Manama: During the annual Ramadan Ghabga organised by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, diplomats joined the celebration of the United Nations' adoption of Bahrain's initiative to establish the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. The event provided a platform for ambassadors to express their appreciation for Bahrain's role in promoting peace and coexistence globally. According to Bahrain News Agency, ambassadors from various countries praised His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's efforts in fostering dialogue and rejecting intolerance. The UN General Assembly supported Bahrain's resolution with an overwhelming majority of 162 nations, underscoring the Kingdom's growing influence on the global stage. Anne Jalando-On Louis, the Ambassador of the Philippines, congratulated Bahrain on this achievement, highlighting the Philippines' support as a co-sponsor of the UN resolution. She emphasised the shared principles of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance between the two n ations. Ardi Hermawan, the Indonesian Ambassador to Bahrain, praised Bahrain's commitment to peaceful harmony, reflecting the values supported by all UN member states. Bahrain has put itself on the world map in various areas in its development process under the leadership of His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and this resolution of International Day of Peaceful Coexistence is one of those many achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain, he said. Ambassador Hermawan congratulated Bahrain and the King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Coexistence on this success. He noted that the International Day for Peaceful Coexistence enjoys broad support from countries that value peaceful coexistence, with Indonesia being a key supporter. This initiative reflects the peaceful harmony that exists in Bahrain, as highlighted by Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and is endorsed by nations worldwide. Clemen Augustinus Hach, the German Ambassador, commended Bahrain for advancing the concept of peaceful coexistence beyond mere tolerance, emphasising equality among religions and ethnic groups. He said: "Germany was a co-sponsor to this resolution that Bahrain has submitted to the United Nations General Assembly to declare one International Day for the peaceful coexistence. We're very grateful to Bahrain for this initiative." Ambassador Hach noted that Bahrain's initiative builds upon the concept developed after the Bahrain Declaration in 2017, moving beyond mere tolerance to embrace peaceful coexistence based on equality among religions and ethnic groups. Khaled El Mekwad, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the resolution, positioning Bahrain as a leader in multilateral diplomacy. He said: "This reflects the values which Bahrain promotes and the King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and it also reflects the role of a group of countries. Bahrain was really proactive in leading this exercise." Saqib Rauf, the Pakistan Ambassador, congratulated His Majesty King Hamad on this achievement, following the initiative proposed by the Kingdom which sends a global message of peace and coexistence. He added that Pakistan was among the many countries supporting this initiative, demonstrating the widespread international backing for Bahrain's vision. The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence on 4 March 2025. This resolution was spearheaded by the Kingdom of Bahrain in collaboration with allied nations and was initiated by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. The decision reflects the international community's commitment to fostering harmony, unity, and mutual respect among diverse cultures, religions, and civilisations. The resolution encourages UN member states, international organisations, and civil society to mark this day with meaningful activities that promote a culture of peace, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
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