A new, global award that recognises contributions to promoting peaceful coexistence reflects His Majesty King Hamad’s vision for a safe and sustainable world, according to a top official.
King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence board of trustees chairman Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence was an extension of Bahrain’s rich historical and cultural legacy of openness and pluralism and aimed at encouraging dialogue between civilisations and cultures, and rejecting extremism, violence and hatred as stated in the Constitution and the principles of the National Action Charter.
“The establishment of the award also comes in line with the kingdom’s celebrations of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty’s ascension to the throne, and coincides with World Humanitarian Day, held annually on August 19,” he said.
“I would also like to reiterate His Majesty’s call to adopt an international agreement to criminalise hate speech, which carries a message of peace and hope for humanity.”
Dr Shaikh Abdulla officially launched the award yesterday during a Press conference at the Bahrain National Charter Monument in Sakhir.
Present were the centre’s board of trustee member Dr Alsadig Khalafalla, executive director Abdulla Almanai and Valabdas Muljimal and Bros chairman and Thattai Bhatia Hindu Community member Sushil Muljimal.
The award encourages individuals and organisations to participate in pioneering efforts in promoting dialogue and raising awareness of the importance of cultural convergence to achieve global peace and promote common values among humanity.
The winner will receive a financial reward, a certificate of appreciation and a medal, to be presented during a ceremony to be held under the patronage of His Majesty.
For each edition of the award, an international jury panel will be formed, headed by King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence board of trustees chairperson or their deputy.
The jury will comprise at least four members of distinguished global expertise and standing and appointed by the chairperson.
They will evaluate the nominees and their achievements and select the winner based on certain criteria including excellence, creativity, innovation, value integration and global influence.
They will be expected to conduct their duties independently and transparently and to be impartial, objective and show integrity and confidentiality in their deliberations.
“The centre’s board of trustees will adopt statutes, conditions and mechanisms for granting the award every two years,” said Dr Shaikh Abdulla.
“We are keen to continue initiatives in translating His Majesty’s lofty and enlightened visions.
“Bahrain will always remain a place of rich diversity, a centre for cultural convergence, a stronghold for religious freedom, and an effective partner in building prosperous human societies in a world that enjoys security, peace and sustainability.”
In Bahrain’s push for dialogue, tolerance and peace, Dr Shaikh Abdulla noted the establishment of the centre, the inauguration of the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at the Italian Sapienza University, hosting the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue between East and West for Human Coexistence, and His Majesty’s call to adopt an international agreement to criminalise religious, sectarian and racist hate speech.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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