First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA on Wednesday participated in the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis in Abu Dhabi, on the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n
The Majlis is a cornerstone convening within the annual calendar of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, reflecting the UAE\u2019s enduring commitment to coexistence, compassion, dialogue, and human unity.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Majlis carried particular significance as it was held under the theme of the \u201cYear of the Family,\u201d echoing the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that the family remains the foundation of national strength, prosperity, and continuity, according to a press release issued by the President House Media Wing.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The first lady participated in a high-level panel titled \u201cFemale Leadership at the Heart of Human Fraternity,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
During her remarks, the first lady reflected on the legacy of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019 doorsteps.<\/p>\n
She noted that the programme\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s development is profound.<\/p>\n
In this context, the first lady 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.<\/p>\n
The first lady attended the Majlis where she was received by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.<\/p>\n
Prior to the panel discussion, the first lady also interacted with a number of distinguished participants, including Nehmat Aoun, First Lady of Lebanon; Megawati Sukarnoputri, Former President of the Republic of Indonesia and Member of the 2024 Zayed Award Judging Committee; Ver\u00f3nica Alcocer Garc\u00eda, First Lady of Colombia; Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; and Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Member of the 2026 Zayed Award Judging Committee.<\/p>\n
The first lady\u2019s participation reflected Pakistan\u2019s continued commitment to the promotion of human fraternity, inclusive leadership, and the strengthening of family and community values at the national and global levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA on Wednesday 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\u2019s enduring commitment […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":529477,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-529475","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n