Pashinyan and Aliyev Jointly Receive the Human Fraternity Award

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, granted by the UAE-based Sheikh Zayed Foundation, at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

The two leaders were deemed worthy of the award for their efforts in advancing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, enhancing cooperation, and contributing to regional stability. The award was presented to the leaders by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in an official ceremony.

In his speech while receiving the award, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the current situation was unimaginable just a few years ago, noting that in the last 40 years, the words "peace," "Armenia," and "Azerbaijan" were rarely mentioned together, and when they were, it was considered something extraordinary.

Award for the Peoples

Pashinyan said, "That is why what happened in 2025 and what is happening today is truly incredible," adding that receiving the award shows that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has ended. Pashinyan stated that the award is not only an indicator of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty but also evidence that the conflict between the two countries has concluded. Although the award was officially presented to the leaders of the two countries, Pashinyan emphasized that it in reality belongs to the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan said, "The leaders took brave steps, but what made this historic moment possible is our peoples' willingness to embrace a new future," adding that the award is given to every Armenian and Azerbaijani who dares to nurture the hope for peace.

While receiving the award, Pashinyan specifically thanked Donald Trump, stating that his personal commitment and dedication to peace were key factors in achieving the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty. He also added that he hopes to attend a ceremony one day where Trump is honored with the Nobel Peace Prize.

President Aliyev stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan had been in conflict for over thirty years and are now learning to live in peace. Aliyev said, "We are learning to live in peace. This is a special feeling," reminding that the two countries had never lived in peace since gaining their independence. He emphasized that this situation could serve as an example for other countries in conflict.

#Pashinyan, #Aliyev awarded Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for peace efforts pic.twitter.com/1fz09j8WBD

— ARMENPRESS News (@armenpress) February 4, 2026

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

The 2026 award recipients were chosen by an independent global jury committee consisting of prominent figures and experts in dialogue and coexistence. The jury members included former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Minister of Chad Moussa Faki Mahamat, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, and Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam.

The 2026 Human Fraternity Award received a record number of applications with candidates from more than 75 countries. Nominations were proposed by a limited number of eligible nominators, including heads of state, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, civil society activists, and youth who have achieved significant success in making a difference.