ABU DHABI/ISLAMABAD: First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari participated in the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis in Abu Dhabi, on the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
The Majlis is a cornerstone convening within the annual calendar of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, reflecting the UAE’s enduring commitment to coexistence, compassion, dialogue, and human unity, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
This year’s Majlis carried particular significance as it was held under the theme of the “Year of the Family,” echoing the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that the family remains the foundation of national strength, prosperity, and continuity. Rooted in the Emirati majlis tradition, defined by humility, wisdom, and hospitality, the gathering brought together global leaders, thinkers, and changemakers to engage in open and reflective dialogue aimed at translating shared human values into practical and inclusive outcomes.
The First Lady participated in a high-level panel titled “Female Leadership at the Heart of Human Fraternity,” a distinguished dialogue bringing together influential women leaders whose work has strengthened the social fabric of their nations. The session was moderated by Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief of The National (UAE). The discussion highlighted leadership models grounded in empathy, moral courage, and inclusive governance, underscoring how resilient families often form the starting point for cohesive communities and enduring social harmony.
During her remarks, Aseefa reflected on the legacy of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female prime minister and the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country. She emphasised that trust in public institutions cannot be built through instructions alone, but through listening, continuity, and genuine engagement at the community level.
Drawing on Pakistan’s experience, she highlighted the globally recognised Lady Health Workers Programme as a powerful example of two-way communication between the state and households, bringing healthcare, vaccination awareness, and dignity directly to families’ doorsteps.
She noted that the programme’s success lies in its community-embedded approach, where thousands of women health workers speak the same language, understand local social and cultural contexts, and serve as trusted and familiar faces. Citing recent vaccination campaigns, including HPV outreach and Pakistan’s first nationwide polio eradication drive, the First Lady underscored how trust, empathy, and dialogue at the household level significantly improve public health outcomes. She described community health workers as the vital link between national health systems and families, particularly in reaching mothers and children.
The First Lady further stressed the importance of aligning education, family, and leadership in shaping values among future generations. She observed that children learn best when values are practiced daily rather than conveyed through occasional instruction. Reflecting on her own schooling experience in the UAE during her family’s exile, she recalled how initiatives such as cultural weeks and environmental awareness programmes fostered habits of respect, responsibility, and civic engagement. She noted that when schools view parents as partners and parents see schools as character-building communities, the impact on a child’s development is profound.
In this context, Aseefa praised the UAE leadership for consistently emphasising tradition, cultural respect, and service to society, describing the designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family as a powerful and timely message. She noted that when leadership, educators, and families act in harmony, they shape citizens who are grounded, compassionate, and committed to the collective good.
The First Lady attended the Majlis where she was received by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. Prior to the panel discussion, she also interacted with a number of distinguished participants, including H.E. Nehmat Aoun, First Lady of Lebanon; H.E. Megawati Sukarnoputri, Former President of the Republic of Indonesia and Member of the 2024 Zayed Award Judging Committee; H.E. Verónica Alcocer García, First Lady of Colombia; H.E. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; and H.E. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Member of the 2026 Zayed Award Judging Committee.
