Latest news with #InternationalDayofPeacefulCoexistence
Daily Maverick
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
A chilling new era as US embraces autocracy while disregarding rule of law and democracy
While submerged by the 'flooding of the zone', as former Trump strategist Steve Bannon termed it, moments of clarity are rare. But every now and again, a telling moment cuts through the chaos. Two moments over the past few weeks stand out as emblematic, even if they have been largely drowned out in the media by the harrumphing over tariffs. Last month the United Nations General Assembly voted on two symbolic resolutions; to declare 28 January the 'International Day of Peaceful Coexistence' and 12 July the 'International Day of Hope'. One might think this a foregone conclusion. Why would any nation be against such concepts? Predictably, every country voted in favour of the resolution, apart from one: the United States of America. But even more astonishing than the lone dissenting vote was the justification for it. Edward Heartney, a veteran US career diplomat with a long track record in economic diplomacy, delivered a blistering rejection — and not just of the symbolic days but of the entire UN framework, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to Heartney, these goals represented a form of 'soft global governance' that undermined US sovereignty, despite the country playing a critical role in their adoption in 2015. The US argued that the UN's embrace of peaceful coexistence and dialogue among civilisations was a front operation for what it sees as a kind of Chinese Trojan horse. 'We have a concern that this resolution is a reaffirmation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although framed in neutral language, Agenda 2030 and the SDGs advance a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent with US sovereignty and adverse to the rights and interests of Americans,' read the official statement. 'We must care first and foremost for our own citizens above others… President Trump set a clear and overdue course correction on 'gender' and climate ideology, which pervade the SDGs. The concept of 'dialogue among civilisations' is rooted in President Xi Jinping's Global Civilization Initiative.' The language was Kafkaesque in its delusional, paranoid insecurity. Amid the flood of headlines that have drowned perspective since 20 January 2025, that the very concept of the Sustainable Development Goals, which have been at the heart of at least the rhetoric of international affairs and development for years, if not always at the crux of its reality, is now being jettisoned by the world's most powerful country is a moment of clarity as to how far the US has changed or, depending on your point of view, has regressed. Even more alarming was what happened on 14 April, when Donald Trump met with El Salvador's strongman vigilante president, Nayib Bukele. That meeting was the moment when the United States openly disregarded a unanimous Supreme Court ruling, choosing instead to align with a foreign autocrat over its own judiciary. Simply put, it was then that the US ceased to have a law-abiding government. The case in question involved the illegal deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. The Supreme Court had ruled 9-0 that Garcia must be returned to the US. Trump ignored the ruling, falsely claiming the court had sided with him. His attorney-general, secretary of state, and vice-president followed suit. Bukele, known for his authoritarian streak and for spending $163-million (R3-billion) of taxpayers' money gambling on Bitcoin, happily played along. In terms of clarifying moments, Trump's meeting with Bukele is arguably equal to the public humiliation of Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky in late February. Indeed, the contrast is telling. Zelensky, whose country has been fighting for its existence against a ruthless intruder in the shape of Vladimir Putin, was scolded for being insufficiently thankful for US military aid and for failing to wear a suit. A tieless Bukele was showered with praise. Together, they dismissed the court's ruling and labelled Garcia a terrorist — without evidence. The message to the world was unmistakable: under Trump, America's government shows more deference to foreign strongmen than to its own legal institutions. In a chilling aside, Trump even joked about building more supermax prisons in El Salvador — not for foreigners, but for US citizens he labels ' homegrown ' deportees. The implication? If he deems you a threat — a gang member, a terrorist sympathiser, or simply un-American — due process may no longer apply. The official position of the world's oldest constitutional republic is that the courts should have no say in who its executive deports and on what grounds. Foreign travellers to the US should beware. They can be detained without recourse. Americans should too. Bukele is effectively playing host to an American gulag, a kind of outsourced Guantanamo. Meanwhile, warning signs for the US economy are flashing. Morgan Stanley analysts cautioned last week that investors should brace for repeated surprises, referencing Trump's ever-changing justifications for tariffs, saying that they 'should be prepared to be fooled many more times'. And sure enough, Trump's latest target is Jerome Powell and the independence of the Federal Reserve. Markets have sold off again heavily this week, unsurprisingly. But the message extends beyond economics. 'Fool me once, shame on you…' could now apply to American governance itself. Trump has pardoned white-collar criminals who praised or donated to him. He has suspended laws requiring transparency in corporate ownership and weakened anti-bribery measures, while deporting those who merely don't agree with the strong-arming agenda of the administration. If there is any government acting as a Trojan horse, it is not China. The US — once the chief architect and guarantor of the global world order and rule of law — is now seemingly intent on dismantling it. For other nations, and for citizens both around the world and in the US itself, the lesson is clear: the rules have changed. In this new, ruthless world, adapting quickly is the only way to survive. DM
Daily Tribune
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Ambassador Meets UK Special Envoy to Discuss Religious Freedom and Coexistence
Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom, met with David Smith MP, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in promoting religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among nations. During the meeting, Shaikh Fawaz highlighted Bahrain's firm commitment to advancing dialogue and tolerance under the humanitarian and diplomatic vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He reaffirmed Bahrain's dedication to building international partnerships rooted in a culture of peace and respect for religious and cultural diversity. He underscored the key pillars of His Majesty's vision, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which aim to consolidate the values of coexistence and tolerance. Notable initiatives include the establishment of the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, and His Majesty's global call for an international agreement to criminalize religious, sectarian, and racist hate speech in all its forms. Shaikh Fawaz also highlighted the recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, following a proposal from the Kingdom of Bahrain. He praised the role of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance in advancing values of peace, interfaith dialogue, and mutual understanding. Both sides discussed the importance of strengthening Bahrain-UK collaboration in the field of religious freedom and global coexistence efforts. They agreed that both nations have significant potential to lead in promoting tolerance and interfaith harmony on the international stage.
