Latest news with #MinistryofToleranceandCoexistence
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
UAE promotes culture of tolerance through Bangkok workshop
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with Krirk University, hosted a cultural workshop aimed at promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence, as part of its broader efforts to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding with Thailand. The event explored the concept of tolerance from both global and Emirati perspectives, underscoring its significance as a pillar of peaceful societies. Globally, tolerance is viewed as the ability to respect and accept differing beliefs and perspectives. In the UAE, it is more than a value, it is a way of life, deeply embedded in national policies and daily practice. With more than 200 nationalities living side by side, the UAE is among the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Its government actively protects religious freedoms and promotes interfaith dialogue, making the country a regional leader in inclusive governance. The workshop highlighted the vision of the UAE's leadership, from the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to current President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both of whom have championed tolerance as a cornerstone of national development. Several major initiatives were presented as evidence of this commitment. These include the UAE's Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the first of its kind in the region, which works to foster acceptance and counter religious extremism. The National Programme for Tolerance, launched in 2016, aims to strengthen legislation protecting religious freedoms and to reinforce the country's global reputation as a beacon of tolerance. One of the UAE's landmark achievements is the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb. This historic agreement promotes interfaith harmony and was followed by the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, a unique complex that houses a mosque, a church, and a synagogue on one site, symbolising peaceful coexistence. Pope Francis's 2019 visit to the UAE, the first by a sitting pope to the Arabian Peninsula, further cemented the country's role as a global hub for interfaith dialogue. Organisers said the workshop has helped deepen people-to-people ties and cultural understanding between the UAE and Thailand, laying the groundwork for enhanced diplomatic, educational and social cooperation. The initiative reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to building bridges across cultures and promoting peace through dialogue and collaboration.
Al Etihad
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak: We learnt from Zayed that 'identity' and 'tolerance' are not slogans but interconnected actions
29 May 2025 01:10 HAMAD AL KAABI (ABU DHABI)Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, considers the Year of Community a vital national initiative that promotes the UAE's enduring values of tolerance, coexistence, ambition, and openness. These values are key to empowering society and reinforcing national unity by encouraging behaviours that strengthen family and social initiative emphasises shared responsibility through preserving heritage and identity, fostering meaningful connections, and contributing to community support through volunteering and impactful an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised that "national identity" and "tolerance" are not just slogans, but interconnected actions that begin with awareness and lead to building a cohesive society that takes pride in its history and embraces its diversity."This is what we learned from the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul - that values should be part of our daily lives," he Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the most prominent feature of Emirati society is its ethical and value system, as well as its diversity and richness, enabling it to face all challenges with confidence. These values also drive a strong motivation to work together for development, stability, and Nahyan bin Mubarak said the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence works through all its programmes to preserve this unity, so that the UAE - with its wise leadership and united society of citizens and residents - can become a global model of coexistence. He emphasised that preserving and developing this successful model is our collective ministry, together with organisations such as Sandooq Al Watan, aims to strengthen the Emirati identity by connecting the nation's sons and daughters to their heritage. Among their several initiatives is the "My UAE Story" competition, which coincides with the Year of Community."My UAE Story" is a comprehensive community initiative that strengthens national identity and promotes tolerance and coexistence, the minister explained. It highlights inspiring stories, positive community practices, and achievements that embody the spirit and values of the UAE society."We deeply believe that every individual in this nation has a story worth telling, and that these stories, no matter how simple they may seem, reflect the spirit of the union and highlight the values of the country," Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said. He noted that "My UAE Story" allows every individual - whether citizens or expats - to share what it's like to live in the described the initiative as a free space with emotional and national dimensions, and those who participate in it will be contributing to a living archive of the UAE's image - as seen by its residents, serving as a source of inspiration to Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan revealed that work is underway on a strategic plan to transform the "My UAE Story" competition into a permanent platform for documenting community life in the UAE. It could be renewed annually with new topics and formats, so that it becomes a living reference for the development of national identity and expressions of following are excerpts from the interview: As the UAE celebrates the Year of Community, what can the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan