Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC) board of trustees chairman Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa took part in the second Arab Youth Leaders Forum, organised by the Arab Youth Council for Integrated Development.
The forum was organised in co-operation with the Arab League under the theme of Generations Preserving the Unity of the Nation, at the League’s headquarters in Cairo.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla affirmed Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to promoting the principles of coexistence and peace, preserving Arab identity and strengthening the pivotal role of youth in sustainable development and civilisational progress.
The centre chairman was honoured with the Joint Arab Action Medal for Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence in recognition of his distinguished efforts and contributions in this field.
He said that this honour was a recognition of His Majesty’s vision of promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue worldwide.
He added that it also reflects Arab appreciation of the King’s initiatives, which have achieved significant milestones for humanity.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla noted that KHGC forms part of an integrated national project that places dialogue, coexistence and peace at the heart of unity and social harmony, and as a pathway towards mutual understanding and human connection.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla noted that this vision is reflected in the Bahrain Declaration on religious freedom, which has been recognised internationally as a historic document and a message of peace.
These efforts were further marked by Guinness World Records title for the highest density of places of worship representing different religions and beliefs.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla expressed Bahrain’s pride in its deep-rooted and historical ties with Egypt, highlighting the country’s importance to the Arab World and its role in regional security and stability.
He also underlined the forum’s role in showcasing the youth leadership and the contribution of civil society institutions, and in transforming young people’s ideas and potential into sustainable initiatives and partnerships.
The centre chairman emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to youth empowerment under the leadership of His Majesty, through the programmes of the government led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the extensive efforts of His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Several of Bahrain’s initiatives in this field were highlighted, including the King Hamad Youth Empowerment Award to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the global Hope Network and Youth City 2030, reflecting the kingdom’s confidence in the abilities, talents and innovative contributions of young people.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla met the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Professor Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, during his visit to Egypt, and praised the important role of Al Azhar as a leading global academic and intellectual institution in promoting the values of moderation and dialogue.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla also met Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, and discussed the role of religious institutions in reinforcing the values of human fraternity and mutual respect and promoting social cohesion.
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