UAE's Strength In Diversity And Cohesion: Sheikh Nahyan Emphasises Tolerance As Core Value

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, highlighted the UAE's strength in diversity and unity. He emphasised that tolerance is a lived experience for everyone in the country. This statement was made to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on 16th November.

The UAE's leadership prioritises preserving Emirati values and societal cohesion. Sheikh Nahyan noted that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan places these at the forefront of his agenda. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, instilled principles of love, peace, and coexistence in society.

The Ministry of Tolerance plans to launch initiatives in 2026, declared as the Year of Family. These initiatives aim to strengthen tolerance within families, which are seen as the foundation of a prosperous society. The ministry also focuses on empowering youth to uphold human values and promote tolerance globally.

Youth are considered crucial in supporting national tolerance programmes. The ministry collaborates with various entities to equip young people with skills needed to champion the UAE's message of coexistence worldwide. "Youth are the hope and future of the nation," said Sheikh Nahyan.

The National Festival of Tolerance & Coexistence will be held under the theme "Hand in Hand." This reflects cultural diversity and how families thrive in a globally integrated environment. The festival includes cultural, artistic, and sporting activities involving all resident communities.

The Ministry has launched several initiatives since its inception to position the UAE as a global model of tolerance. One such initiative is "Government as an Incubator for Tolerance," which promotes empathy and cooperation among government employees. This ensures positive coexistence within government institutions.

International Collaboration

The UAE actively engages with other countries to build a global framework for tolerance. The Global Tolerance Alliance was launched during Expo 2020 Dubai to create an international network supporting human fraternity and peace. This involves sharing expertise with global leaders and launching joint projects in education.

Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that social cohesion is vital for stability and progress. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan prioritises strengthening Emirati values like tolerance and coexistence for societal well-being.

Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence

The UAE celebrates national events with resident communities, believing that diversity strengthens economic progress across sectors. Sheikh Nahyan stated that social cohesion is essential for a stable renaissance, embodying principles laid by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The UAE continues promoting dialogue amid global challenges, rejecting violence and extremism while advocating peace as a foundation for security. Sheikh Nahyan reiterated that societies built on mutual respect can achieve lasting prosperity.

With inputs from WAM