UAE President named Global Humanitarian Personality

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) has announced the recipient of the inaugural PAM Global Humanitarian Personality Award at the 18th Plenary Session held in Braga, Portugal.

For the first time, this prestigious recognition is bestowed upon President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his decades-long exemplary contributions to humanitarian efforts around the world.

Each year, PAM recognises the significant contributions of organisations and individuals who build bridges of communication and foster mutual understanding and respect among the peoples and nations of the region.

This year, the inaugural PAM Global Humanitarian Personality Award is dedicated to those who have showcased extraordinary efforts in providing political mediation or life-saving humanitarian assistance, thereby alleviating the suffering of people facing catastrophic events.

Although this is the first time that PAM has extended the Global Humanitarian Personality Award, the organisation has recognised numerous dignitaries in the past, including Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria; Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio, former President of Portugal; and Ilir Rexhep Meta, former President of Albania.

The award recognises Sheikh Mohamed’s decades-long humanitarian work, as well as his recent announcement of the creation of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative that will allocate Dhs20 billion for humanitarian causes in the world’s most vulnerable regions. Created on the 20th anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's passing and on Zayed Humanitarian Day, this major initiative aims to greatly improve sustainable development and the quality of life of vulnerable communities around the world, underscoring Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of generosity and support.

In addition, under Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed's leadership, the UAE has supported numerous other humanitarian causes over the years, including playing a critical role in the global distribution of billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries in need through its "Hope Consortium" initiative. In the region, Sheikh Mohamed has been instrumental in supporting refugees and providing medical aid to those affected by conflict.

Enaam Mayara, President of PAM, said: “It is with great honour that we announce Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al as the inaugural recipient of the PAM Global Humanitarian Personality Award. For decades, Sheikh Mohamed has been a true champion of humanitarian causes worldwide, having personally been involved in numerous activities that have safeguarded peace, human life, and prosperity. His commitment to promoting global stability has set a remarkable example for leaders everywhere, raising the standard for future recipients of this prestigious recognition.”

Ambassador Dr Abdulsalam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, PAM, said: “PAM is delighted to honour Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the inaugural PAM Global Humanitarian Personality Award. Throughout his outstanding tenure as leader and President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed has tirelessly contributed to various humanitarian causes, positively affecting countless lives across the world. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives has not only provided critical support but has also inspired a new generation of global leaders to follow his example. This award is a testament to the continuation of his and the UAE’s vision for a more harmonious and prosperous world.”

Founded in 2005, PAM is an international organisation that brings together the national parliaments of the Mediterranean and Gulf regions. Since its foundation, the organisation has served as the legal successor of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean (CSCM), established in the early 1990s.

PAM's primary objective is to cultivate strong political, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation among its member states, addressing all regional challenges, and promoting peace and stability across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Since its inception, PAM has distinguished itself as the pre-eminent institution for fostering inter-regional parliamentary diplomacy among its 31 Euro-Mediterranean, Gulf and North African states, which are represented on equal footing through a balanced organisational bureau, alternating presidency, and numerous working committees. Currently, the organisation is led by Enaam Mayara of Morocco.

WAM