Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, has stated that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has become a global exemplar of peace and interfaith dialogue.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed made these remarks while marking the International Day for Tolerance. He noted that Bahrain’s historical and cultural heritage, coupled with the humanitarian approach of His Majesty the King, has bolstered the nation’s status as a beacon of tolerance, religious and cultural diversity, and coexistence, fostering an environment of stability, harmony, and respect.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed expressed pride in the global acknowledgment of Bahrain’s leadership in promoting tolerance and peace. He remarked that celebrating this occasion, which is recognized by UNESCO through the ‘Declaration of Principles on Tolerance,’ is in alignment with the Centre’s vision and mission, guided by the Royal directives and rooted in the ‘Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration’ on freedom of religion and belief. This commitment is further demonstrated through initiatives like the King Hamad Prize for Coexistence and Tolerance.
He also pointed out that the Centre is actively implementing educational and training programs to underscore the role of education in shaping humane and civilized societies. These initiatives include the second edition of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Coexistence, offered in partnership with the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the Gioya Higher Education Institute in Malta, and the enrolment of the second cohort of the King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Programme in collaboration with British academic institutions. Specialized initiatives such as the ‘Science for Peace Schools’ program, organized with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, are also in place to prepare young individuals as ambassadors of tolerance and human understanding.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed reaffirmed Bahrain’s dedication to advancing humanitarian initiatives that embed the values of tolerance and coexistence, empower youth through education and human values, and build partnerships aimed at ensuring a safer and more prosperous future.