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The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has announced the Palestinian humanitarian organization Al-Taawon as the third honoree of its 2026 seventh edition. According to the award committee, Al-Taawon will be recognized alongside the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and Afghan women’s education advocate Zarqa Yaftali during a ceremony on February 4, 2026, at the Zayed Founder Memorial in Abu Dhabi.
The selection of Al-Taawon comes in recognition of its exceptional humanitarian efforts that touch the lives of more than one million people annually in Palestine. Since its establishment in 1983, the organization has invested over one billion dollars across multiple sectors including education, youth empowerment, orphan care, culture, old town reconstruction, and community development in health, agriculture, and emergency humanitarian assistance.
Palestinian Organization Recognized for Humanitarian Excellence
The foundation has implemented more than 8,200 projects aimed at enabling members of Palestinian society, particularly young people, to remain steadfast and progress toward social and cultural advancement. These initiatives focus on preserving Palestinian heritage while promoting sustainable development and highlighting renewed civilization and creativity.
According to Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the selection of Al-Taawon as the third honoree celebrates an extended humanitarian journey that has reinforced the preservation of human dignity and strengthened Palestinian community resilience under extremely difficult circumstances. He emphasized that the organization represents a pioneering institutional model in humanitarian work and development.
Long-Term Investment in Community Development
Abdelsalam noted that Al-Taawon has expanded its impact from immediate relief to long-term investment in education, health, youth empowerment, and protecting social cohesion. The recognition aligns with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity mission of celebrating institutions that transform human fraternity values into tangible impact, following the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Nabil Hani Al-Qaddoumi, Chairman of Al-Taawon’s Board of Directors, expressed pride in receiving the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognition. He extended gratitude to the independent jury composed of an international team of judges and global experts in promoting dialogue and human coexistence.
Al-Qaddoumi indicated that this recognition provides the organization with a strong moral boost and broader platform to highlight humanitarian and developmental priorities in Palestine. The international recognition granted by the award enhances the foundation’s capacity to develop long-term programs in education, health, youth empowerment, and strengthening community cohesion, he said.
Award Honors Multiple Peace and Education Initiatives
The award previously announced two other honorees for its seventh edition: the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and Afghan women’s education advocate Zarqa Yaftali. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia expressed pride in the recognition, stating it contributes to strengthening peace efforts in the Caucasus region.
Meanwhile, Yaftali remarked that the honor carries a powerful and inspiring message for Afghan women and provides hope for many women worldwide. The recognition underscores the award’s commitment to acknowledging diverse contributions to human fraternity across different regions and contexts.
Since 2019, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has celebrated 20 honored individuals and entities from 20 countries. Previous recipients include Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar (honorary recipient), and the late Pope Francis, former head of the Catholic Church (honorary recipient), along with numerous international institutions and figures who made significant contributions to promoting human fraternity values globally.
The award ceremony scheduled for February 4, 2026, will formally recognize all three honorees for their contributions to humanitarian causes and peace-building efforts worldwide. The event will take place at the Zayed Founder Memorial in Abu Dhabi, bringing together international dignitaries and representatives from the honored organizations.
