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 Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), has confirmed the Center's dedication to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This vision focuses on preparing and empowering youth to become influential leaders in promoting a culture of peace and instilling values of tolerance for a more unified and prosperous future for humanity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed expressed pride in the launch of the "King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Program" in partnership with Faith in Leadership and the 1928 Institute at the University of Oxford. This initiative marks the region's first specialized educational and training program aimed at equipping young individuals with leadership skills to serve as peacebuilders, ambassadors of tolerance, and active contributors to the development of peaceful, sustainable societies.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasized that the program reflects the Center's pioneering initiatives, inspired by the humanitarian approach of His Majesty the King and the strategic direction of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These efforts underscore the significance of education, culture, and training in promoting tolerance, harmony, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He also highlighted the United Nations' recent adoption of the Center's initiative to designate the International Day for Peaceful Coexistence.
The King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Program is set to enrol 100 youth participants over four years, with 25 students selected annually. The fellowship will combine academic and practical approaches delivered by international experts in collaboration with two prominent UK institutions. Participants will develop skills in peace promotion, negotiation, conflict resolution, and combating hate speech. Graduates will be trained as trainers and future leaders in the fields of coexistence and tolerance, with the first cohort having the opportunity to assume leadership roles in supervising capstone projects, managing discussion groups, and supporting outreach and recruitment efforts for future program cycles.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed reiterated the Center's commitment to launching impactful educational and training programs that empower talented youth and strengthen their role in shaping more inclusive, tolerant societies. These efforts are supported by strategic partnerships with national institutions and leading global centers of expertise, contributing to the broader goal of achieving sustainable human development and building a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous world.