The 2024 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has recognized two extraordinary figures for their efforts to make a significant impact on global health and humanitarian relief.
Among the honorees were 15-year-old Heman Bekele, who invented a potential soap-based treatment for skin cancer, and World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization providing life-saving meals to crisis-hit regions.
Heman Bekele, an Ethiopian American high school student, was driven to address the pressing issue of skin cancer after witnessing its devastating effects in Ethiopia, where access to healthcare and treatment options are limited.
His work, which began with experimenting in childhood, culminated in the creation of a soap infused with imidazoquinoline, a compound with proven potential for treating skin cancer.
Bekele’s journey began when he learned about the compound in a research paper and realized that the solution to this deadly disease could be something universal and affordable.
“I thought of creating a lotion for skin cancer, but then I realized we need a universal product that everyone can use,” he said.
This led him to incorporate the compound into a soap, which, after preliminary testing on mice, showed promising results.
While the road to clinical approval remains long, Bekele is conducting further research under the guidance of experts at Johns Hopkins University.
“I plan to use the prize money to establish the Heman Foundation, which will support my dream of building affordable and accessible hospitals in Ethiopia,” Bekele added.
His work offers a glimmer of hope for affordable cancer treatments that could benefit people worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped regions where healthcare infrastructure is scarce.
In addition to Bekele, World Central Kitchen, founded by renowned Chef José Andrés in 2010, was also honored with the prestigious award.
The organization has been a pivotal force in providing meals to people affected by humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
Since its inception, WCK has prepared over 300 million meals across 30 countries, with its efforts intensifying in the wake of political and military crises.
Most recently, WCK has been instrumental in providing over 70 million meals to Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israeli bombardment, thanks to critical support from the UAE.
Erin Gore, CEO of WCK, expressed her gratitude for the UAE’s role in facilitating access to conflict zones, stating that “food is always seen as a solution, not a problem, which makes it difficult for anyone to deny us access.”
Chef Aline Kamakian, an Armenian-Lebanese chef, is one of the key figures in WCK’s operations. Her story of resilience began after losing her home and restaurant in the Beirut port explosion.
Driven by a desire to help those around her, Kamakian joined WCK, preparing traditional meals for displaced communities. Today, she oversees 23 kitchens, serving 50,000 meals daily across Lebanon, all while reopening her restaurant, Mayrig, in Beirut.
Finally, the Zayed Award also honored Mia Amor Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, for her efforts in fighting climate change and advocating for the survival of small island nations facing existential threats due to rising temperatures.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which grants $1 million to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to society, continues to spotlight individuals whose work fosters peace, solidarity, and progress in the global community.
The 2024 honorees represent diverse fields but share a common commitment to improving lives worldwide.