Abu dhabi: First Lady of Pakistan, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA, participated in the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis in Abu Dhabi on the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to human fraternity, inclusive leadership, and family-centered values.
The Majlis, a key annual convening of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, was held this year under the theme of the 'Year of the Family,' reflecting the vision of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that families are the foundation of national strength, prosperity, and continuity. The gathering brought together global leaders and thinkers to promote dialogue, coexistence, and shared human values.
The First Lady participated in a high-level panel titled 'Female Leadership at the Heart of Human Fraternity,' moderated by Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief of The National (UAE). The discussion highlighted leadership rooted in empathy, moral courage, and inclusive governance, emphasizing the role of resilient families in building cohesive societies.
In her remarks, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reflected on the legacy of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and stressed that trust in public institutions is built through listening, continuity, and genuine community engagement. She highlighted Pakistan's Lady Health Workers Programme as a globally recognized example of effective state-to-community linkage, particularly in healthcare delivery, vaccination awareness, and public trust-building.
She underscored the role of community-based women health workers in recent initiatives, including HPV outreach and the nationwide polio eradication drive, noting that trust and dialogue at the household level significantly improve public health outcomes, especially for mothers and children.
The First Lady also emphasized the importance of aligning education, family, and leadership in shaping values among future generations. Recalling her schooling experience in the UAE, she noted how educational initiatives promoting cultural respect and civic responsibility contribute to character-building when schools and families work in partnership.
Praising the UAE leadership for prioritizing tradition, service, and cultural respect, she described the designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family as timely and impactful, stating that harmony between leadership, educators, and families nurtures compassionate and responsible citizens.
During the Majlis, the First Lady was received by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, and interacted with several distinguished participants, including the First Ladies of Lebanon and Colombia, former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, and senior leaders from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Her participation reflected Pakistan's continued commitment to promoting human fraternity, inclusive leadership, and strong family and community values at both national and global levels.