offer this year? First, I am always happy to engage with Aletihad Newspaper and its readers. I hope this dialogue will be fruitful and beneficial for everyone. The Year of Community is a wonderful start, and I thank you for choosing the Year of Community as a starting point for this dialogue. An announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, declared that 2025 would be the Year of Year of Community is an important national initiative because it seeks to promote the values of Emirati society, represented by tolerance, coexistence, flexibility, ambition, and openness. It also aims to empower the society and support its unity by encouraging behaviours that strengthen family and social ties, embrace responsibility by strengthening community ties and preserving cultural heritage, and actively contribute through volunteering and impactful this perspective, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan have undertaken a number of most prominent of these initiatives is the "My UAE Story" competition, which - with a clear vision - affirms its commitment to the Year of Community. The competition, as a whole, represents a comprehensive community initiative that consolidates the values of coexistence and belonging, strengthens national identity, and highlights inspiring stories, positive community practices, and achievements that express the spirit and values of this cooperates with educational, cultural, and media institutions, in addition to federal, local, and private institutions, so this initiative could promote the UAE values among children and the youth. It also empowers residents and supports talents and community initiatives, so they become true partners in the process of comprehensive community the ministry and the fund are implementing an intensive programme at cultural centres, youth centres, and other gathering places across the country, in coordination with the Ministries of Culture and Youth. This programme aims to deepen the principles of participation and patriotism, and to strengthen the bonds of cooperation for the good of all in this country. You focus your initiatives on strengthening national identity and the culture of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. How can your message reach the community, and why is this important? We firmly believe that strengthening national identity and a culture of tolerance are not just slogans, but interconnected actions that begin with awareness and end with building a cohesive society that takes pride in its history and embraces its diversity. This is what we learnt from the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his we at the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, as well as at Sandooq Al Watan, believe that the best way to deliver our message is to be part of it - to engage with all segments of society, to listen to them and interact with their aspirations, and to use all available channels to deliver the message, whether through schools and universities, or through cultural, artistic, sports, national and other activities, or even digital platforms and the are also keen to engage the youth, families, creatives, and all segments of society without discrimination, so that these values become a part of daily life. The Emirati society - with its diversity and richness - is unique in its ethical and value system, which distinguishes it globally, enabling it to face all challenges with confidence and competence, and even motivating it to work together for development, stability, and Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence works through all its programmes to preserve this unity, so that the UAE, with its wise leadership and its cohesive society of citizens and expats, becomes a global model of coexistence. It is our collective responsibility to preserve this successful model and develop it across all its programmes, Sandooq Al Watan also seeks to strengthen national identity by connecting the sons and daughters of the nation with their timeless language, their distinguished heritage, and their history dating back a week ago, you launched a distinguished community initiative represented by the "My UAE Story" competition in Arabic and English. What is the goal of this competition? And what are your expectations from it? The "My UAE Story" competition is a vibrant portrait of a cohesive society that cherishes its national identity and embodies the best humanitarian principles. It stems from our deep belief that every individual in this nation has a story worth telling, and that these stories, no matter how simple, reflect the spirit of the Union and highlight the values upon which the UAE was built: tolerance, respect, openness, and pride in goal with this competition is to provide all members of society with the opportunity to express their human and living experience in the UAE, whether they are citizens or residents. We want to hear from students, mothers, professionals, creatives, and everyone who has contributed to building this land or been influenced by it. We expect this initiative to receive widespread interaction, given the free space it represents for expression and the emotional and national dimensions it hope that these contributions will create a living and diverse archive of the UAE's image in the eyes of its residents, and that they will contribute to consolidating the meanings of pride and belonging, and serve as a source of inspiration for each other and for future generations. The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry and the Fund. Are there other partnerships contributing to the organisational efforts behind the initiative? An initiative of this scale and ambition cannot rely solely on the efforts of one entity, or even several. From the beginning, we were committed to ensuring that the "My UAE Story" competition would be a comprehensive community that end, we built effective partnerships with a range of national institutions across various sectors. We will collaborate with all ministries and institutions, federal and local governments, community organisations, and the private sector, and the impact of these efforts will be evident in the next are