Ambassadors Of Coexistence Initiative Aims To Promote Global Peace And Cultural Understanding
The "Ambassadors of Coexistence" initiative, launched by the Manara Centre for Coexistence and Dialogue at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, is making strides in promoting peace and cultural understanding. Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Austrian Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted its importance in combating antisemitism, violent extremism, and hate speech. He praised the UAE as a key partner for Austria and the West in addressing extremism.
Berchtold recalled a successful interfaith event co-hosted by Austria and the UAE at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi last year. This event laid the groundwork for future collaboration between the two nations. The ambassador emphasised that such initiatives are crucial for building cross-cultural dialogue and promoting shared human values.
Tony Sgro, Founder and CEO of EdVenture Partners, discussed the second edition of this initiative. It empowers international university students to create digital campaigns that promote tolerance and mutual respect. Students engage in producing impactful research papers, high-quality video content, and integrated digital campaigns reflecting their vision for peaceful societies.
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri from the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi announced a youth-focused project called "Peace Makers." This project aims to instill peacebuilding values in children. He mentioned that it is expanding and will be discussed further during an upcoming conference.
Isaac Kutsiwa Simon, a student at the American University of Nigeria, shared insights about his team's campaign "Ubuntu for Peace." Inspired by African philosophy, this campaign includes peace dialogues, community workshops, tree planting, and initiatives addressing water scarcity to support peace efforts.
Global Efforts to Promote Coexistence
Ven. Mudithavihari Thero Balangoda from the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka noted the initiative's global impact on spreading messages of peace and coexistence. He mentioned ongoing collaboration with the Manara Centre and plans to host a major event in Sri Lanka to further promote these values.
The initiative serves as a strong model for fostering peace through education and collaboration across cultures. By engaging students worldwide, it encourages innovative approaches to building more harmonious societies.
With inputs from WAM
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