Home Industry Healthcare How this youth Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honoree is setting an example Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old Ethiopian American inventor whose ambition to revolutionise skin cancer treatment and accessibility embodies the spirit of human fraternity by Professor Ouided Bouchamaoui February 3, 2025 Image: WAM At its core, human fraternity embodies coexistence – respecting traditions, beliefs, cultures, and religions, and supporting one another across any differences. Young generations hold the key to translating these ideals into action with their energy, and imagination to dream of a better world and their awareness of the interconnectedness of humanity. As a professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, I teach students theoretical concepts and practical tools for conflict resolution. Through empathy, negotiation, and mediation, we explore how disputes can be transformed into opportunities for understanding. A key takeaway is recognising the challenges that people face around us and proactively exploring opportunities to create solutions that serve communities. Youth Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honouree: Heman Bekele The first-ever youth Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honoree Heman Bekele exemplifies how empathy for others can motivate innovation and progress. Growing up in Ethiopia and witnessing the challenges facing his community enabled him to brainstorm and propose a novel approach to skin cancer treatment: a Skin Cancer Treating Soap, a compound-based bar of soap charged with immunotherapeutic drugs to fight the disease. His journey highlights the extraordinary potential of young changemakers who, once they find their purpose, transform their communities through creativity and compassion. Through my work with young people, I have witnessed their unique ability to pursue greater ambitions and leverage their knowledge for the greater good. Their inventiveness, coupled with dedication and compassion, underlines why we recognise them as changemakers. Yet, despite their immense potential, many young people face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment. These barriers hinder their ability to contribute fully to their communities and to the world at large. Changemakers should have the opportunities they need to thrive It is our responsibility to ensure that these changemakers have the opportunities they need to thrive. By expanding access to resources and creating avenues for civic engagement – as well as personal growth – we empower young people to realise their potential as advocates for peace and progress. As part of my work with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, I had the opportunity to engage with students participating in the Sounds of Human Fraternity programme – an initiative launched by NYU Abu Dhabi and the award that merges peace education with the transformative power of arts, offering students a unique platform to compose and showcase music that embodies the spirit of unity. Like Heman, these students have the vision and the motivation to advance human fraternity through their interests, in particular arts and culture, and are eager to take advantage of programs and opportunities that allow them to do so. Today, nations are recognising the vast opportunities youth empowerment can create. Initiatives like the United Nations Youth 2030 Strategy are guiding action with, and for, youth, prioritising peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. This strategy highlights the indispensable role of youth in contributing to the resilience of their communities and driving progress through innovation. Closer to home, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity exemplifies the transformative potential of youth-driven change. This independent and international award each year recognises individuals and organisations from diverse backgrounds who work tirelessly to advance the values of human fraternity and solidarity. Established in 2019 following the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the award places future generations at the heart of its mission. This year, for the first time since the award’s inception, a teenager has been selected as one of its recipients. Bekele’s journey serves as a beacon of what is possible when young people are empowered with opportunities to lead. By addressing a global healthcare challenge with ingenuity and compassion, he exemplifies the transformative role youth can play in advancing human fraternity and how young innovators can bridge divides and create solutions that impact lives across the globe. Bekele’s ambition to help others is an inspiration to every person, no matter what age. His selection as a recipient of the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is a reminder that young generations must be at the forefront of change, empowered to lead transformative efforts to shape a common, prosperous future, deeply rooted in the values of human fraternity. Professor Ouided Bouchamaoui is a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2015), former Judging Committee Member of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, and professor of Practice of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi). 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