VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has praised the ongoing efforts of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging panel, highlighting its critical role in tackling global humanitarian challenges.

During a Vatican meeting with the 2025 Zayed Award judging committee, the Pope stressed the need for stronger action against world hunger, saying, “There are millions of famished children around the world – children have to go through waste to find food.”

As an honorary recipient of the Zayed Award, Pope Francis meets with the committee annually to support its mission to promote peace, unity, and human fraternity. This year’s panel, led by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, includes renowned figures like:

Macky Sall, former President of Senegal

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences

Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth

These leaders aim to honour individuals driving peace and unity across diverse sectors, from diplomacy to law. The 2025 recipient(s) will receive a US$1 million prize during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi in February 2025, coinciding with the UN’s International Day of Human Fraternity.

Committee members emphasised Pope Francis’ role in encouraging global unity. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero called for a “new strategy for peace”, while Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the Pope’s belief that “there is hope and good people spearheading change.”

The Zayed Award, launched to foster unity among different cultures and religions, remains a beacon of peace, hope, and human fraternity amid global unrest.