Follow UAE’s model of tolerance: Nahyan
abu dhabi — Other countries should follow the UAE’s model of tolerance and co-existence to maintain stability and combat extremism, a UAE minister has said.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, was delivering the keynote speech at the global conference to discuss latest security measures and ways to counter extremism and terrorism through tolerance and dialogue on Monday.
Titled, ‘Tolerance, Moderation and Dialogue in Facing Extremism’, the two-day conference was inaugurated by Lt-Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
The conference is aimed at addressing the legal, political, religious, cultural, economic and social aspects of extremism, to create a comprehensive meth- odology to address and solve this problem.
In his keynote speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, said that in today’s globalised world, the phenomena of violent extremism and terrorism have not only become threats to international peace and development but have also become increasingly transnational, farreaching and boundary-less.
“Extremism has become a global danger threatening all communities and has catastrophic implications that affect the internal security of countries,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
“As we are looking for a real model towards diversity and promoting security among nations, we have to identify risks and find common and lasting solutions to violent extremism for a peaceful world.”
He noted that the UAE has emerged as one of the key global players in countering extremism. “The UAE has utilised the unique model of tolerance, coexistence and communication to maintain peace, stability and security and to fight extremism and other nations should follow suit,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
“Our system respects human values and upholds the rights of all people to leave in peace and harmony. The UAE believes in the importance of promoting moderation and dialogue, which are necessary to combat the types of extremism adopted by certain extremist groups.”
The minister also urged nations to educate the younger generation about the importance of coexistence and the dangers of extremism and terrorism through the support of tolerance their communities. “Violent extremism can destroy national unity and regional and in-
The UAE believes in the importance of promoting moderation and dialogue, which are necessary to combat the types of extremism adopted by certain extremist groups.” Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance
ternational stability. We should speak with one clear voice that violent extremism shouldn’t be tolerated in our communities,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
According to Sheikh Nahyan, tolerance, moderation and dialogue are cornerstones of establishing a stable, united community, capable of achieving prosperity and progress for all its members. The event which will continue until March 6, has represented a leading platform for leaders, decision-makers, scholars, experts and government and non-governmental organisations, to discuss concepts, challenges and strategies to combat extremism.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com