also eager to involve local authorities in every emirate, along with civil society organisations and creative and artistic institutions, because we believe that this initiative belongs to everyone and must reach everyone. We open the door to every institution to be part of the "My UAE Story" initiative - whether through support, participation or promotion. How does the "My UAE Story" initiative align with our wise leadership's vision for the Year of Community? Our wise leadership, represented by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, has placed great importance on the Year of Community as an opportunity to reinforce the human and social values that form the foundation of the UAE's strength and unity. We view the Year of Community call for all of us to play our part and take responsibility in achieving these our perspective, the "My UAE Story" competition was conceived as a living embodiment of this vision and aligns fully with its noble purpose. It aims to reach all members of society and highlight their experiences and contributions, capturing shared moments of coexistence across all competition serves as a platform that embraces everyone, inviting them to share their stories, achievements, and perspectives on life in the UAE and enhancing their sense of belonging and responsibility. It is not limited to documentation alone - it also opens the door to constructive community dialogue and stimulates creativity in expressing identity and diversity. This is fully in line with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, which is based on the belief that society is the foundation of the future, and that a strong social fabric is a source of pride and stability for us in the UAE. Which social groups are eligible to participate in the "My UAE Story" competition? The initiative is open to everyone without exception. We welcome contributions from citizens and residents of all nationalities - young and old, students and teachers, employees and workers, artists and writers, even those who have never participated in a cultural activity want the initiative to reflect the full diversity of Emirati society. There are five age categories, starting from early childhood up to those aged over sixty. We were keen to ensure that there are no age, professional, or linguistic restrictions. The competition accepts entries in both Arabic and English, and in multiple forms of creative writing. Our goal is for each individual to find their own way of expressing their life in the UAE, whether through personal experiences, touching human stories, or moments they felt pride and honour living here. What are the main topics covered by the competition? And how can everyone participate, given its focus on linking values and history with the country's present, its renaissance, ambitions, and hopes? Is there a specific mechanism for participation? The "My UAE Story" competition addresses a wide range of themes, all centred on the values deeply rooted in our society, meaningful personal experiences, the bond between people and the country, individual and collective achievements, and stories that exemplify coexistence, cooperation, and addition, it focuses on topics such as personal success stories, tolerance and openness, family history in the UAE, everyday life in communities, schools and workplaces, cultural diversity, and moments that reflect the cohesive nature of Emirati society. These themes can be expressed through essays, articles, short stories, poetry, or other forms of expression in either Arabic or have ensured that participation is easy and offers multiple submission channels. Individuals can submit a written text via the competition's official website. We have put forward clear guidelines to ensure authenticity and ethical have also assigned technical and community support teams to assist those wishing to participate, especially students and senior citizens. The website we launched contains all the necessary information and answers to common queries. Above all, we aim to engage every member of the community. You launched the slogan "The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is a ministry that works with everyone for everyone". Similarly, your approach at Sandooq Al Watan aims to serve all segments of society. What roles do institutions - government, educational, private - play in supporting the competition? We firmly believe that social responsibility is not the sole duty of any particular entity, but rather a shared system where everyone works with everyone for everyone. Therefore, the role of government institutions is to encourage communities to engage with the "My UAE Story" competition by providing resources and creating opportunities for engagement - something we are achieving through close collaboration with private sector is a key partner that can support the initiative through sponsorship and by promoting it among employees and the wider community. Educational institutions, both university and pre-university, also play an important role in engaging students and faculty, turning the competition into an educational project that promotes a sense of national identity and cultural, and social clubs are community meeting points that can serve as ideal platforms for showcasing experiences and encouraging broad participation. Through your esteemed newspaper, we call upon all these organisations to be active contributors to the competition, as the "My UAE Story" initiative represents a collective story we are all writing together for the present and the future of this beloved nation, which embraces and provides them with every opportunity for success and excellence in various fields. Is there a role for traditional and digital media in this initiative? Media in all its forms, both traditional and digital, is a core partner in the "My UAE Story" competition, not just in terms of coverage, but in inspiring community have designed the initiative to be visible in the daily media space through the publication of entries, interviews, and the sharing of visual content that reflects Emirati values and social principles. The competition brings together all elements of our society to capture a unified image that