“I also extend my greetings and blessings to Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, as an honoree of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. It is clear that his wide-range of humanitarian efforts exerted through the UN have sought to rid humanity of the sufferings of conflicts, and ease the negative effects of the pandemic.

“Joint 2021 honoree, Latifa Ibn Ziaten is a rare role model for the world. Her generosity of spirit and steadfastness in her ability to transform personal suffering into a message of security and safety for all, is a victory for all humanity and a reminder of the good that is always capable of defeating the forces of evil.”

“To the Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, I thank for the companionship during this journey of reflection and the writing of the Document [on Human Fraternity]. I know it wasn’t an easy task but together we helped each other, consolidating in true fraternity.

“Today, fraternity is the new frontier of humanity. Either we are brothers or we destroy ourselves. It is the challenge of our century; the challenge of our time. Human Fraternity means respect, to listen with an open heart, and to have strength in our principles.

“Born from the same father, with different cultures and traditions, we are all still brothers; and respecting our different cultures and traditions, our different citizenships, we must build this fraternity not negotiate it. It is time to listen and for sincere acceptance.”

The Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, and contributing author to the Document on Human Fraternity, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, added:

“On this day of celebration for human fraternity, we are indeed honoured to have received the support of two of the world’s most influential world leaders and previous honorees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, united with a common message and purpose – to advance humanity as one family, undivided.

“The 2021 honorees – Latifa Ibn Zaiten and UN Secretary-General Guterres – are truly representative of the values championed in the Document on Human Fraternity, which forms the assessment criteria for the award. Indeed, their respective efforts to address some of the world’s key socio-cultural and political issues are an inspiration to all and role models for many who will also heed the call to act.”

Marking the second anniversary since the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by the Pope and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in Abu Dhabi, the International Day of Human Fraternity was introduced by the UN General Assembly, in December 2020; the date chosen to commemorate the historic meeting of the Pope and Grand Imam, at the document’s signing, in 2019.

The nominations process for the 2022 awards will open May 1, 2021 and end of December 2021.