Step Into Dialogue: Join the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program!

The doors are open once again for aspiring peacebuilders and diplomats! The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is inviting a fresh cohort of young leaders to join the second edition of its esteemed Human Fraternity Fellowship Program. This initiative seeks to empower emerging leaders with the tools and insights needed to foster global dialogue, peacebuilding, and interfaith collaboration.

A Historical Meeting Ignites a Global Mission

The foundation of this program can be traced back to a significant day in February 2019, when the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and Pope Francis, came together in Abu Dhabi. Their historic meeting resulted in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, a declaration promoting peace and understanding across cultures and religions. This fellowship program is a testament to their vision, seeking to cultivate a new generation of leaders deeply committed to these ideals.

Partnering With Global Leaders in Education

The inaugural edition launched in collaboration with the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. This partnership underscores the program’s mission to equip young academics with the skills necessary to be ambassadors of peace. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, emphasized the importance of this collaboration as a cornerstone for driving peace and coexistence.

Applications Open

Aspiring participants have until May 16, 2025, to apply via the program’s online portal. The year’s curriculum promises a mixture of virtual sessions starting in June, peaking with an enriching week-long tour in Jakarta, Indonesia. This immersive experience offers fellows the chance to network with global peers, religious leaders, and policymakers while engaging with past recipients of the prestigious Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

Transformative Experiences from Former Fellows

Aisha Alyassi, a fellow from the United Arab Emirates, reflects on her transformative experience in 2024, where she met with international leaders who stressed the vital role of youth in peace initiatives. This encounter fueled her sense of responsibility to strive for a better future for coming generations, echoing the program’s broader mission.

Celebrating the First Edition’s Success

The first edition held in Abu Dhabi brought together students from diverse backgrounds, including eight countries and five religious traditions. Participants had the unique opportunity to partake in the Human Fraternity Majlis, attend the Zayed Award ceremony, and engage with influential leaders like Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb and José Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor.

In a world that yearns for unity and understanding, the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those eager to make a lasting impact. Don’t miss this chance to join hands with fellow young leaders and forge a path toward a more compassionate future. According to Vatican News, this program is vital in advancing peace and human fraternity across borders.