‘Beacon of religious and cultural diversity’

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s historical and cultural heritage, combined with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s humanitarian approach, has reinforced the Kingdom’s standing as “a beacon of tolerance, religious and cultural diversity, and coexistence.”

This reputation is reflected in an environment of stability, harmony, and mutual respect that defines Bahrain’s society and its engagement with the wider world.

His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, makes the remarks on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance.

Royal vision

He said the Kingdom’s progress reflects a wider national vision under the guidance of HM the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

“Our nation’s values and history have enabled Bahrain to lead by example on the international stage,” he said, adding that Bahrain’s model combines policy, education and public engagement.

The minister highlighted the institutional foundations of that model, noting the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance as a focal point for the Kingdom’s initiatives.

“The Centre’s work is guided by Royal directives and rooted in the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration on freedom of religion and belief,” he said, pointing to the King Hamad Prize for Coexistence and Tolerance as a tangible expression of that commitment.

Programmes

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed outlined a series of educational and training programmes the Centre is delivering to foster mutual understanding.

These include the second edition of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Coexistence — run in cooperation with the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the Gioya Higher Education Institute in Malta — and the second cohort of the King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Programme, offered in partnership with British academic institutions.