Leaders in peace, climate and innovation recognized by 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has revealed its 2025 honorees, celebrating individuals and organizations driving real change in the world.

This year’s distinguished recipients include the Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and climate change advocate; World Central Kitchen (WCK), the life-saving humanitarian initiative founded by Chef José Andrés; and 15-year-old health innovator Heman Bekele, the award’s first-ever youth honoree.

These honorees have been recognized for their transformative contributions to society, from tackling climate change and alleviating global hunger to pioneering affordable healthcare solutions.

Their work embodies the spirit of the Zayed Award, which celebrates efforts to foster peace, solidarity, and positive change across communities, both globally and at the grassroots level.

The award ceremony will take place on Feb. 4., 2025, at the Founder’s Memorial and will be live-streamed across the award's social media platforms.

The event marks the sixth edition of the prestigious award, which honors individuals and organizations that continue the humanitarian legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Mia Amor Mottley: A global leader for climate action

Prime Minister Mottley is being honored for her bold leadership in addressing climate change and championing global financial reform to combat climate inequality.

Her pioneering Bridgetown Initiative, launched in 2022, calls for urgent action to transform the global financial system in a way that supports climate resilience.

Under her leadership, Barbados is set to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, with a strong focus on solar, wind, and clean energy sources. She has also introduced innovative debt-for-climate swaps, helping nations reallocate debt to fund climate adaptation projects.

World Central Kitchen

Founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, World Central Kitchen has become a global leader in providing food relief to communities affected by humanitarian disasters.

With over 300 million meals served across 30 countries, including more than 70 million meals in Gaza since October 2023, WCK has shown the power of food to heal and unite.

Their rapid, on-the-ground response and partnership with local chefs and volunteers exemplify innovative approaches to crisis relief, making them a vital force in global humanitarian efforts.

Heman Bekele

At just 15 years old, Heman Bekele has already made a lasting impact on the world of healthcare.

The Ethiopian-American innovator developed a cost-effective soap to prevent and treat early-stage skin cancer, earning him recognition as TIME's 2024 Kid of the Year.

Now collaborating with researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Heman aims to expand access to affordable healthcare solutions, especially for vulnerable communities.

His work proves that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said:

“It is the judging committee’s honor to spotlight three outstanding honourees who are addressing some of today’s most urgent challenges—climate resilience, humanitarian relief, and youth-driven innovation. This year’s recipients demonstrate that transformative work can be undertaken at any age, in any place in the world, and in any field. By honoring Prime Minister Mottley, World Central Kitchen, and Heman Bekele, we seek to inspire others to envision and act towards a better future for the world.”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General and 2025 judging committee member, added:

“The honorees have gone the extra mile to make a difference in the everyday lives of people around the globe, which will benefit humanity going forward. Their dedication to uplifting communities reflects the spirit of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and serves as a reminder that, through a sense of unity among humankind and commitment to one another, we can drive profound and lasting change.”

These honorees are not just shaping a better world, they are inspiring others to take action and drive change in their own communities. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity continues to honor those who, like Sheikh Zayed, dedicate their lives to making the world a more compassionate and united place.