Global Achievements Celebrated in Zayed Award Winners
Young Inventor and Humanitarian Organizations Win Zayed Award for Human Fraternity
In the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the winners of the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity were announced. The award honors individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to tackling social issues and promoting peace and solidarity worldwide. This year's honorees include an Ethiopian-American teenager who developed an affordable soap for treating skin cancer, the World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid organization, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, an advocate for combating climate change.
Heman Bekele: Inventor of the Skin Cancer Soap
Heman Bekele, an Ethiopian-American high school student who spent his early years in Ethiopia, drew inspiration from his experiences to find an affordable solution for treating skin cancer. In Ethiopia, where skin cancer is a serious health issue due to limited access to healthcare, Bekele recognized the urgent need for a universally accessible treatment.
His scientific curiosity emerged in childhood when he began experimenting with various chemical compounds. During his research, he discovered a compound called imiquimod, which proved to be a promising ingredient in treating skin cancer. Initially considering developing a skincare cream, he realized that a commonly used product—soap—could be more widely accessible.
Bekele synthesized and integrated the imiquimod into soap while interning in a laboratory. Early mouse experiments have shown promising results, but there remains a long road to clinical application. "I'm currently continuing my research at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health under the guidance of Dr. Rita Rebecca," said Bekele.
Bekele intends to use the prize money to establish the Heman Foundation, aimed at supporting affordable healthcare. His long-term dream is to build an affordable and easily accessible hospital in his homeland, Ethiopia, while continuing his research into new cancer treatments.
Mia Amor Mottley: Advocate Against Climate Change
Among the awardees is Mia Amor Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, a globally recognized leader in the fight against climate change. Barbados and other small island nations are directly threatened by rising sea levels and climate change effects. According to Patricia Scotland, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Mottley is "a champion of humanity and inclusivity," tirelessly working to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Significance of the Zayed Award
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is one of the UAE's most prestigious honors, awarded annually. The one-million-dollar prize is divided among the deserving individuals and organizations, encouraging them to continue their work for the betterment of the global community.
This year's awardees' stories are inspiring examples of how individual commitment and community collaboration can effect real change in the world. Whether through scientific innovation, humanitarian aid, or fighting climate change, they all contribute to building a better and fairer future.
