Geneva: Permanent Observer of the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), Dr. David Fernández Puyana, praised the partnership with the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (KHGC) in launching the joint Postgraduate Diploma in Peaceful Coexistence.
Speaking at the executive briefing at the UN Office in Geneva, he expressed pride in the collaboration with KHGC and the Gioya Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Malta in graduating the first cohort of the programme in Bahrain. He described it as a lasting platform that reflects Bahrain’s leading role in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, strengthening peace and harmony among societies.
Dr. Fernández Puyana commended Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KHGC, for his support in launching the diploma. He described the programme as a pioneering Bahraini initiative that highlights the Kingdom’s openness, rich heritage, and cultural diversity while reinforcing its global commitment to peace.
He also praised the programme for equipping participants with knowledge and skills in international law, peace studies, conflict resolution, and sustainable development, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 2686 (2023) on "Tolerance, International Peace, and Security."
Dr. Fernández Puyana thanked the governments that contributed to the programme’s success by nominating senior diplomats, officials, academics, researchers, and business leaders. He noted that the first cohort included 50 graduates from 19 countries, all gaining valuable expertise in peaceful coexistence.
He emphasised UPEACE’s continued collaboration with KHGC to launch the second edition of the diploma in 2025, highlighting the importance of sustaining this partnership to advance peace, unity, and global dialogue between faiths and cultures.
UPEACE commends education partnership with KHGC
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