Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, highlighted the Centre's ongoing commitment to educational programmes aimed at empowering youth and fostering a culture of peace, dialogue, and understanding among peoples. This initiative aligns with the humanitarian vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
According to Bahrain News Agency, on the occasion of launching the second edition of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma on Coexistence, Dr. Al Khalifa expressed pride in the collaboration between the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, the United Nations-affiliated University for Peace, and the Gioya Higher Education Institute in Malta. The programme addresses issues such as peace, human rights, international law, and combating extremism, with participation from one hundred students representing 63 countries. This follows the success of the first edition, which gained extensive international and UN recognition.
Dr. Al Khalifa noted that the programme is part of the Centre's educational initiatives in partnership with international entities. It embodies the Royal vision and the Government's directives under His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhance education's role in fostering coexistence and tolerance, promoting religious and cultural dialogue, and supporting sustainable development.
The Minister and Chairman of the Board of Trustees welcomed the participating students, encouraging them to actively engage with the programme. He highlighted the importance of the updated courses that blend academic theory with practical applications, delivered through virtual platforms and field activities reflecting Bahrain's model of coexistence. This approach aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to become future leaders in promoting understanding, mutual respect, intercultural dialogue, and the rejection of hatred.
The second edition of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma on Coexistence has drawn significant international participation, demonstrating the global community's confidence in Bahrain's leadership in promoting peace and appreciation for the initiatives of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance. The United Nations Human Rights Council commended the first edition of the programme as a unique initiative that enhances education's role as a tool to counter hate speech and achieve coexistence and social peace worldwide.