
Sheikh Nahyan Inaugurates Second Human Fraternity Majlis in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 5, 2025 – Global leaders, Nobel laureates, and UN representatives gathered in Abu Dhabi for the second edition of the Human Fraternity Majlis, marking the sixth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity. The event, held at the Abrahamic Family House, brought together policymakers, youth leaders, and changemakers from 20 countries to discuss solutions for fostering global unity and coexistence.
A Platform for Dialogue and Collaboration
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, delivered the opening remarks, expressing gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support. He emphasized the significance of the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Holiness Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, later recognized by the United Nations with the establishment of International Human Fraternity Day on February 4.
The event was organized by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Abrahamic Family House, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, and the World Summit of Nobel Laureates for Peace.
Prominent Voices and Key Discussions
Speakers at the Majlis included East Timor President José Ramos-Horta, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Duweiny, former European Council President Charles Michel, First Lady of Colombia Verónica del Socorro Alcocer García, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, and religious representatives from the Holy See and Al-Azhar.
In his remarks, President Ramos-Horta underscored the universal responsibility of promoting human fraternity, urging all generations and nations to unite in solidarity and dialogue.
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, highlighted the Majlis’ role in advancing the principles outlined in the historic document, which has since ignited a global movement advocating for tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. He credited the UAE’s leadership for serving as a model in fostering human fraternity worldwide.
Youth as Agents of Change
A key focus of the Majlis was the role of youth in shaping a more unified future. Thirteen-year-old Ghaya al-Ahbabi, UNICEF’s youngest youth advocate for COP28, addressed the gathering, declaring: “I stand before you, representing the young people of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Let us stand together to show the world that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family.”
The discussions emphasized diplomacy’s role in bridging global divides, fostering inclusive societies, and empowering youth to lead the movement for human fraternity.
With its commitment to dialogue and collaboration, the Human Fraternity Majlis reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to promoting unity and coexistence, reflecting its legacy as the birthplace of the Document on Human Fraternity and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.