Manama: Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, said that the United Nations’ adoption of Bahrain’s initiative last year to designate January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence reflects global recognition of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in promoting tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Musallam stated that the initiative embodies the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, along with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing the values of tolerance and coexistence among peoples and cultures worldwide.
Al Musallam praised the royal initiatives and government efforts to embed coexistence and peace across national policies and programmes. He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ initiatives under the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026) and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance for its role in promoting dialogue among civilizations and respect for religious and cultural diversity.
He noted that Bahraini society represents a longstanding model of tolerance and openness. He stressed that the international day provides an important platform to strengthen global cooperation in addressing shared challenges, promoting human fraternity and solidarity, and supporting sustainable development.
The Speaker highlighted the need for stronger legislation, education, and youth-focused programmes to counter hate speech and promote peace. He emphasized the effective use of modern technology, artificial intelligence, and social media to advance the objectives of peaceful coexistence.
He added that Bahrain’s parliamentary diplomacy continues to play an active role in regional and international forums, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in the service of peace and humanity.