Sheikh Nahyan Champions Global Tolerance At Abu Dhabi's IDCT Conference

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, underscored the critical importance of the International Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance (IDCT) Conference, which commenced on 20th February and will run until the 22nd. This event comes at a pivotal moment as the world faces conflicts and events that highlight the need for enhanced intercultural communication, hope, and optimism.

The conference, a collaborative effort between the Emirates Scholar Research Centre (ESRC), the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, aims to bridge cultures and nurture diversity. Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), it has attracted over 50 speakers and 2,000 participants from both the UAE and abroad.

In his opening address, Sheikh Nahyan reflected on the UAE's role as a beacon of peaceful coexistence. He highlighted how residents from diverse religions, cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds live in harmony within the UAE. This environment fosters a sense of freedom and safety for trade and dealings, reinforcing the UAE's position as a top choice for living and working.

Sheikh Nahyan expressed gratitude towards the UAE's leadership for its dedication to combating misunderstanding, prejudice, ignorance, fear, and hatred. He emphasized dialogue as a key tool in promoting tolerance, understanding, peace, and economic prosperity underpinned by social and political stability.

The conference also featured remarks from notable figures such as Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and UNAOC High Representative, and Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of INTERPOL. Moratinos praised the UAE's longstanding commitment to tolerance and human fraternity. Meanwhile, Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah highlighted dialogue as a core value in Islamic and Arab civilisation.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam spoke on Abu Dhabi's role as a global beacon for moderation, coexistence, and human fraternity. He also mentioned the UAE's Principles of the 50 as a guiding framework for enhancing life quality while ensuring that values detailed in the Document on Human Fraternity continue to thrive across generations.

The IDCT Conference stands as a testament to the UAE's ongoing efforts to foster global peace through understanding and respect for cultural differences. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences aimed at promoting coexistence in contemporary societies.

With inputs from WAM