Manama: Religious and community leaders commended the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Kingdom of Bahrain's initiative to designate January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, proposed by the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the decision reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in promoting global peace, tolerance, mutual understanding, and coexistence. It reflects Bahrain's leading international role in advancing unity, security, and prosperity.
Prominent religious figures noted that the recognition emphasizes Bahrain's position as a model for peaceful coexistence and commended the continued efforts of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance in advancing intercultural dialogue and religious understanding.
They emphasized that these initiatives embody the humanitarian 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.
Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, emphasized that such global recognition further enhances Bahrain's standing as a center for tolerance and interfaith dialogue. He also highlighted the significance of Pope Francis' historic visit to Bahrain as a milestone in strengthening religious harmony.
Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, congratulated the Kingdom on securing international recognition for the initiative. He lauded Bahrain's role in promoting religious freedom and human fraternity, noting the importance of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Human Coexistence, held in conjunction with the papal visit.
The Very Rev'd Dr. Richard Fermer, Dean of St. Christopher's Anglican Cathedral, commended Bahrain's continued commitment to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He also commended the efforts of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, led by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Center's Board of Trustees, particularly its work in education, training, and environmental sustainability. He noted the Green Houses of Worship initiative as an example of linking environmental responsibility with humanitarian and faith-based values.
Reverend Dr. Blaine Newhouse, Senior Pastor of the English-speaking congregation at the National Evangelical Church, underscored Bahrain's leadership in fostering peace, respect, and diversity. He described Bahrain as a global model for coexistence, demonstrating that religious and cultural diversity can serve as a unifying force.
Reverend Hani Aziz, Head of the National Evangelical Church and President of the White Banners Society, commended the General Assembly's decision, noting that the recognition strengthens Bahrain's role in promoting global peace and understanding among nations.
Bob Thaker, former President and Board Member of the Tatay Hindu Merchants Community, noted that the UN adoption represents Bahrain's long-standing culture of religious tolerance. He highlighted the Kingdom's historic Hindu temple and its major churches as symbols of its inclusive spirit and commitment to interfaith harmony.
The King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance expressed pride in its role in building local and international partnerships to uphold the values of peaceful coexistence. The Center underscored its commitment to advancing educational and training initiatives in cooperation with religious leaders, policymakers, civil society, academia, the media, and international organizations.
These efforts aim to promote interfaith dialogue, confront intolerance, and reject hatred, particularly amid increasing global division. Through sustained engagement, Bahrain continues to contribute to a more inclusive, stable, and peaceful future.