Indonesia's fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri congratulated the Zayed Award 2026 winners in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She also met the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and introduced Pancasila as Indonesia's unifying national philosophy. The meeting and ceremony took place on February 4, 2026.
Abu Dhabi, VIVA – On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesia's fifth president and chair of PDI Perjuangan, attended the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 ceremony in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented plaques to the winners, including Afghan girls' education advocate Zarqa Yaftali and Taawon board chair Nabil Hani Qaddumi from the Palestinian humanitarian organization. Megawati sat in the first row on the right side of the stage, while President MBZ was in the center.
After the ceremony, Megawati was approached by former Zayed Award jurors and attendees. Nabil Hani Qaddumi approached her while she was talking to representatives from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, 2024 Zayed winners when Megawati served as a juror. She congratulated him and encouraged Taawon's humanitarian efforts. Nabil asked for a photo, 'May I take a photo with you?' Megawati smiled and agreed, introducing Indonesian Ambassador to Tunisia Zuhairi Misrawi and Ambassador to UAE Judha Nugraha.
Megawati also hugged Zarqa Yaftali, engaging in warm conversation and meeting her family. Zarqa introduced her child and husband, who were proud of the award. They took a family photo together. 'Call me Megawati. Please visit Indonesia, and I am ready to receive you,' Megawati said with a smile.
On the same day, Megawati met Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Watan Palace. Beyond discussing technology and the environment, she introduced Pancasila as a solid philosophical foundation drawn by Bung Karno from Nusantara heritage. Pancasila unites Indonesia's diverse population, aligning with the Zayed Award's vision. Zuhairi Misrawi stated, 'In the meeting, Mrs. Megawati introduced Indonesia as a country with a strong philosophical foundation, namely Pancasila.' Megawati reminisced about her role as a 2024 Zayed Award juror, where NU and Muhammadiyah won, recognizing moderate Indonesian Islam.
