Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, has been appointed to the international jury for the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. She became the first representative from Central Asia to serve on the panel of the prestigious award.
The Zayed Award, named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, honors individuals and organizations that promote humanity, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence. The Award was established following the 2019 signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity” by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.
The 2026 jury includes a diverse group of global leaders:
- Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF
- Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and former Belgian Prime Minister
- Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission
- Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See
- Judge Muhammad Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Zayed Award
“I am delighted to be joining this prestigious jury as the first member from Central Asia,” said Mirziyoyeva. “Together with my colleagues, we aim to recognize the unsung humanitarian heroes who are uplifting societies and solving pressing problems around the world.”
Mirziyoyeva brings extensive experience in social development, human rights, and women’s empowerment, contributing both regionally and globally.
The jury will evaluate nominations from over 60 countries, covering areas such as climate change, poverty alleviation, education, health, and community development.
Judge Abdelsalam emphasized the jury’s global makeup and mission: “This distinguished panel truly reflects the international spirit of the award, which continues to enjoy the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.”
Fellow jury member Catherine Russell said the award aligns with UNICEF’s goals, especially in protecting children’s rights.
“It’s an important platform for recognizing those who improve lives for future generations,” she said.
Charles Michel added that the prize offers a space to showcase examples of peaceful coexistence and development:
“It’s not just an award, but a call to action.”
Moussa Faki Mahamat noted the importance of unity and said he looked forward to highlighting humanitarian efforts from Africa and beyond. Cardinal de Mendonça called his appointment “a continuation of Pope Francis’s vision,” stressing the moral duty to uplift those serving humanity.
Nominations are open until October 1, 2025, and can be submitted via the official Zayed Award for Human Fraternity website.
Since its inception, the Award has honored 16 laureates from 15 countries, including Pope Francis (honorary), Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and organizations like World Central Kitchen and the Community of Sant’Egidio.
