Taawon Wins Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has announced Palestinian non-profit organisation Taawon as the third honouree of its seventh edition in 2026. Taawon will be honoured during the annual award ceremony at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2026.

Taawon will receive the award alongside the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and Afghan girls’ education advocate Zarqa Yaftali.

Taawon was selected for its long-standing humanitarian and development work that supports more than one million people every year across Palestine. Since its establishment in 1983, the organisation has invested more than US$1 billion in projects focused on education, youth empowerment, orphan care, cultural heritage, community development, health, agriculture, and emergency humanitarian aid.

The organisation has implemented over 8,200 projects, helping young people and communities improve their economic, social, and cultural conditions. Taawon also works to preserve Palestinian heritage and promote sustainable development.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said Taawon was chosen for its strong humanitarian efforts and its role in strengthening Palestinian society under difficult conditions. He added that the organisation has moved beyond short-term relief to long-term development in education, health, and social cohesion.

Dr Nabil H. Qaddumi, Chairman of Taawon’s Board of Directors, said the organisation is proud to receive the award and thanked the judging committee. He said the recognition will help Taawon expand its programs and highlight humanitarian priorities in Palestine on a global platform.

Earlier, the award announced the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement and Zarqa Yaftali as the first and second honourees. Leaders from Azerbaijan and Armenia welcomed the recognition, saying it supports peace in the Caucasus region. Zarqa Yaftali said the honour brings hope to girls and women in Afghanistan and around the world.

Since its launch in 2019, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has honoured 20 recipients from 20 countries, including Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, for their contributions to peace, dialogue, and human coexistence.