Khaleej Times

‘UAE a role model to spread tolerance’

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dubai — Members of the board of trustees of the Internatio­nal Institute for Tolerance (IIT) expressed their determinat­ion to advance the noble values and mission of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said that the ‘Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Award of Tolerance’ and the IIT are a beacon to the world that desperatel­y needs peaceful co-existence. “Its importance arises from the much-needed openness to the viewpoints, thoughts and beliefs of others, and the need for civilised communicat­ion with the world. This has been inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” she stated.

Al Mazrui also stressed the importance of instilling the message of tolerance in youth, and in enabling them to disseminat­e the message through scientific and innovative methods. “Young people have the potential and capabiliti­es to convey the message of tolerance to the whole world.”

Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, expressed her gratitude for the trust that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid had and his vision to promote tolerance in the UAE and the world by establishi­ng an institutio­n that aims to create real and positive

Its importance arises from the muchneeded openness to the viewpoints, thoughts and beliefs of others, and the need for civilised communicat­ion with the world.” Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui,

The ‘Internatio­nal Institute for Tolerance’, is the first-of-its-kind centre in the Arab world to offer advice on policies for promoting values of tolerance among nations. It will provide support to Arab and internatio­nal experts and specialist­s in tolerance, and contribute change in people’s lives. “In a world full of strong challenges such as extremism and hatred, the IIT comes as a powerful instrument to help engrain tolerance and other positive values in our societies, and to achieve true happiness for people,” said Al Roumi.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said that the UAE has always been a beacon for tolerance since its establishm­ent, under the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who has forged positive relations with all nations of the world.

“The decision to create the IIT adds to the global achievemen­ts of the UAE. It highlights the country’s leading position in the field of tolerance. It also paves the way for establishi­ng a powerful knowledge base that will contribute to enhancing civilised dialogue, led by a new generation of Emiratis who can share the unique experience of

I am committed to fulfilling the responsibi­lities and help with innovation to achieve the overarchin­g goal of making Dubai the most inclusive community in the world.” Avishesha Bhojani,

to developing educationa­l systems. It will release social studies on the root causes of fundamenta­lism, seclusion and sectariani­sm. The Institute will also act as a nurturing ground for young talents in tolerance, community service and countering extremism. the UAE with the world,” she said.

Gerald Lawless, head of tourism and hospitalit­y, Dubai Holding, chairman of World Travel and Tourism Council, said: “I am deeply honoured to have been nominated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to serve as a trustee. Since I first came to Dubai in 1978, I have experience­d the unique culture of welcome and tolerance of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. This initiative comes at a time when respect and tolerance for all people of all origins is so important. This country is a great example of that tolerance,” he stated.

Mazen Hayek, board of trustees member, said: “The UAE — and Dubai in its heart — is a role model for spreading tolerance, openness, mutual respect and understand­ing, while preserving religious beliefs, national identity and local culture. The image of the UAE globally is bright, advanced, cosmopolit­an and tolerant, at all levels. The establishm­ent

In a world full of strong challenges such as extremism and hatred, the IIT comes as a powerful instrument to help engrain tolerance and other positive values in our societies.” Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi,

The establishm­ent of the Internatio­nal Institute for Tolerance comes at a time when we are in dire need to build bridges of tolerance and solidarity between people.”

Internatio­nal Institute for Tolerance objectives Mohammed Bin Rashid Award of Tolerance

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as he announced the Internatio­nal Institute of Tolerance

of the ‘Internatio­nal Institute for Tolerance’ is yet another example of the country’s commitment to universal values and noble causes. By the same, it’s a token of the UAE transforma­tive leadership, government and hospitable people’s rejection of hatred, extremism, intoleranc­e and discrimina­tion.”

Avishesha Bhojani, group CEO of BPG Group, said: “Dubai has been my family’s home for nearly three decades and I feel blessed to be part of the fabric of this great country that has welcomed people from over 200 different countries.

“It reflects the incredible warmth, hospitalit­y and inclusiven­ess of the Emirati people guided by visionary and enlightene­d leadership. I feel fortunate to have been presented with this honour, and I am committed to fulfilling the responsibi­lities bestowed on me and help with innovation to achieve the overarchin­g goal of making Dubai the most inclusive community in the world.”

I have experience­d the unique culture of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates since 1978. This initiative comes at a time when respect and tolerance for all people of all origins is so important. Gerald Lawless, chairman of World Travel and Tourism Council

Ahmed Al Abbas, director of economic strategy and policy at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his trust in appointing him on the board of trustees of the Internatio­nal Institute for Tolerance. He expressed his determinat­ion to work closely with the other board members to achieve the institute’s objectives. — Wam

It paves the way for establishi­ng a powerful knowledge base that will contribute to enhancing civilised dialogue, led by a new generation of Emiratis.” Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs

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