Global jury begins search for $1 million humanitarian prize winners

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity announced on Wednesday, 30 September, the appointment of its five-member judging committee for the 2027 edition. The panel includes representatives from Italy, Iraq, Lebanon, and Kazakhstan for the first time in the award's history, tasked with selecting recipients for the US$1 million prize. Jury composition and selection process The 2027 judging committee comprises Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Former President of Portugal; Barham Salih, UN 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. This independent jury will review submissions for the eighth edition of the award. The prize recognises individuals and organisations that advance peaceful coexistence and solidarity. The award was established following the 2019 meeting in Abu Dhabi between Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, where they signed the Document on Human Fraternity. Nomination deadlines and criteria The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is currently accepting nominations for the 2027 cycle. Eligible candidates include international organisations and individuals whose work demonstrates a commitment to humanitarianism and bridging cultural or social divides. The award is named in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late…