Reem Al Hashimy receives prestigious Marisa Bellisario Award in Italy

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, has been honored with the Marisa Bellisario Award. This award is among Italy’s most prestigious honors, recognizing outstanding women and leaders who have achieved significant milestones in fields such as diplomacy, government, business, science, innovation, culture, and humanitarian efforts.

During the 38th edition of the Marisa Bellisario Award ceremony held in Rome, the award was presented to Al Hashimy by Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic. Receiving this award places Al Hashimy among an elite group of influential international leaders whose efforts have had a transformative impact on their countries and the wider world.

As one of Europe’s most distinguished honors for women’s leadership, the Marisa Bellisario Award also reflects growing international recognition of the UAE’s model for empowering women in leadership and decision-making roles, as well as the country’s broader commitment to fostering dialogue, partnership, and inclusive, sustainable development globally.

Prior to the ceremony, Reem Al Hashimy attended a banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in honor of the 2026 award recipients. The banquet underscored the high institutional, political, and public standing of the Marisa Bellisario Award in Italy, as well as the value it places on individuals who create a positive impact at both national and international levels.

This recognition comes at a time when UAE-Italy relations are experiencing significant growth, particularly following the official visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to the UAE in January 2026, which marked a major milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The award reflects Al Hashimy’s distinguished career and her long-standing role in diplomacy, international cooperation, and the advancement of global partnerships, including her contributions to strengthening ties between the UAE and the Italian Republic. Throughout her career, Reem Al Hashimy has played a pivotal role in enhancing the UAE’s international presence, expanding strategic partnerships, and promoting dialogue and cooperation across various regions and sectors.

Al Hashimy also played a vital role in organizing and hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, an event that served as a historic milestone in hosting global mega-events and defined new standards for the industry. The Women’s Pavilion at the Expo further highlighted the central role of women in driving development and promoting social progress.

The award also highlights the remarkable progress of Emirati women under the wise vision of the UAE’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—a legacy that continues today under the leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has further strengthened the role of women in all areas of national development.

A primary pillar of this progress has been the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Nation," Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. Her continuous efforts have played a fundamental role in elevating the status of women as key partners in the UAE’s development journey. As a result of this long-standing national commitment, Emirati women today hold leading roles in diplomacy, government, business, science, technology, and innovation, contributing significantly to the country’s development and international standing.

On this occasion, Al Hashimy said: "I am honored to receive the Marisa Bellisario Award, an honor that celebrates the contributions of women in public service, leadership, and international cooperation. I accept this recognition on behalf of the many Emirati women whose talent, ambition, and commitment continue to contribute to the development of the UAE and its engagement with the world. This award reflects the vision of the UAE leadership, which has empowered women to play an active role in shaping our country’s future and representing it with confidence on the global stage. It also reaffirms the importance of international dialogue, partnership, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing sustainable progress for all."

She added: "I am particularly pleased that this recognition comes at a time when relations between the UAE and Italy, our close friend and strategic partner, are continuously expanding and strengthening. This recognition coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic, adding further significance to this important milestone in the enduring friendship between the UAE and Italy. Based on friendship and mutual respect, our two countries are deepening cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, innovation, sustainability, culture, education, and people-to-people ties, standing together with a shared commitment to regional stability and international security."

Previous recipients of the Marisa Bellisario International Award include Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, recognized for her global advocacy for education and youth empowerment; former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi; and Yazidi Iraqi human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad.

Al Hashimy’s selection among such a distinguished group of global women leaders reflects recognition of her brilliant career and her contributions to advancing international cooperation and creating positive change worldwide.