embodies our unity, expresses our emotions, and documents our successes and stories that the UAE has embraced since its we heavily rely on our media colleagues, as they are key partners in this initiative, and indeed, one of our most important supporters. Traditional outlets - newspapers, radio, and TV - are essential for reaching digitally inactive groups. Digital platforms and social media allow us to connect with younger generations and creative voices, encouraging their active continue to build partnerships with national media institutions to produce dedicated content for the competition, driven by our belief that the media will help us amplify this social message and transform the initiative into a national movement. The "My UAE Story" competition serves as a testament to every individual in Emirati society, reflecting its nature, people, characteristics, and values. How do you plan to use these testimonies? Absolutely. We don't see the entries as fleeting works or creative writing that relies on affectation and artifice. Rather, we view them as living documents, human and historical testimonies that reflect the nature of Emirati society, its morals, the behaviour of its people, and its true plan is to categorise the entries thematically, chronologically and geographically, to serve as a foundation for producing creative and national work, whether through publications and books or through digitisation. This not only reflects the current moment, but also serves as a basis for research, education, and cultural also intend to turn the strongest submissions into cultural productions and short documentaries. We hope that these entries will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations and mirror the UAE through the lens of its people and residents, strengthening identity and ultimate aim is for these contributions to present an honest and authentic vision of Emirati society, expressed by all segments of society, both citizens and competition is open to everyone without exception. All each participant needs to do is to express their experience in the UAE in a manner that suits them, with honesty, responsibility, and positive feelings. Since "My UAE Story" is a celebration of the Year of Community, will it be limited to this year? Or can it continue in the future? The competition was indeed launched by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan in celebration of the Year of Community 2025, but its profound essence makes it viable for continuity and development in the coming simply hope the initiative resonates with the public, offering a rare opportunity for individuals to express themselves and their experiences. This kind of community participation should not be see it as the beginning of a sustainable national project, with the potential to become a regular feature of the Ministry and Sandooq Al Watan's annual activities. God willing, we will develop a strategic roadmap to transform "My UAE Story" into a permanent platform for capturing community life in the UAE, renewed annually with new topics and formats. This will become a living reference for the development of national identity and expressions of coexistence. This will depend on the success of the competition's first round, and God willing, it will deepen its reach and become an integral part of expressing modern Emirati identity.
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan for all - Underlining the spirit of community
UAE's Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and VFS Global joined hands last week to celebrate Ramadan's spirit of respect, understanding, and compassion through a 'Ramadan for all' activity. Conducted on March 24, 2025 in Wafi Mall, aptly situated outside the Ministry of Tolerance office in Dubai, the initiative was open to all. It featured a drawing area for children to creatively express the meaning of Ramadan, a spin the wheel activity with exciting giveaways from the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and a special Tree of Tolerance where visitors could hang up messages that convey what tolerance means to them. The tree saw over 100 messages of peace and harmony pinned to it in multiple languages. Tariq Ahmad, head of Empowerment and Inclusion for UAE, VFS Global, said: "We are excited to have partnered with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence for this exciting initiative." "Ramadan is all about bringing the community together to celebrate kindness and peace, and the UAE, with its varied residents, is uniquely positioned to spread this message. It was a joy to see visitors from so many nationalities join us for a day of celebration during this holy month," he said.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence announces the third edition of the "World Governments as Incubators for Tolerance" conference at AIM Congress 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE: In its ongoing commitment to fostering global values of tolerance and coexistence, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is set to organize the third edition of the "World Governments as Incubators for Tolerance" conference. Under the theme "A Balanced Approach to Prosperity," this significant event will convene during the second day of the AIM Congress 2025, scheduled from April 7 to 9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The conference aims to bring together a distinguished assembly of officials, policymakers, and experts from around the globe to deliberate on effective frameworks and mechanisms for embedding a culture of tolerance as a foundational element in constructing stable and sustainable societies. