Saida Mirziyoyeva, a member of the jury of the Sheikh Zayed International Award for Human Fraternity and Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, delivered a speech at the award forum held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. She highlighted the significant role of women’s leadership in strengthening human fraternity and stressed that domestic violence must be categorically rejected in this process.

The forum, which opened in Abu Dhabi on February 3, brought together members of the award’s jury, internationally respected public figures, and influencers. This year’s discussions focused on the role of families and social groups, women’s leadership, and humanitarian engagement in ensuring social stability and harmony. The award winners will be announced on February 4, International Human Fraternity Day.

In her speech, Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasized that human fraternity is not merely a slogan or an abstract concept, but a practical choice. She noted that women’s leadership often takes root long before formal positions are attained — within families, schools, neighborhoods, and healthcare institutions. Such leadership, she said, is aimed not at intensifying conflicts, but at preventing them and maintaining trust and stability.

Mirziyoyeva also highlighted that a healthy family environment and mutual respect form the foundation of social stability, noting that it is impossible to speak of human fraternity where violence exists within the family. In her view, achieving meaningful progress in this area requires effective legislation, fair and people-centered courts, and institutions that consistently protect human rights.

She further noted that women’s participation in public life and state governance in Uzbekistan is steadily increasing. According to her, women currently account for nearly 40 percent of the country’s parliament. At the same time, ensuring gender equality within the executive branch remains an ongoing national priority.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was established in 2019 in honor of the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award is presented annually on February 4, the International Day of Human Fraternity. Laureates receive a cash prize of USD 1 million.