Manama: The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence hosted its annual Ramadan Ghabga, attended by ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of UN agencies, religious and community leaders, media figures, and members of the Centre. The event celebrated the United Nations' adoption of Bahrain's initiative to designate January 28 as the International Day for Peaceful Coexistence and their contributions to this achievement.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre, highlighted that the adoption of this international day reflects the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain's ongoing efforts in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the initiative was submitted by Bahrain through the Centre in cooperation with several countries and was endorsed by 162 UN member states. The international recognition, he said, underscores Bahrain's commitment to fostering dialogue, rejecting extremism, and promoting respect for religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity under His Majesty the King's leadership.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed highlighted Bahrain's initiatives supporting peaceful coexistence, including the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, and proposals for an international convention to combat religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech.
He described Bahrain's initiative as a comprehensive and sustainable global platform rooted in the Kingdom's historical and cultural identity as a beacon of tolerance. He stressed the importance of education, training, media awareness, and international partnerships in building stable and prosperous societies, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and other international agreements.
The minister also emphasized the Centre's commitment to advancing the objectives of the International Day for Peaceful Coexistence through academic and training programmes. These include the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Peaceful Coexistence, developed in collaboration with the United Nations University for Peace and GIOYA Higher Education Institute in Malta, and the King Hamad Leadership Programme in Peaceful Coexistence, established in partnership with Faith in Leadership and the University of Oxford's 1928 Institute.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed further expressed Bahrain's aspiration for broader cooperation with UN member states, regional and international organisations, and institutions in media, culture, education, religion, and human rights. He underscored the need for joint efforts to implement policies and legislation that strengthen peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual respect while reinforcing the role of women and youth as key partners in peace, security, and sustainable development.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed honoured representatives of countries that supported Bahrain's resolution, presenting them with commemorative shields. He expressed his appreciation to all attendees and conveyed his hopes for continued peace and tolerance in Bahrain and across the world.