Abu dhabi: The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity hosted a high-level international delegation from Yale University's Peace Fellowship programme this month, which included 13 individuals working on the frontlines of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconciliation across various regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
According to Emirates News Agency, the delegation was led by Yale International Leadership Center Director Emma Sky and included former ministers, lawyers, experts, and international activists. Notable among them were a Cypriot former minister of justice, an Indian United Nations official engaged in the Ukraine conflict, and a former Finnish Parliament member now guiding a global peace nonprofit's Middle East efforts.
The fellowship, which selected 13 fellows from around 4,700 applicants, is aimed at supporting emerging peace leaders at a pivotal stage in their careers. This year's fellowship featured a study tour in Abu Dhabi, a crucial part of the program, which involved participation in the Zayed Award's annual roundtable. The event convened award honorees and Peace Fellows to discuss human fraternity challenges and solutions, alongside tours of UAE landmarks and dialogues with peacebuilders and mediators.
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the significance of hosting the Yale Peace Fellows as a reflection of the award's commitment to advancing the values of the Document on Human Fraternity. He highlighted the collaboration with Yale University as an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and empower peacebuilders to promote dialogue, coexistence, and fraternity.
Emma Sky, Director of the International Leadership Center at Yale, underscored the fellowship's relevance amid intensifying global conflicts. She noted that the Peace Fellows embody hope and are addressing complex challenges with a focus on bridging divides and fostering peace, reminding the world of shared humanity.
Following the roundtable, the Peace Fellows shared strategies for promoting human fraternity globally. Norwegian peace mediator Sylvia Thompson emphasized the importance of listening with curiosity and engaging with empathy. Meanwhile, Caleb Gichuchi, a specialist in applying technology to conflict, advocated for practicing empathy to humanize diverse perspectives. Margaret Ajok, a Transitional Justice Advisor in Uganda, echoed this sentiment, referencing the African philosophy of Ubuntu to underline the interconnectedness of humanity.