Manama: Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, highlighted the Center's ongoing educational and training initiatives in collaboration with national and international institutions to promote values of tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue, aligning with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the third periodic meeting of the Board of Trustees was attended by Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), alongside board members and the Center's Executive Director. The Board reviewed the Center's past efforts and upcoming programs that support its mission of promoting tolerance and cultural diversity.
The meeting paid tribute to the late Cardinal Miguel Ayuso, a former board member, acknowledging his legacy as a dialogue and coexistence symbol. His humanitarian contributions will remain integral to the Center's journey.
Al Aradi emphasized the Center's comprehensive vision rooted in His Majesty the King's humanitarian approach, focusing on strategic partnerships in solidarity and dialogue for fostering unity and peace. He highlighted the cooperation with educational, religious, parliamentary, and United Nations bodies to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
The Deputy Chairman underscored the role of education in shaping a society grounded in equality, coexistence, and human dignity. Under the guidance of Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Center aims to enhance its efforts as an independent civil institution, strengthening shared human values and empowering youth for positive community change.
Al Aradi also highlighted the Center's efforts in promoting a just, unified, and tolerant world, aiming to prevent war tragedies and alleviate civilian suffering, especially of women and children. The Center's recommendation to "establish guidelines for coexistence" was included in the Rome Communiqu© at the Second Parliamentary Interfaith Dialogue Conference in June 2025.
Following the United Nations' adoption of the Center's initiative for the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, Bahrain was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026-2027, reflecting global appreciation for the Kingdom's humanitarian mission under His Majesty the King's leadership.
In this context, Al Aradi pointed to the development of a "Code of Ethics for Coexistence" for new international agreements, involving religious leaders, decision-makers, thinkers, and academics. The Center also oversees the "King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance" and continues its educational and training programs.
He commended the partnership with the IPU in implementing the "Science Schools for Peace" initiative, leveraging knowledge and technology for humanitarian purposes. Al Aradi urged the international community to respond to Royal initiatives for peace, including an international conference on coexistence and a treaty to regulate artificial intelligence for global prosperity.
Al Aradi reiterated the Center's commitment, supported by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to advancing its mission as a voice of wisdom and humanity. The Center aims to foster hope and build bridges of understanding, cooperation, and coexistence for peaceful societies.
The meeting, including a presentation by Abdulla Isa Al Mannai, Executive Director, reviewed key achievements and upcoming projects promoting coexistence and peace. The Board stressed the importance of the Center's role in promoting interfaith dialogue and contributing to regional and international peace and stability.