The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has announced its 2025 honourees, recognizing remarkable individuals and organizations that are shaping a more compassionate and resilient world. This year’s awardees include Mia Amor Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados and a leading voice in climate action; World Central Kitchen (WCK), a humanitarian organization revolutionizing food relief; and Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old health innovator developing cost-effective solutions to fight skin cancer.
These trailblazers exemplify the values of human solidarity, innovation, and commitment to social progress, reinforcing the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, after whom the award is named.
Honoring Leaders Who Make a Global Impact
Mia Amor Mottley: A Champion for Climate Action
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has emerged as a global advocate for climate justice, urging world leaders to address the financial inequalities that hinder developing nations from tackling climate change. Her Bridgetown Initiative—a revolutionary plan to reform international financial structures—aims to make climate funding more accessible to vulnerable nations.
With a bold commitment to 100% renewable energy in Barbados by 2030, Mottley is actively transforming the island’s energy landscape by investing in solar, wind, and sustainable power sources. She has also pioneered debt-for-climate swaps, enabling countries to channel their debt payments into climate resilience projects.
Her leadership underscores the urgent need for climate equity, ensuring that all nations, regardless of economic status, have the resources to combat environmental challenges.
World Central Kitchen: Nourishing Lives in Times of Crisis
Founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has redefined humanitarian food relief by delivering fresh, nutritious meals to communities impacted by disasters and conflicts.
Operating in over 30 countries, WCK has provided more than 300 million meals, demonstrating an innovative first-responder approach that ensures food reaches affected populations swiftly. In Gaza alone, the organization has served over 70 million meals since October 2023.
By partnering with local chefs, volunteers, and suppliers, WCK empowers communities, ensuring that relief efforts contribute to local economies rather than displace them. Their work embodies solidarity, resilience, and the spirit of humanitarian service, making them a deserving recipient of this year’s award.
Heman Bekele: The Teen Innovator Changing Healthcare
At just 15 years old, Ethiopian-American Heman Bekele is making headlines for his life-saving innovation—a cost-effective soap designed to prevent and treat early-stage skin cancer. His groundbreaking idea won him TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year and recognition from top science competitions.
Working alongside researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Bekele is refining his affordable healthcare solution to make it widely accessible. His vision goes beyond innovation—he aims to bridge the gap in global healthcare access, particularly for underprivileged communities.
His achievement as the youngest-ever honouree of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity highlights how age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact on society.
A Legacy of Human Fraternity and Global Solidarity
Since its inception in 2019, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has celebrated individuals and organizations that embody the principles of unity, compassion, and service. Inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the award continues to recognize efforts that bridge cultural divides and foster peace.
With a USD 1 million prize, the award not only honors outstanding contributions but also provides recipients with the resources to expand their humanitarian efforts.
A Global Call to Action
The 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity sends a powerful message: anyone, regardless of age or background, can contribute to a better world. Whether it’s fighting climate change, providing food to those in need, or developing life-saving healthcare solutions, this year’s honourees inspire us all to take action.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the award continues to champion voices that ignite positive change, reinforcing the belief that humanity thrives when we stand together in solidarity.
