Nicosia: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, participated in the High-Level International Conference on Coexistence and Religious Diversity. The event was organised by the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the conference gathered senior officials, policymakers, academics, experts, and representatives from government, religious, and civil society institutions. Delegates from the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states were also present.
In his opening address, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla emphasized Bahrain's commitment to fostering international partnerships that promote coexistence, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding. This aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The minister underscored the significance of the conference in light of global challenges such as increasing polarization, social divisions, and hate speech. He highlighted the importance of reinforcing social cohesion and embedding the values of coexistence and mutual respect through effective partnerships among governments, civil society, religious and community leaders, and regional and international organizations.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla also noted the strong collaboration between Bahrain and Cyprus in organizing the conference, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting coexistence, cultural diversity, and enhanced Gulf-European cooperation for peace, security, and stability.
The Chairman mentioned that these efforts align with Cyprus's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Bahrain's presidency of the current GCC session, and the Kingdom's non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.
He further stated that the challenge societies face is not in diversity itself but in managing it effectively to transform it into a source of strength. The King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance remains committed to advancing dialogue and mutual understanding through education, scientific research, leadership development, and international cooperation.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla reiterated Bahrain's establishment of a national model based on equality, freedom of religion and belief, and respect for diversity, under its enlightened Royal Vision. The Kingdom is committed to building international partnerships that translate dialogue into practical action, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The conference explored the role of governments in enhancing social cohesion through legislation and public policy, the role of civil society and religious institutions in fostering dialogue and understanding, and efforts to counter hate speech and extremism through education, awareness, and responsible digital engagement. Participants also examined opportunities to expand institutional cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge exchange.