Brussels: European parliamentary, diplomatic, academic, and religious figures participated in the third Bahrain-EU Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief, organized by the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance in partnership with the European Union.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the two-day conference explored international cooperation in protecting freedom of religion and belief, promoting mutual respect, and countering intolerance through education, awareness, and digital innovation.
The participants commended the Kingdom of Bahrain's initiatives and the Centre's role in encouraging interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between Bahrain and the EU to promote peace and dialogue among religions and cultures.
Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, emphasized that safeguarding freedom of belief is a shared moral responsibility, requiring ongoing cooperation between governments, religious institutions, academic bodies, and civil society. He highlighted the role of education in shaping awareness and understanding, noting that coexistence is learned through experience and engagement, not inherited.
He further highlighted the importance of investing in youth to instill values of peace and openness, underlining the Center's commitment to continuing educational and awareness programs with international partners to empower young people and foster a culture of tolerance and dialogue.
Anna Maria Panagiotakopoulou, Head of the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq Division at the EU External Action Service, commended Bahrain's initiatives and the Centre's role in strengthening interfaith and intercultural dialogue, reiterating their commitment to enhancing EU-Bahrain collaboration in fostering peace and understanding.
They discussed practical means to promote tolerance, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity, highlighting the Kingdom's role as a regional example under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The conference concluded with a call to translate principles of coexistence into concrete actions, reinforcing human solidarity, dialogue, and cultural understanding, and highlighting Bahrain's leading role in promoting tolerance.