that announcing the laureates reflects a commitment to peace and human dignity and offers renewed hope to the international community.
The award ceremony will take place on February 4, 2026—International Day of Human Fraternity. The event will begin at 18:00 (Tashkent time) at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi.
Inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the joint document signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayeb, the award has honored 19 laureates from 19 countries since 2019.
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