Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), praised the pioneering initiatives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in promoting the values of coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and religions as fundamental pillars for building a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous world.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed expressed pride in the Royal vision on the occasion of International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, observed annually on June 10. He noted that this vision has advanced coexistence and human harmony, reinforcing the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a hub for civilizational and interfaith dialogue, a global beacon of tolerance and noble human values, and a steadfast advocate against calls for hatred, division, and hostility.
The Chairman highlighted that commemorating this international occasion during the "Year of Isa Al Kabeer" reflects Bahrain's pride in its rich historical and civilizational legacy as a leading model of coexistence, tolerance, and respect for human rights. These values, deeply rooted since the establishment of the modern state under His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, have continued to flourish under the leadership of His Majesty the King within a state founded on the rule of law and constitutional institutions.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasized that dialogue among civilizations is a priority for the Center and a central pillar of its academic programs and initiatives. These efforts aim to raise societal awareness and develop national and international leaders capable of advancing dialogue and mutual understanding within their institutions and communities, thus fostering human harmony and countering hate speech. This aligns with the principles of the Bahrain Declaration on Religious Freedom and the Royal call for an international convention criminalizing religious and racial hate speech.
He also expressed pride in the Center's role in translating the Royal vision into practical and sustainable policies and initiatives. These initiatives include the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, pioneering academic programs, and innovative projects such as the Coexistence Path and Green Houses of Worship initiatives, in partnership with national and international institutions. Bahrain's initiatives have received international recognition, including the Kingdom's entry into Guinness World Records for the highest density of houses of worship and the United Nations' adoption of Bahrain's initiative establishing the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, guided by its wise leadership and longstanding humanitarian values, will continue its mission of promoting coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue among civilizations and religions. He stressed the importance of safeguarding human dignity and confronting extremism and intolerance, emphasizing that these efforts represent the most effective path toward strengthening a culture of peace and shared living within secure, stable, and prosperous societies.