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector. Key discussions will address the significance of mutual understanding and respect in tackling global challenges, including inequality and social unrest, often stemming from cultural disparities and ideological divides. In today's interconnected world, promoting a culture of tolerance is pivotal for bolstering economic and social stability. Societies that adopt balanced approaches, encouraging inclusive dialogue and cooperation, are better positioned to innovate and achieve sustainable development, thereby contributing to the formation of balanced economies that prioritize individual well-being and fortify long-term economic resilience. His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, emphasized: "The 'World Governments: Incubators of Tolerance' conference embodies the UAE's vision that tolerance and coexistence are not merely noble human values but essential pillars for building prosperous societies and sustainable economies. In light of the escalating challenges confronting the world, it is imperative for governments to collaborate in embedding these values as strategic instruments for enhancing security, stability, and achieving comprehensive development. Through this session, we reaffirm that investing in tolerance is an investment in the future of all humanity." The conference is designed to cultivate dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and researchers, facilitating the exchange of best practices in promoting tolerance and inclusiveness. It will scrutinize the role of government policies in shaping societal attitudes toward diversity and peaceful coexistence, assess the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of tolerance globally, and identify challenges impeding these efforts across various cultural and political landscapes. The insights garnered will inform practical recommendations to assist governments in constructing more inclusive systems and harmonious societies, thereby contributing to stability and sustainable development. Towards Global Partnerships to Promote Tolerance Through comprehensive discussions and interactive workshops, the conference seeks to enhance international cooperation and forge strategic partnerships that uphold tolerance as a core value for achieving peaceful coexistence and sustainable economic growth. It will serve as a premier platform for dialogue and the exchange of insights on integrating tolerance into policy formulation, contributing to the development of more harmonious and stable societies. The 14th edition of AIM Congress will be held from April 7 to 9, 2025, under the theme 'Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape - Towards a New Balanced World Structure,' at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. AIM Congress 2025, an initiative of the AIM Global Foundation, is set to offer a wide range of activities, including events, forums, dialogue sessions, workshops, high-level meetings, the AIM Investment Awards and Exhibition, a start-ups competition, and showcases country-specific investment opportunities, highlighting eight key portfolios: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Global Trade, Startups and Unicorns, Future Cities, Future Finance, Global Manufacturing, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurs.
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference returns for second edition
Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, a subsidiary of Emirates Science and Research Foundation, in Partnership with Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, has finalised preparations for the second International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference, supported by Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Under the theme Empowering Youth for a Tolerant Future, the conference will run from 19 to 21 February at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Member of the UAE Cabinet. Dr. Firas Habbal, President of the Center and Vice-Chancellor of Board of Trustees, said: "The organisation of the second edition of this international conference reaffirms our steadfast commitment to promoting the values of understanding and coexistence among different cultures." The Director-General of the Center and Board of trustees Member, Dr. Fawaz Habbal, emphasised that the conference aligns with the leadership's vision of empowering youth and strengthening their national identity to build a more tolerant and open future. Distinguished Global Leaders Take the Stage The conference will feature an exceptional line-up of international speakers, including: His Eminence Sheikh Abdulla bin Bayyah, Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative council and Chancellor of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the UAE His Excellency Etienne Berchtold, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the UAE Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community The event will also welcome leading international experts and distinguished figures from around the world to contribute to these vital discussions. Global Recognition Underscores Importance of Tolerance CEO of Trends Research & Advisory, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali said: "The second edition of the International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference reaffirms the fundamental importance of these values, particularly in light of the rapid challenges facing humanity today. Strengthening the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity remains the most effective path towards achieving peace, stability and sustainable development." Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder David A. Bednar, representing platinum sponsor The Church of Jesus Christ, said: "It is an honour for our Church to be both a sponsor and a participant in this conference in the United Arab Emirates. As For years, we have observed the great initiatives and achievements made in this nation to promote tolerance, especially among young people and in families." A Global Platform for Cultural Exchange and Dialogue The conference promises to be a landmark gathering, featuring: Over 100 distinguished speakers from diverse backgrounds 5,000 participants representing international organizations, government entities, academia and the private sector Representation from more than 70 countries worldwide Publication of over 200 research papers exploring tolerance and coexistence More than ten cultural, musical and artistic performances celebrating global diversity This comprehensive program reinforces the UAE's leadership role in fostering dialogue and understanding while advancing the universal message of peace and tolerance.
