The humanitarian and diplomatic approach of His Majesty King Hamad has consolidated Bahrain’s position as a leading global model of tolerance, coexistence and respect for religious and cultural diversity.
This approach has also reinforced the kingdom’s role as a key partner in promoting regional and international security, peace and dialogue among civilisations, Foreign Minister and National Human Rights Committee chairman Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani said yesterday.
In a statement marking United Nations International Day for Tolerance today, he expressed pride in Bahrain’s vision under the leadership of His Majesty and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Dr Al Zayani said this vision supports the protection of human rights and religious freedoms and advances noble humanitarian values, solidarity, and mutual understanding within cohesive, sustainable societies built on unity, stability and respect among religions and cultures. He noted that these values form a core element of the Government Plan and the National Human Rights Plan.
The minister highlighted the kingdom’s pioneering initiatives to promote tolerance and coexistence, including the ‘Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration’ on freedom of religion and belief, the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance and its programmes to enhance community awareness and prepare youth as ambassadors of peace.
He also noted Bahrain’s emphasis on education in promoting mutual understanding, its call for an international convention to criminalise religious and racial hate speech and its organisation of global conferences supporting interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
The minister also highlighted the launch of the King Hamad Prize for Coexistence and Tolerance and other international humanitarian awards.
Dr Al Zayani said Bahrain’s record in promoting coexistence and human rights has been recognised internationally, citing the adoption by the United Nations of Bahrain’s initiatives on the International Days of Living Together in Peace, Conscience and Human Fraternity.
He also highlighted Bahrain’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027 and its upcoming chairmanship of the Arab Group at Unesco, among other high-level international roles that reflect global appreciation for Bahrain’s principles and contributions to peace and sustainable development.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance board of trustees chairman Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the centre continues to implement educational and training programmes that highlight the role of education in building humane and civilised societies.
These include the second edition of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Coexistence, offered in co-operation with the University for Peace and the Gioya Higher Education Institute in Malta, as well as the enrolment of the second cohort of the King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Programme in collaboration with British academic institutions.
He also highlighted specialised initiatives such as the ‘Science for Peace Schools’ programme, organised with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which contribute to preparing young people to act as ambassadors of tolerance and human understanding.
Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam pointed out that tolerance is a core national value under the King’s leadership.
Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh stressed that the council takes pride in Bahrain’s standing in international forums.
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