A symposium organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, emphasized the importance of consolidating the values of tolerance and coexistence as a foundation for global peace and called for the acceptance of the other and respect for religious, intellectual, and ethnic diversity as a means to reduce conflicts and tensions.

The symposium, Toward a World of Peace, Justice, and Coexistence: Cultivating Knowledge and Building Tolerance, opened with a keynote address delivered by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory. In it, he stressed that consolidating the values of tolerance and coexistence is the best pathway to achieving global peace. He underlined the importance of accepting and respecting religious, intellectual, and ethnic diversity to reduce disputes and conflicts.

Since its establishment, Dr. Al-Ali explained that TRENDS has actively contributed to disseminating a culture of tolerance and peace. It does so through three main ways: producing knowledge that reinforces the principles of tolerance and human fraternity by publishing books, studies, and events; combating extremist ideologies and political manipulation of religion by dismantling extremist groups’ ideas, highlighting the values of religious renewal, citizenship, and peaceful coexistence; and establishing global knowledge partnerships to enhance tolerance. In this respect, he added, TRENDS has organized tens of events across world capitals, aiming to spread a culture of coexistence and counter extremist ideologies.

In conclusion, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali called for continued collaboration to build a world of peace, justice, and coexistence. He emphasized that dialogue and cooperation are the foundation for consolidating these values at all levels.

Education

His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Khalid Al-Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, emphasized the importance of education and intellectual collaboration in sustainably promoting human fraternity values. He explained that the General Secretariat is building strong partnerships with governments and institutions to ensure that human fraternity becomes a fundamental pillar in national and international policies.

Al-Ghaith added that scholarly research and studies play a pivotal role in shaping societies based on mutual respect and coexistence, noting active collaboration with universities and think tanks to achieve these goals.

The Importance of Peace

Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center, emphasized that peace, justice, and coexistence are sublime human values through which societies thrive. He warned that the absence of these values leads to war and hatred. He said that the economic cost of wars and conflicts in 2023 reached $19 trillion, equivalent to 13.5% of the global GDP, stressing the need to invest these funds in sustainable development instead of wasting them in conflicts.

Al-Kaabi also highlighted the UAE’s pioneering experience in promoting tolerance and coexistence. He pointed out that the country established a Ministry of Tolerance in 2016 and signed the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019 with the Pope of the Vatican and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He added that the UAE, which hosts more than 200 nationalities, is a unique model of peaceful coexistence between different cultures and religions, contributing to its leadership in human development and the new economic indicators.

The symposium was moderated by researcher Noura Al-Hebsi, Director of the Publication Department at TRENDS Research & Advisory. She stressed that education is the key to building tolerant societies, highlighting the need to integrate the values of tolerance and coexistence into educational curricula and encourage cultural exchange among people.

Dialogue

In his remarks at the symposium, Monsignor Dr. YoannisLahzi Gaid, former personal secretary to His Holiness Pope Francis and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Human Fraternity Foundation, emphasized that dialogue among civilizations is not just a theoretical concept but a necessity for building a more just and stable world. He stressed that young people are the driving force for promoting such dialogue and are responsible for creating a more tolerant future through education, cultural exchange, and combating hate speech.

Lahzi pointed out that promoting a culture of coexistence requires a comprehensive educational approach that focuses on instilling the values of tolerance and mutual respect among younger generations while strengthening religions’ role in supporting peaceful coexistence. He added that dialogue among civilizations must start in classrooms, where children learn to deal with cultural, intellectual, and religious diversity, building more tolerant and cohesive societies.

A Practical Approach

Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community, emphasized that peace cannot be achieved unless it becomes part and parcel of daily life and behavior within societies. He pointed out that tolerance should not be reduced to rhetoric but consolidated through a strong culture of constructive criticism and openness to others.

Tarif explained that interreligious and intercultural coexistence requires sustained dialogue and a deep belief in promoting communication and mutual understanding. He called for the launch of cultural and social initiatives to strengthen ties between different groups through grassroots events and broad-based gatherings, enhancing the values of mutual respect and societal integration.

He also praised the UAE’s approach of embracing the values of human fraternity, citing the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. May his soul rest in peace; he laid the foundations of a tolerant society that treats its members equally without discrimination.

A Model

In the same context, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, Vice President of the Global Imams Council, praised the UAE’s role in spreading a culture of peace and tolerance, noting that the country has set a global example in fostering interfaith cooperation by signing the Document on Human Fraternity and hosting numerous religious and intellectual gatherings aimed at enhancing interreligious dialogue.

Tawhidi added that all divine religions share the values of peace, love, and coexistence. He called for intensified global efforts to translate these values into practices promoting social justice and reducing religious and ideological conflicts.

A Culture  

Media professional Rifaat Bou Assaf emphasized that tolerance is, in essence, a societal culture and a trait. He praised the UAE as a model country for embodying these values.

Self-Accountability

After the symposium, human rights expert Lina Nasser Al-Balushi stressed that building a world of peace requires strengthening the principles of self-accountability and adherence to fundamental rights enshrined in constitutions and protected by governments. She emphasized that equality begins in the mind and societal perceptions that classify individuals.

Al-Bloushi cited the Constitution of Medina, established by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as the first civil constitution for peaceful coexistence among various social groups.

Recommendations

The symposium concluded with several recommendations, including the need to strengthen education as a key tool for fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence; expanding interreligious and intercultural dialogue to promote convergence among peoples; combating hate speech through media, education, and cultural initiatives; enhancing policies that support equality and social justice in different societies; and supporting youth people’s initiatives in the areas of tolerance and global peace.

Participants emphasized that achieving peace and justice worldwide requires joint efforts between Governments and religious, educational, and media institutions. They also stressed that tolerance is not a mere slogan but a practical approach built on dialogue and mutual understanding.