UAE: Zayed Prize announces winners of $1 million prize – News

Two honorees recognized for spreading hope and helping build a more compassionate world

Sant’Egidio community and Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil has been announced as the 2023 recipient of the Zayed Human Fraternity Prize.

Now in its fourth year, the award recognizes the two recipients for their contributions to building a more compassionate world and for their inspiring examples of promoting peaceful coexistence.

The Community of Sant’Egidio is a humanitarian association headquartered in Rome, Italy, with representation in 73 countries in Europe, Africa, America and Asia.

The association has been recognized for its contribution to successful peace negotiations and conflict resolution through religious diplomacy and intercultural dialogue – promoting peace around the world, from Guatemala to Mozambique.

The organization continues to help refugees and support their integration into host society through its Humanitarian Corridors initiative, which has also expanded its support to the poorest communities around the world.

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Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil (known as “Mama Shamsa”) is a Kenyan community mobilizer and peacebuilder recognized for educating Kenyan youth. She has been saving young people from lives of violence, crime and extremism by providing them with counselling, care and training.

Fadhil has led major campaigns in Kenya and the Greater Africa region to raise awareness on violence against women and empower women and youth.

“This year’s winners are truly exceptional leaders who are committed to resolving differences, building resilient communities and fostering compassion and hope,” said Mohamed Abdul, Secretary-General of the Zayed Human Fraternity Prize and Secretary-General of the Muslim Council Judge Le Salam said. elders.

“The Sant’Egidio community and Mama Shamsa have transformed the lives of vulnerable and marginalized people in societies around the world, including youth, refugees and people living in conflict zones. We hope to amplify their efforts and inspire other institutions and individuals around the world Play an active role in promoting the values ​​of human fraternity.”

The co-winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, the United Nations-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity.

The award, which includes a $1 million prize, is an independent, annual international honor that recognizes individuals and entities from diverse backgrounds around the world who have selflessly and tirelessly worked across divides to advance the timeless values ​​of unity, integrity, and fairness and optimism and create breakthroughs for peaceful coexistence.

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This year’s award was decided by an independent jury made up of international experts in the promotion of peace and human rights, including Abdelsalam; UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratti North; Dr. Epsi Campbell-Barr, former Vice-President of Costa Rica; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Vice-Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of the Holy See; Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner and children’s rights activist; and 2015 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and entrepreneur Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui.

The Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity was launched in 2019 to commemorate the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmed Tayeb, at which they co-signed document on human fraternity.

The award is named in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, who was known for his humanitarianism and willingness to help others, regardless of their background.