Receiving the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, Pashinyan Says: “Peace Is the Only Consolation for Everyone”
BU DAHBI — “Peace is the only consolation for everyone; peace is the greatest respect toward the victims,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated while receiving the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for 2026.
Pashinyan expressed gratitude to both peoples for recognizing that the past cannot be changed and lies beyond human control, and therefore should not be the focus of attention.
“We must focus on building a peaceful and prosperous future for our nations. This is not an easy path, because there is deep mistrust, pessimism, anger, and even hatred. Many have died during the conflict, and many grieving families are watching what is happening here. Some of them may consider this event inappropriate, but the continuation of suffering is neither consolation nor a sign of respect for those who have suffered; the continuation of killings is neither consolation nor a sign of respect for those who were killed and for their families,” he said.
President Ilham Aliyev also delivered remarks at the award ceremony.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan were named the 2026 laureates of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in recognition of their consistent efforts to advance the agenda of establishing peace between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as promoting cooperation and stability in the region.
The award’s Secretary-General, Mohammad Abdulsalam, said the historic peace agreement embodies the goals of fostering dialogue and a culture of coexistence. He emphasized the leaders’ sustained efforts, describing the agreement as a “major diplomatic achievement” and an important milestone on the path toward global peace.
The 2026 laureates were selected by an independent, global jury composed of internationally recognized figures and experts in dialogue and coexistence. Jury members include former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Charles Michel; former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad Moussa Faki Mahamat; Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See José Tolentino de Mendonça; Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva; and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohammad Abdulsalam.
