ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—February 4, 2025—Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is set to be honored today with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, marking the United Nations’ International Day of Human Fraternity. The award recognizes her global advocacy for climate justice, economic equity, and cross-border collaboration.
Established in 2019 to honor the legacy of the UAE’s founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the biennial award celebrates individuals and organizations driving intercultural dialogue and unity. Mottley, a prominent voice in addressing systemic inequality and advancing multilateral reforms, joins past laureates such as Pope Francis and Egypt’s Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb.
The event, hosted at the Emirates Palace, will convene global dignitaries and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives. The UN designated February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity in 2020 to promote religious and cultural tolerance, a mission amplified by this year’s recognition of Mottley’s leadership.
In a statement, the award committee praised Mottley’s “unwavering commitment to bridging geopolitical and socioeconomic divides,” citing her efforts to secure climate financing for vulnerable nations and reform global financial systems. The Barbados leader has emerged as a pivotal figure in multilateral forums, advocating for small island states and low-income economies.
The ceremony underscores the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a mediator in global challenges, from climate action to conflict resolution. Mottley’s accolade follows her recent roles in brokering debt-relief agreements and pushing for ambitious emissions targets.
As the fifth recipient of the award, Mottley’s selection highlights rising emphasis on leaders who blend policy innovation with grassroots impact—a hallmark of her tenure.
