Palestinian organization Taawon named Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honouree
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The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has named the Palestinian non-profit organisation Taawon as the third honouree of its seventh edition.
Taawon will be honoured alongside the historic peace agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, and Afghan girls’ education advocate Zarqa Yaftali. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi on February 4.
Taawon was selected for its humanitarian and development work benefiting more than one million people each year across Palestine. Founded in 1983, the organisation has invested over $1 billion in programs spanning education, youth empowerment, orphan care, cultural initiatives, the rehabilitation of historic towns and community development projects covering health, agriculture and emergency humanitarian assistance.
The organisation has carried out more than 8,200 projects aimed at supporting Palestinians, particularly young people, through resilience-building, economic and social development, and cultural initiatives. Its work also includes preserving Palestinian heritage and supporting sustainable development.
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said Taawon’s selection recognises decades of humanitarian work that has supported human dignity and strengthened Palestinian society under difficult conditions. He said the organisation has developed an institutional approach that extends from immediate relief to long-term investment in education, health, youth empowerment and social cohesion.
Abdelsalam said honouring Taawon aligns with the award’s focus on recognising efforts that translate the values of human fraternity into practical outcomes, in line with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Dr Nabil H. Qaddumi, Chairman of Taawon’s Board of Directors, welcomed the recognition and thanked the award’s judging committee, which includes international experts in dialogue and coexistence. He said the award would support the organisation’s efforts to highlight humanitarian and development priorities in Palestine and help expand long-term programs.
The announcement follows the naming last week of the first and second honourees for the seventh edition: the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and Zarqa Yaftali.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia both expressed pride in the joint recognition, describing it as a contribution to peace efforts in the Caucasus region. Zarqa Yaftali said the honour sends a message of hope to women and girls in Afghanistan and beyond.