UAE A Unique Model Of Transforming Tolerance Into Daily Practice: Hamad Al Shaibani

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 17th Mar, 2019) Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Managing Director of the International Institute for Tolerance, said that the UAE has become a unique model of transforming tolerance into daily practice.

In an exclusive interview with the Emirates news Agency, WAM, Dr. Al Shaibani stated that the institute is keen, during the Year of Tolerance, to highlight the spirit of tolerance and coexistence, as well as the approach of the wise leadership to promote its values to face ideological terrorism.

He added that the institute’s plan for the Year of Tolerance includes various projects while noting that the institute formed the 'International Institute for Tolerance Initiatives Team' during the start of the year and identified its tasks and functions.

He also pointed out that the country has established many specialist centres to promote moderate religious ideas and combat extremism, issued a law to combat discrimination and hatred, and organised and hosted key events, such as the visit of the Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, and Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar.

Al Shaibani highlighted the success of the country’s efforts, which were started by its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continued by the wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, to strengthen the concept of peaceful coexistence and combat ignorance and extremism.

Al Shaibani then discussed the institute’s recent joint initiatives with the Mohammed bin Rashid school of Government, as well as other initiatives coinciding with the Year of Tolerance 2019, including the launch of the professional diploma programme in tolerance.

He also noted the Global Tolerance Challenge, which is an international competition for university students from around the world that challenges them to demonstrate tolerance through various art forms, such as theatre, artistic exhibitions and short stories.

He then spoke about the 'Global Tolerance Network', which aims to train qualified global youth to promote knowledge, based on reinforcing the values of respect, community peace, tolerance and dialogue.

Al Shaibani highlighted the Youth Forum for Tolerance, Happiness and the Future, which will be held on the sidelines of Expo 2020 Dubai and will be organised by the institute.