On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity (February 4), the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Vietnam, Dr. Bader Almatrooshi, shared with Nhan Dan Online about innovative initiatives related to the anniversary, aiming to put the values of fraternity and solidarity into action for a more peaceful future.
On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution – co-sponsored by the UAE and Egypt – proclaiming February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity, inviting all member states and international organisations to observe the day annually.
 |
| UAE Ambassador to Vietnam, Dr. Bader Almatrooshi. (Photo: UAE Embassy in Vietnam) |
This International Day of Commemoration was inspired by the global reaction to the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by two of the world’s great religious leaders, Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019.
Ambassador Bader Almatrooshi stated that this is an annual celebration of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, calling for turning the values of solidarity stated in the document into action, to build a more peaceful world.
International, regional and local events are held on the UN-recognised International Day, which also aims to attract public awareness of human solidarity on the occasion of the anniversary of the signing of the document. The event motivates people of all backgrounds to gather in a "great human family" to make valuable contributions to the world.
 |
| Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb sign the Document on Human Fraternity – a joint declaration calling for peace in the world, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 4, 2019. (Photo: Higher Committee of Human Fraternity) |
In addition, to realise the aspirations of the document, as well as promote human fraternity values in communities around the world, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) was established on August 15, 2019, bringing together religious, cultural and educational leaders from around the globe.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also allocated a plot of land on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi to build the Abrahamic Family House complex - a concrete implementation in the spirit of the Document on Human Fraternity to promote mutual understanding and peace.
According to Ambassador Bader Almatrooshi, the values of the document are the key to promoting peace on all levels, between individuals, organisations, nations, and even between humanity and the environment.
 |
| The Abrahamic Family House complex includes religious, cultural and educational structures located on Saadiyat Island - the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi. (Photo: Higher Committee of Human Fraternity) |
The UAE Ambassador emphasised that in the context of today's world witnessing the rise of extremism and intolerance, innovative initiatives related to the International Day of February 4 aim to put human fraternity values into action by inspiring leaders and empowering youth, women and vulnerable communities to pursue and realise a more peaceful future.
In addition, on the occasion, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is also awarded annually on February 4 to honour individuals, organisations and other entities for their profound contributions to human fraternity.
As an independent global award granted by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and including a financial prize of US$1 million, the award is named in honour of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and founder of the UAE.
The award was established in February 2019 to mark the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The two religious leaders were also the first honourary recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
