Bahrain Reaffirms Global Leadership in Promoting Tolerance and Peace

His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to strengthen its position as a leading global model in promoting a culture of peace, interfaith dialogue, and civilizational harmony.

He credited this progress to the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Leader, and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Marking the International Day for Tolerance, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah stated that Bahrain’s deep historical and cultural heritage—combined with HM the King’s human-centric leadership—has firmly established the Kingdom as a beacon of tolerance, religious and cultural pluralism, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.

He expressed pride in the international recognition Bahrain continues to receive for its commitment to spreading the values of tolerance and peace. He noted that the global commemoration of this day, declared by UNESCO through the "Declaration of Principles on Tolerance," aligns closely with the Centre’s mission inspired by the Royal directives and the “Bahrain Declaration” on freedom of religion and belief. The Centre plays a key role in promoting these values worldwide through initiatives such as the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence.

Dr. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the Centre’s ongoing educational and training programs, underscoring the crucial role of education in building progressive, humane societies. He pointed to the launch of the second edition of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Coexistence in collaboration with the UN-affiliated University for Peace and Malta’s Joya Higher Education Institute. He also noted the enrollment of the second cohort of the King Hamad Fellowship for Interfaith Coexistence, delivered with UK-based academic institutions, along with initiatives such as “Science Schools for Peace” in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

These programs, he added, aim to prepare a new generation of young leaders capable of serving as ambassadors of tolerance and human understanding.

The Minister reaffirmed Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to advancing its pioneering humanitarian initiatives, strengthening the values of tolerance and coexistence, empowering youth through knowledge and ethical values, and working alongside global partners to build a safer and more prosperous future.