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UAE global model of tolerance: Ministers

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity celebrates peace and happiness in a fractured world

The Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, launched in 2019, was a global call to revive the core human values that encourage universal brotherhood, love, cooperation and tolerance, said a top UAE official.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the concept is aimed at celebrating the UAE’s tolerance, multiculturalism and happy and peaceful co-existence. He made the remark during his keynote speech on Sunday at the virtual forum for Promoting the Principles of the Human Fraternity in Governmental Work, a part of the five-day celebrations on the kinship theme that started on February 4.

Dr Gargash lavished praise on the UAE for its emergence as the global model of tolerance, happiness and prosperity, as people from around 200 nations call the country as their second home and live with dignity in freedom, peace and equality.

“The relation between the East and the West has always witnessed honourable examples of cultural, civilisational and intellectual exchange, despite the problems and obstacles that marred that relationship at times,” he said.

“In today’s world, we’re facing common challenges and suffer from crises that exceed national borders. No wonder, adopting human values became more important than ever before because multiculturalism will achieve the harmony, we need to build a strong and successful country. It’s the strongest line of defence in confronting any kind of crisis,” he added.

Dr Gargash explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation focuses on two key principles of human fraternity such as tolerance and coexistence amid its constant endeavour to combat terrorism and extremism.

He also made a reference to the UAE government’s bid to champion human rights’ cause.

“Efforts are underway to prepare a comprehensive national human rights plan,” he said.

The forum, which was organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in coordination with tolerance committees in over 40 ministries and federal authorities, discussed the mechanisms, tools and efforts used by state-run institutions towards enriching the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, said the forum was a celebration of the International Day for Human Fraternity on February 4, which was declared by the United Nations (UN) last year, as a mark of respect of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity that was released on that day two years ago.

He said that the document was based on noble moral and humane principles and objectives and would reject intolerance, violence and hatred.

He called upon solidarity and unity, irrespective of their intrinsic differences, in a bid to coexist in a world of love, happiness and peace. “The document emphasises women’s rights, concern for children, protection of the environment, freedom of belief, protection of places of worship, and supporting vulnerable groups in society. It also outlines the the responsibility of the individual and the role of each institution in spreading the values of knowing each other, dialogue and joint action to combat extremism, militancy and terrorism at all levels,” he said.

He added: “While we are celebrating the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, we take pride in its issuance in the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Grand Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb, two peacemakers and symbols of tolerance and human fraternity in the world.

“We’re proud of their insightful vision towards the role of the UAE and its loyal leaders in making the human fraternity the and positive cultural and civilisational cross-border interaction, religions and cultures an important means of spreading peace and love among all,” he added.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com