ABU DHABI: The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity hosted its second annual roundtable, bringing together a diverse group of high-level experts from 17 countries (Argentina, Bulgaria, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Haiti, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Spain, Tunisia, UAE, and the United States) alongside promising young leaders from 8 nations (East Timor, Egypt, India, Italy, Morocco, UAE, USA, and Zimbabwe).
This gathering, held in Abu Dhabi just after the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 ceremony, fostered cross-generational and cross-cultural exchange on a critical topic of advancing human fraternity at all levels of society.
Past and present award laureates, esteemed members of the judging committee, and dozens of university students engaged in lively discussions. The focus of the discussions was on the role of the next generation of leaders in the promotion of human fraternity.
The roundtable served as a dynamic platform for intergenerational and intercultur
al dialogue, exchange of ideas, and exploration of collaboration among participants.
World-renowned cardiac surgeon and 2024 honoree Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub said, ‘Working with young people ensures that the work I do is infinite and lasts for decades as it is passed on. It is essential to pass down what we have learned to those who will carry the torch forward.’
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Abrahamic Family House, said, ‘Each person holds the power to inspire people and the land that we are all standing on right now is a land that has connected East, West, North, and South for millennia.
“The UAE has been a blueprint for cultural collaboration and appreciation of diversity, celebrating everyone’s background equally. We believe in the power of culture and education for it is the backbone of any forward-thinking society.’
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said, ‘The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is more than an award – it is a pled
ge to foster continuous dialogue that advocates for peaceful coexistence.
“This second edition of the roundtable furthers our belief that young people have the power to build a future built on the values of human fraternity, as showcased by the work of our past and present honorees who are exceptional examples of inspiring young people to make the world a better place.’
Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said, ‘My main message today is one of hope to the young people. You can transform reality if you bring forth the best in people – and by doing the right thing. That is the message of human fraternity.’
Key topics explored during the discussion included the importance of integrating human fraternity values into the educational system and examining the world’s trajectory through the lens of the next generation.
Past honorees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity – including 2023 co-honoree Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil, 2022 co-hono
ree Michéle Pierre-Louis of FOKAL, and 2021 co-honoree Latifa Ibn Ziaten – offered testimonies of success on how their efforts have transformed the lives of young people around the world.
The emerging leaders at the roundtable expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to hear insights from global experts.
Aisha Alyassi from the United Arab Emirates, a student at King’s College London, said, ‘Through the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, for the first time, I have seen diversity be celebrated as a strength, one which unites us for the better. Diversity should always be celebrated because where there is no diversity, there is no room for human fraternity to blossom.’
Renee Mutare from Zimbabwe, a student at Georgetown University, said, ‘As a young, black, African woman, I often see that decisions are made on my behalf, but I sense change coming. I am extremely delighted to see women – those who look and speak like me – holding prestigious positions at a gathering like this, to discuss the role of youth i
n promoting human fraternity.’
Source: Emirates News Agency