Manama: The King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, in collaboration with the Al Bait Al Oud Authority, took part in organising a youth dialogue session titled "Experiences in Dialogue and Coexistence." This session was part of the 15th edition of Youth City 2030 and coincided with International Youth Day. The event was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, with a strategic partnership with the Labour Fund "Tamkeen."
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Centre's involvement underscores its dedication to empowering young individuals and enhancing their scientific and knowledge-based skills. The initiative aims to promote a culture of peace and reinforce the values of dialogue, coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect. Interactive platforms were set up to showcase inspiring Bahraini experiences that make coexistence an essential part of Bahraini identity and a well-established national approach.
The Centre also highlighted its academic and awareness-raising initiatives aiming to promote coexistence and social cohesion, thereby strengthening Bahrain's position as a leader in coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect. These efforts align with the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as the directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Maryam Riyadh Al Mahmeed, a Senior Training and Development Specialist at the Centre, presented the organisation's efforts and specialised academic and training programmes. These programmes are designed to cultivate a culture of peace, dialogue, and coexistence, while building national capacities and empowering young people to transform human values into effective and sustainable community practices.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa shared his experience in the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Coexistence, organised by the Centre in cooperation with the United Nations University for Peace and GIOYA Higher Education Institution in Malta. He highlighted that the programme includes updated curricula and courses that blend academic study with practical applications. It draws on a group of international specialists and experts, offering international students insight into Bahrain's pioneering model of coexistence and preparing them to be future leaders in promoting intercultural dialogue.
Salman Zayed, a graduate of the King Hamad Leadership for Coexistence Programme and a certified "Training of Trainers," shared his experience. The programme, organised by the Centre in collaboration with Faith in Leadership and the 1928 Institute at the University of Oxford, provided young participants with crucial knowledge and tools to develop leadership skills and promote coexistence values connected to workplace ethics and professional practices.
The session was moderated by Dr. Lulwa Hassan Budlama, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Al Bait Al Oud Authority. She led an interactive dialogue on the participants' experiences and key lessons learned, discussing ways to expand youth participation and their contributions to fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
The Centre's participation in Youth City 2030 signifies its commitment to expanding community partnerships, supporting youth initiatives, and providing spaces for dialogue and expertise exchange. These efforts contribute to preparing a generation capable of promoting coexistence and tolerance, effectively translating these values into community initiatives and practices, and reinforcing understanding and mutual respect on regional and international scales.