The 2026 Zayed Prize for Human Philanthropy Recognizes the Peace Agreement Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Amid decades of conflict in the Caucasus region, an agreement brings hope for a shared future to the people of both countries.

The 2026 Zayed Prize for Human Philanthropy is awarded to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, in recognition of the Agreement on Peace and Interstate Relations signed by the two countries. The prize aims to recognize “the promotion and cultivation of a culture of dialogue and coexistence,” and this agreement marks a “key milestone and significant diplomatic achievement” in advancing global peace.

The award ceremony will be held on February 4, 2026 (the UN-recognized International Day of Human Philanthropy) at the Founders' Memorial in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Judge Mohammed Abdulsalam, member of the Zayed Prize for Human Philanthropy Jury and Secretary-General, noted that this agreement “turns a page in nearly four decades of tension and conflict in the Caucasus region and lays a solid foundation for a safer, shared future for the people of both countries.”

01. Reason for Award: The Historical Significance of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement

The peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia ended decades of conflict and humanitarian suffering in the Caucasus region. The agreement is seen as a concrete action taken by both countries to achieve peace, dialogue, normalization of relations, and conflict resolution.

The Zayed Prize Committee emphasizes that reconciliation is not a one-off action, but an ongoing process. The agreement embodies the mission and goal of the prize: to promote peaceful coexistence and environmental building among humankind.

The judging committee is selected by an independent global committee composed of outstanding individuals and experts in the field of dialogue and coexistence. This selection mechanism ensures the fairness and authority of the award.

02. Background and History of the Zayed Prize for Humanitarian Achievement

The Zayed Prize for Humanitarian Achievement was established in 2019 to commemorate the humanitarian values ​​of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates.

This award is closely related to the "Document on Human Fraternity" signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019, co-signed by Pope Francis and Imam Ahmed Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque.

Since its inception, the award has recognized numerous global leaders and organizations. 2021 laureates include UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Moroccan-French social activist Rajifa ibn Ziateng.

03 Historical Background and Geopolitical Significance of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict

The root of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia lies in the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR) region. During the Soviet era, NKR was an autonomous region of Azerbaijan, but its majority population was ethnic Armenian.

In 1988, NKR demanded annexation by Armenia, leading to inter-ethnic conflict in the region. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, war broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the status of NKR.

On December 7, 2023, Azerbaijan and Armenia issued a joint statement reaffirming their intention to normalize relations and reach a peace agreement based on respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In August 2025, the two countries initialed the text of the "Agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations" in Washington, D.C., marking the "final creation of conditions for establishing good-neighborly relations."

04. The Zayed Prize's Contribution to Global Peace

The Zayed Prize for Humanitarian Philanthropy is an independent annual international award that recognizes individuals and organizations, regardless of background or location, for their contributions to promoting human solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

The prize includes a $1 million grant to support the laureate's continued humanitarian work. Ladies are selected by an independent judging committee, ensuring the fairness and authority of the selection process.

The nomination process for the Zayed Prize is open to qualified nominees, including academics, public figures, religious leaders, government officials, and heads of NGOs. Nominations for the 2026 awards will close on October 1, 2025.

The award has become an important platform for promoting global peace and dialogue. By recognizing peacemakers like the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Zayed Prize is fostering greater international recognition of the values ​​of human fraternity.

Since its inception, the Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity has recognized 16 global role models, including the UN Secretary-General, national leaders, social activists, and humanitarian organizations. The award originated from the "Document on Human Fraternity" signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in 2019 and has become an important international platform for promoting cross-cultural understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Through its recognition of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the 2026 Zayed Prize once again demonstrates that diplomatic efforts and dialogue can resolve long-term conflicts and open new possibilities for regional stability and global peace.