ABU DHABI, 6th February 2025 (WAM) – Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the fifth edition of the Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Conference commenced on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, gathering religious leaders, intellectuals, and policymakers from across the world to address pressing challenges to peace and coexistence.
Organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in partnership with the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the conference coincides with global celebrations of the International Day of Human Fraternity. This year’s event places renewed focus on fostering dialogue amid rising societal divisions, while aligning with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Community.”
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s vision to build a cohesive society rooted in mutual respect and cultural preservation. “Our nation’s strength lies in its diversity. By encouraging individuals, families, and institutions to collaborate, we create a blueprint for a prosperous, cooperative future,” he stated.
Balancing Diversity and Progress
Central to Sheikh Nahyan’s remarks was a call to reconcile global diversity with shared aspirations for dignity and progress. “How do we strengthen peace and coexistence worldwide?” he asked. “By honoring the distinct identities of communities while uniting them through dialogue and understanding.”
Highlighting the UAE’s success as a multicultural model, he noted, “Here, over 200 nationalities live in harmony. We engage openly, respect differences, and recognize that every individual’s unique contributions drive our nation forward.”
Legacy of the Human Fraternity Document
The conference also marks the sixth anniversary of the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb. Sheikh Nahyan underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to the principles of the document, which calls for interfaith solidarity and collective action against extremism.
“This conference is a platform to translate words into deeds,” he added, praising the role of initiatives like the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in amplifying grassroots efforts to combat hatred and inequality.
A Global Platform for Change
With panel discussions on topics ranging from climate justice to intergenerational dialogue, the conference aims to produce actionable strategies for policymakers and civil society. Attendees include Nobel laureates, faith leaders, and youth advocates, reflecting the UAE’s emphasis on inclusive, cross-cultural solutions.
As the “Year of the Community” unfolds, the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for global harmony, leveraging its multicultural fabric to inspire international cooperation. The conference concludes on February 6th with the announcement of the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity laureates.
“In a fractured world, our mission is clear: to build bridges, not walls,” Sheikh Nahyan declared. “The UAE will remain a steadfast voice for unity.”