The birthday of His Majesty King Hamad was celebrated alongside the first United Nations Day of Peaceful Coexistence last night, at an event which brought together clergy, diplomats and officials.
Organised by the multi-faith initiative This is Bahrain, the grand dinner and tribute to the King was held at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain in Manama.
Today marks the inaugural UN Day of Peaceful Coexistence, which was designated as part of a UN resolution spearheaded by Bahrain and initiated by the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance.
This Is Bahrain chairperson Betsy Mathieson wished the King a happy birthday in her speech, and stated that his reign ‘stands as a moral and visionary benchmark in our modern world’.
“On this historic day, it is both fitting and profoundly symbolic that we also celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,” she said.
“This convergence of moments is not coincidental; it reflects a lifetime of leadership that has given living meaning to the ideals of peace, coexistence, dignity and freedom.
“Under His Majesty’s leadership, Bahrain has become a global reference point for peaceful coexistence – home to diverse religious institutions and a society built on equal citizenship.”
She also noted that the designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of Isa Al Kabeer’ is part of the King’s efforts to promote coexistence, celebrating his predecessor in order to carry on his legacy.
Meanwhile, Brazilian Ambassador Adriano Pucci responded on behalf of the guests, also wishing the King a happy birthday.
“Peaceful coexistence has been a defining feature of this leadership,” he said.
“Bahrain’s initiative at the UN to establish an International Day dedicated to this principle, together with the work of the King Hamad Global Centre, reflects a sincere commitment to these values.
“As the kingdom begins its two-year term on the UN Security Council, these convictions are now finding expression on the global stage and being translated from vision into action.
“Openness to the world, and partnerships with so many nations, are not merely national policies – they are ways of being Bahraini.”
He then read a poem by Rumi about loving and cherishing people while disregarding differences and only focusing on humanity.
Diplomatic representatives from the UK, Egypt, the Philippines Malaysia, Türkiye, Italy, Cyprus, Lebanon, France, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and more were present.
They were joined by faith leaders from different houses of worship, along with businesspeople, influential individuals and top officials.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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