UAE’S role in promotion of coexistence pioneering
ABU DHABI: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), stressed that the UAE’S celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity is a testament to its pioneering role in promoting tolerance and coexistence.
“The fith anniversary of the signing of the Human Fraternity Document in the UAE coincides with the day that embodies its inspiring and leading role and constitutes an international recognition and appreciation of its tireless efforts to spread the values and concepts of coexistence and fraternity among peoples,” Ghobash said.
He also highlighted the keenness of the
UAE, headed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to promote the values of tolerance, being one of the country’s key principles since its establishment by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Ghobash noted that the Human Fraternity Document was signed in the UAE on 4th February, 2019, which inspired the United Nations General Assembly to proclaim that day as the International Day of Human Fraternity soon ater.
On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed on Saturday, the UN chief called for renewed commitment to forge an “alliance of peace” amid a surge in hate speech, sectarianism and strife.
The International Day of Human Fraternity celebrates the values that “are the glue that hold our human family together” - compassion, religious understanding, and mutual respect, UN Secretary-general António Guterres said.
“These values underwrite peace, yet all over the world, they are being eroded by deepening divides, widening inequalities and growing despair and by surging hate speech, sectarianism and strife,” he continued.
The Secretary-general pointed to a model for interfaith harmony and human solidarity: the declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, co-signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-azhar Sheikh Ahmed
Al-tayeb in Abu Dhabi on 4th February, 2019.
“Let us all take inspiration and renew our commitment to stand together as one human family,” he said. “Together, let us build an alliance of peace, rich in diversity, equal in dignity and rights, united in solidarity.”
On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution - cosponsored by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt - proclaiming 4th February as the International Day of Human Fraternity, inviting all Member States and international organisations to observe the International Day of Human Fraternity annually.