Daily Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain expanding services for citizens
TDT | Tashkent Email : editor@ Bahrain is committed to providing citizens with wide-ranging services, including education, healthcare, and social and legal protection, through national programs aimed at improving living standards. This was emphasised by Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam as he delivered yesterday the Kingdom of Bahrain's national address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, Meaningful contribution In his speech, Al Musallam also emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of life, ensuring equal access to rehabilitation, care, and opportunities for meaningful contribution to social development. The assembly, held under the theme 'Parliamentary action for social development and justice,' highlighted the importance of parliaments in advancing the social dimension of the Sustainable Development Goals. Al Musallam conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the assembly, reaffirming Bahrain's commitment to inclusive social development and economic empowerment. He emphasised that the Kingdom, under the leadership of the King and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, continues to prioritise social protection for vulnerable groups and strives to ensure their active participation in national development. The Speaker also expressed pride in Bahrain's role in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence, referencing the UN General Assembly's declaration of January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, an initiative originally proposed by Bahrain. This designation reflects the civilisational vision of HM King Hamad and Bahrain's global leadership in fostering a peaceful, inclusive society
Daily Tribune
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Lauded as Global Model for Peace and Tolerance
Bahrain's Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, has praised the Kingdom as a pioneering global model in promoting humanitarian values and peaceful coexistence among religions, cultures, and civilizations. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Conscience—established by the United Nations on Bahrain's initiative and observed annually on April 5—Dr. Al-Zayani highlighted Bahrain's steadfast commitment to a visionary humanitarian approach inspired by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister. In his remarks, Dr. Al-Zayani expressed pride in Bahrain's leading role, which is deeply rooted in its rich historical heritage and noble human and civilizational values. He emphasized the nation's tireless efforts in fostering peace, tolerance, and the rejection of fanaticism and hatred, all aimed at building a sustainable world marked by respect, justice, harmony, and solidarity. These initiatives include the promotion of a culture of peace, conflict prevention through dialogue and negotiation, the organization of global forums for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and the launch of significant awards such as the 'King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance.' Additional accolades recognize contributions in areas supporting women, youth, education, and humanitarian service. The Kingdom has also embraced the 'Bahrain Summit' for royal initiatives, which calls for an international conference on peace, the provision of essential health and educational services to those affected by conflicts, and cooperation in digital innovation and transformation. Moreover, the United Nations has endorsed the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance's initiative to designate an 'International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.' Looking ahead, Dr. Al-Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to playing an active role on the international stage. As the Kingdom currently chairs the Arab League's Council of Arab Universities and seeks a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, Bahrain remains dedicated to strengthening global peace and security, fostering tolerance and solidarity, and upholding religious and cultural diversity. These efforts are part of the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026), which aligns with international charters and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
Daily Tribune
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Leads the Way in Promoting Global Harmony and Acceptance
TDT | Manama KHGC Chairman: The International Day of Peaceful Coexistence is a pioneering Bahraini initiative for a world of greater solidarity, prosperity The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, emphasized that the adoption of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence reflects the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This initiative reinforces Bahrain's unwavering commitment to fostering global peace, acceptance, and human coexistence for a more united and prosperous world. The minister made these remarks during his speech at the annual Ramadan Ghabga hosted by the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence. The event brought together high-profile dignitaries, including government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, religious leaders, media personalities, and cultural figures, in recognition of their support for Bahrain's pioneering peace initiatives. The gathering also celebrated the United Nations' historic decision to adopt Bahrain's proposal for an International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. International Day of Peaceful Coexistence In his address, H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla expressed immense pride in the United Nations' formal adoption of Bahrain's draft resolution, which officially designates January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. This milestone underscores Bahrain's steadfast leadership in advocating global values of peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Under the leadership of His Majesty the King, Bahrain has continually worked to reject intolerance and hatred while promoting respect for human, religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity worldwide. H.E. highlighted that the adoption of this initiative, with the support of 162 UN member states, is a testament to the international community's appreciation of Bahrain's royal initiatives aimed at fostering global peace and harmony. These initiatives include the establishment of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, the launch of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, and other global humanitarian efforts focused on empowering women and youth, promoting interfaith dialogue, and advocating for an international convention to criminalize religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech. sdgsdg fgdfg Bahrain's Peaceful Coexistence Model Dr. Shaikh Abdulla emphasized that Bahrain's initiative serves as a comprehensive and sustainable global platform rooted in the Kingdom's historical and civilizational identity. It reflects Bahrain's role as a beacon of religious and cultural diversity, and its dedication to fostering education, media awareness, and international cooperation in the pursuit of peaceful societies. Furthermore, Bahrain's vision aligns with the objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and global charters aimed at securing a stable and prosperous future for all. During the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla honored representatives of allied and friendly nations with commemorative shields in recognition of their support as co-sponsors of the resolution. He extended his deep gratitude to all nations that endorsed this noble initiative, as well as to distinguished guests from diplomatic, religious, media, and community sectors who contributed to making this global vision a reality. Bahrain's leadership in promoting peaceful coexistence continues to gain international recognition, further solidifying its status as a pioneer in fostering global peace and interfaith dialogue. dfsdf
