ABU DAHBI — “Peace is the only consolation for everyone; peace is the greatest respect toward the victims,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated while receiving the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for 2026. Pashinyan expressed gratitude to both peoples for recognizing that the past cannot be changed and lies be- yond human control, and therefore should not be the focus of attention. “We must focus on building a peaceful and prosperous future for our nations. This is not an easy path, because there is deep mistrust, pessi- mism, anger, and even hatred. Many have died during the conflict, and many grieving families are watching what is happening here. Some of them may consider this event inappropriate, but the continuation of suffering is nei- ther consolation nor a sign of respect for those who have suffered; the con- tinuation of killings is neither consola- tion nor a sign of respect for those who were killed and for their families,” he said. President Ilham Aliyev also deliv- ered remarks at the award ceremony. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan were named the 2026 laureates of the Zayed Award for Hu- man Fraternity in recognition of their consistent efforts to advance the agenda of establishing peace between the Republic of Armenia and the Repub- lic of Azerbaijan, as well as promoting cooperation and stability in the region. The award’s Secretary-General, Mohammad Abdulsalam, said the his- toric peace agreement embodies the goals of fostering dialogue and a cul- ture of coexistence. He emphasized the leaders’ sustained efforts, describing the agreement as a “major diplomatic achievement” and an important mile- stone on the path toward global peace. The 2026 laureates were selected by an independent, global jury com- posed of internationally recognized figures and experts in dialogue and co- existence. Jury members include for- mer President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of the King- dom of Belgium Charles Michel; for- mer Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Min- ister of the Republic of Chad Moussa Faki Mahamat; Prefect of the Dicast- ery for Culture and Education of the Holy See José Tolentino de Mendonça; Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uz- bekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva; and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohammad Abdulsalam.