In a historic achievement that further strengthens the position of Moroccan civil society and citizen diplomacy on the international stage, Moroccan human rights activist, journalist, and peace advocate Zakaria El Hamel, President and Founder of the Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures Organization, has been selected as a recipient of the 2nd Edition of the Nelson Mandela International Human Rights Award in Italy.
This prestigious distinction represents far more than a symbolic tribute. It carries significant institutional, academic, and international value, reflecting recognition from respected European institutions committed to peace, human rights, and intercultural dialogue. High-Level Italian Parliamentary Recognition The international event associated with the award has received official patronage and support from the Italian Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati). According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Counselor and Chief of Secretariat to the President of the Italian Parliament, a distinguished Representative Prize (Premio di Rappresentanza) a major silver medal bearing the official seal of the Italian Parliament and an engraving of the historic Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome has been designated to accompany the event.
This parliamentary recognition from a leading member state of both the European Union and the G7 contributes notable institutional prestige to the international ceremony.
Recognition of a Lifelong Commitment to Peace and Human Rights Zakaria El Hamel was selected following the deliberations of an international coalition of respected academic and philosophical institutions, including:
The World Peace Foundation
The International Academy Léopold Sédar Senghor The Academy of Philosophical Arts and Sciences The award recognizes his longstanding efforts in promoting a culture of peace, defending human rights, empowering youth, and advancing intercultural dialogue. Through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, he has contributed to teaching the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to more than 50,000 young people.
The Legacy of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi
The symbolic importance of this distinction is rooted in the enduring legacies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, two of the most influential global figures in the struggle for justice, human dignity, and nonviolent social transformation.
The recognition of a Moroccan activist through an award bearing Mandela’s name highlights the
growing contribution of Moroccan civil society to international peace building efforts and the promotion of universal values of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual understanding.
Official Award Ceremony in Italy
The official award presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 19, 2026, at the historic Norman-Swabian Castle of Sannicandro di Bari, Italy.
The event is expected to gather diplomats, academics, policymakers, human rights defenders, and
civil society leaders from various countries, providing an important platform for international dialogue and cooperation.
This distinction represents a moment of pride not only for Zakaria El Hamel and his organization but also for Moroccan youth and civil society, whose efforts continue to gain recognition on the global stage.
For more information about the organization’s initiatives and humanitarian projects, please visit:
youthforpeaceint.org
