Abu Dhabi: A strategy to promote tolerance is being developed by the Ministry of Tolerance with an aim to fostering a spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and positive understating among people in the UAE.
In an exclusive interview with the official news agency, Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, announced the strategy on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, which falls on November 16 each year.
The strategy will focus on four main themes, including community awareness, which will involve specific programmes targeting all community segments and building stronger community relations that support tolerance, peace and coexistence. Third, the implementation of activities, events and celebrations throughout the year with a view to exemplifying the meanings of tolerance.
The fourth theme will involve conducting research and studies and lunching indices to measure the fulfilment of objectives.
Shaikh Nahyan revealed that the International Institute for Tolerance, which was launched earlier by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is mapping out an action plan that includes education, community awareness, studies and researches, conferences and dialogues as well as active communication with all society and international organisation to put this plan into action.
He highlighted the need to enhance the role of families and scholars, businessmen, schools, universities, ministries and the civil society to fight deconstructive ideologies and strengthen loyalty to the nation.
“To ensure the success of this plan, concerted efforts and joint work between community segment, family, business sector and the ministry of tolerance as well as other organisations is a must.”
He added: “We have to work together in order to convey the message of tolerance to the entire community so as to be passed onto younger generations. The ministry of tolerance will be an active contributor in the community-focused efforts to nurture future generations. It will roll out community awareness programmes for people in the UAE, including children and youth. These programmes are tailored to teach individuals the values of tolerance and coexistence through community service programmes.
Shaikh Nahyan underlined the importance of using social media channels and smart applications to share positive materials that promote the cultural of tolerance in society.
“The ministry of tolerance is the ministry of all, citizens and expats, youth and elderly, men and women to work together with determination and commitment,” Shaikh Nahyan said.
He referred to the vital role of education in developing the values of tolerance and coexistence among all community members.
“The UAE has played a leading role in promoting the values of tolerance on the global scale thanks to wise leadership for supporting the approach of coexistence and peace,” Shaikh Nahyan added.
