Bahrain’s own experience of coexistence and tolerance provides a strong foundation for taking the message abroad, writes Mohammed Al A’Ali.
The kingdom has long been home to people belonging to different religions and denominations who have lived alongside one another peacefully. Now, the aim is to further transform that experience into something that can benefit others.
“The next step is to transfer this experience – the experience of Bahrain – to the world,” said King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance deputy board chairman and Shura Council member Ali Al Aradi.
“We are not transferring the experience simply for the sake of transferring an experience. We are transferring the values that were established here and turning them into programmes of action.”
That means building partnerships and developing practical initiatives rather than limiting coexistence to conferences and statements.
The centre already works across several areas, including education, training, dialogue and community initiatives, while developing partnerships with institutions inside and outside Bahrain.
The King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, launched internationally this year, is another element of that wider effort to recognise and encourage work promoting peaceful coexistence.
Religious representatives discussed the contribution of their communities to Bahraini society, the role of places of worship in community engagement and service, and humanitarian work as a value shared across faiths.
Participants also shared experiences of solidarity and good neighbourliness, highlighting how religious teachings can encourage respect, understanding and service to others.
“The kingdom’s next chapter in this field is not simply about showcasing what happens within its borders, but about working with international partners to develop new programmes, share experience and turn the principles of tolerance and coexistence into practical action something that is being built on,” said Mr Al Aradi.
“From places of worship and community halls in Bahrain to international forums and partnerships abroad, the aim is to build bridges that can carry the kingdom’s message of peaceful coexistence much further.”
The centre’s coexistence acting director Shaikha Maryam bint Humood Al Khalifa said peace should be understood as a daily practice reflected in communities, relationships and places of worship.
Meaningful dialogue, she added, is built on understanding and respecting diversity while drawing on shared values to strengthen peace and serve society.
Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh meanwhile highlighted the wider international dimension of Bahrain’s approach.
He expressed pride in the initiatives of His Majesty King Hamad and his efforts to establish peace, coexistence and tolerance as foundations for security and stability.
“The enlightened thought and wise visions of His Majesty, and His Majesty’s continuous commitment to supporting international efforts and partnerships aimed at establishing global security, peace and stability, embody Bahrain’s recognised role in deepening the principles of dialogue, rapprochement and openness between peoples and nations,” Mr Al Saleh said.
He stressed the importance of investing in the common ground shared by peoples and nations in pursuit of comprehensive and sustainable peace capable of supporting development and progress.
Mr Al Saleh also praised the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for its programmes and initiatives supporting peace, harmony and international understanding.
He described Bahrain as a country where cultures and civilisations meet and a land of peace and coexistence.
mohammed@gdnmedia.com
&uuid=(email))