In a show of unity and togetherness, common people from all walks of life and religious figures took part in the International Day of Tolerance celebrations in Dubai. - Photos by Rahul Gajjar
"We remember the humanitarian legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan"
Published: Thu 17 Nov 2016, 5:03 PM
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has stressed that the UAE continues its approach based on openness, tolerance and coexistence.
"We remember the humanitarian legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which is still developing and growing to lead all our plans and initiatives," tweeted Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance. "The UAE believes in the need to extend the values of peace, coexistence and tolerance, to become a unique model and homeland of love, uniting hearts and minds," he added. The UAE has transformed multiculturalism and diversity embraced at home, to an active investment and added value to growth, progress and prosperity resources, he added.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed also stressed that the UAE will continue to be a loving country, as this "represents its value and approach charted by the founding fathers and its cultural heritage, which we are continuing with you.
"As the message of my brother, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reached to the heart of every lover of the UAE, including his sublime meanings and values, it deepens the national vision of tolerance and enriches it."
Tolerance programme
"Every day is a Tolerance Day for us," Minister of State for Tolerance, Shaikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, told foreign diplomats in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. She was speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance at a special event to launch the UAE's National Tolerance programme.
The event, at the capital's Ritz Carlton Hotel, was attended by ambassadors, consuls and senior diplomats from nearly 150 of the foreign missions in the country. It was organised to provide the minister with an opportunity to explain the UAE's approach, both internally and abroad.
Thanking diplomats for their interest and the positive role that their resident communities in the UAE play in local society, Shaikha Lubna stressed the importance of the National Tolerance Prog-ramme, saying: "We need to raise the positive language of tolerance, of co-existence." It had been developed through wide-ranging discussions with other organisations and groups. The Tolerence Ministry, she said, was like "an amplifier", serving to spread the broader message.
What is Tolerance Day?
The International Day of Tolerance, celebrated on November 16 every year, dates back to 1996, when the United Nations first invited member states to participate. This followed the UN Year of Tolerance in 1995 - the 50th anniversary of the UN and 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi - in which Unesco's member states adopted the 'Declaration of Principles of Tolerance'.
Among other things, the declaration notes that tolerance is "respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human" and "recognises the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others."
"Tolerance not only as a moral duty, but also as a political and legal requirement for individuals, groups and states," the declaration adds.
Thinkers Council to map initiatives
> The National Programme For Tolerance focuses on ensuring that values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and acceptance of others become ingrained in, and is a sustainable part of society.
> Voice of Tolerance initiative will highlight the voices of community members and those contributing positively in spread-ing the values of tolerance.
> Tolerance Thinkers Council, a group of distinguished thinkers will devise tolerance initiatives and activities, and help set toler-ance policies and strategies.
> Tolerance, Co-existence and Peace Charter - will have the founding of charters for teachers, students, citizens, expats and employees - and will contain the most important terms for domes-tic and international laws related to tolerance, peace, coexistence
> Corporate Tolerance Responsibility will serve as indexes for private organisations to measure their commitment to supporting the cause of tolerance
> Mohammed Bin Rashid Tolerance Award to honour global figures who promote tolerance in the field of human intellect, literary creativity and aesthetic arts and instil the values of tolerance among Arab youth.
- Wam
People from different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds march during the Tolerance Parade at the Burj Park on Wednesday.
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