The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity will honor three recipients on February 4, 2025, in Abu Dhabi: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, World Central Kitchen (WCK), and Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old innovator who developed a soap for skin cancer treatment.
Who’s Being Recognized?
- Mia Amor Mottley – Recognized for her leadership in climate action and global economic reform.
- World Central Kitchen (WCK) – Honored for providing emergency food relief in crisis zones, including over 70 million meals in Gaza since October 2023.
- Heman Bekele – A 15-year-old Ethiopian-American awarded for inventing a low-cost soap to treat early-stage skin cancer.
Why It Matters
- Climate Action Leadership – Mottley has pushed for climate finance reform, launching the Bridgetown Initiative to help vulnerable nations access funding for climate resilience.
- Food Relief at Scale – WCK, founded by Chef José Andrés, has provided over 300 million meals in disaster-hit areas worldwide.
- Medical Innovation – Bekele’s invention could make skin cancer treatment more affordable, especially in low-income regions.
Award Ceremony & Recognition
The ceremony will take place at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, coinciding with World Humanitarian Day. The Zayed Award, named after UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recognizes global efforts toward human progress and peaceful coexistence.
What’s Next?
- Mottley continues to push for climate financing reforms.
- WCK expands food relief operations globally.
- Bekele is working with Johns Hopkins researchers to make his soap widely available.
Bottom Line
This year’s Zayed Award winners reflect global leadership, humanitarian action, and innovation—from fighting climate change and hunger to developing life-saving medical solutions.
