Manama: The King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC) has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, which carries a monetary prize of US$1 million. Nominations are open globally to individuals and institutions until 10 October 2026 via the Award's official website.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Award was established under Royal Order (32) of 2024 as an international initiative embodying values ingrained in Bahrain's history and civilisation, such as openness to various civilisations, religions, and cultures, alongside the promotion of coexistence. This initiative reflects the Kingdom's vision for advancing global peace and coexistence, encouraging pioneering efforts in dialogue among civilisations.
The Award aims to recognise individuals and institutions that have made significant and well-documented contributions to fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence, promoting dialogue and mutual respect, and creating a positive and sustainable impact on communities.
In addition to the monetary prize, recipients are awarded a certificate of recognition and a medal, presented at a ceremony under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Honourary President of the Award.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KHGC, and Chairman of the Award's Judging Committee, stated that this inaugural edition embodies His Majesty the King's vision of establishing values of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect, supporting international efforts to build more cohesive societies. He emphasized that the Award reflects Bahrain's approach to implementing these values through practical initiatives and policies with tangible and sustainable impacts, while highlighting experiences and achievements that foster dialogue, trust, and understanding among diverse peoples and cultures.
The jury, comprising Bahraini and international figures, includes experts in political, parliamentary, human rights, academic, religious, and international cooperation fields. The committee is chaired by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed and includes members such as Katalin ‰va Nov¡k, former President of Hungary and former Minister for Family Affairs; Hala Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari, Adviser to His Majesty the King for Scientific and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Khuzaei, member of the Shura Council and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee; Jaleela Alawi Al Sayed Hassan, member of the Council of Representatives; Martin Chungong, former Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; and Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya and a prominent figure in the All World Gayatri Pariwar.