History of diverse civilisations must shape modern understanding of human fraternity

Al Etihad

28-07-2025

29 July 2025 00:15
By: Ambassador Dr. Khaled Al GhaithThe history of diverse civilisations is considered the cornerstone in forming the modern understanding of human fraternity. Across time and geography, every civilisation has left its distinctive imprint on the human journey toward coexistence and mutual respect. From the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates and the temples of ancient Egypt to the courts of scholars in China and India, then to the flourishing Islamic and European civilisations, each civilisation has offered its own models in thought, values, and approaches to human relationships. This heritage has formed a consciousness that affirms, despite our differences, that all people are connected by fundamental values of dignity, justice, and peace.History shows that civilisations which engaged in trade, dialogue, and cultural exchange were more capable of achieving progress and shared prosperity, unlike those that chose isolation, which often experienced decline and division. The concept of human fraternity did not appear overnight; rather, it was shaped over centuries through the encounters of peoples, the blending of ideas, and the sharing of wisdom among diverse religions and traditions.Among the scholars who embodied the power of knowledge in connecting cultures was Ibn Rushd–known in the West as 'Averroes'. He was a philosopher, judge, and Andalusian scientist of the 12th century who played a pivotal role in promoting rational thought, dialogue, and mutual understanding among civilisations.By advocating that truth could be reached through reason, observation, and debate, Ibn Rushd helped lay the foundations of intellectual coexistence among different traditions. His legacy stands as a testament to how the free exchange of ideas can transcend borders and enhance the shared pursuit of dignity and human knowledge.In our era, the UAE has emerged as a beacon of modern fraternity–but its roots in civilisational exchange are deep. Recent archaeological discoveries in the Empty Quarter and at the UAE's borders have revealed remains of advanced urban settlements dating back more than 5,000 years. These ancient cities, currently under excavation, point to a longstanding presence of trade, cultural contact, and social organisation in the region. This desert was a vital crossroads in an active network of interaction linking Mesopotamian, Asian, and Levantine civilisations.Evidence of this rich heritage is found throughout the Emirates. In Al Faya, Sharjah, the nomination file for the site was formally submitted and approved before the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, revealing Stone Age tools, burial sites, and one of the oldest inland caravan routes connecting the Gulf to the Arabian interior.In Al Ain, the UNESCO-listed Hili Archaeological Park reveals Bronze Age tombs and an advanced falaj irrigation system, part of the ancient Magan civilisation which maintained active trade links with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. In the Emirate of Dubai, the Saruq Al Hadid site reveals advanced metalwork industry dating back to the third millennium BCE, while Al Sufouh shows Bronze Age tombs reflecting early life in the region.Julphar in Ras Al Khaimah also stands out, where remnants of urban and commercial life dating back to the Islamic era reflect the UAE's long-standing role in global trade. In Al Dour, Umm Al Quwain, one of the largest pre-Islamic archaeological sites, excavations revealed a prosperous settlement and active trade center from the first century BCE to the third century CE, featuring temples, forts, and imported goods from various civilisations. On Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the remains of an ancient Christian monastery indicate a long history of spirituality and religious tolerance. On Siniyah Island, Umm Al Quwain, the oldest known Christian monastery in the Gulf was discovered, highlighting a deep-rooted culture of coexistence and religious openness.This deep historical continuity affirms the UAE's position not only in the modern dialogue on human fraternity but in the very roots of intercivilisational exchange. This land has always been a meeting place of peoples, ideas, and religions, and this living legacy supports its current commitment to peaceful coexistence and global dialogue.Since the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has reinforced a vision built on tolerance and mutual respect, seeing religious and cultural diversity as a strength, not a challenge. This path was continued by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, through global initiatives that embody the principles of peaceful coexistence. Among the most prominent is the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, signed in 2019 by His Holiness the Late Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb.Through institutions such as the Abrahamic Family House, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and initiatives such as the Year of Tolerance, the UAE has become a living example that fraternity can be transformed from vision to reality, locally and globally. These efforts are led by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, which collaborates with the United Nations, UNESCO, and international universities on practical programmes, especially for youth, through education, sports and culture.Through education, a generation is raised with respect, empathy, and openness. Youth, with their innovation and optimism, are essential to spreading tolerance. The Committee provides them platforms through schools, forums, and cultural exchanges to become pioneers of understanding.Sports events such as the "Human Fraternity Run" in Abu Dhabi bring together people from various backgrounds. Through festivals, exhibitions, and creative workshops, cultural stories that reinforce shared values are told. Creative exchange programmes offer youth opportunities to express their identity and heritage through short films, visual arts, and digital storytelling.In this context, the International Conference on Human Fraternity will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 29–30, 2025, jointly organized by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and the International Islamic University of Indonesia. The conference will address topics such as youth empowerment, social justice, education, media responsibility, and ethical innovation, and will bring together thinkers and civil society leaders from around the world.
Human fraternity is not merely an ideal, but a historical journey built on centuries of interaction and shared wisdom. Today, the UAE stands at the forefront of this journey, spreading the message of coexistence and peace through education, youth, sports, and culture. Its message is clear: by recognising our shared humanity, we can build a more peaceful and united world.