Muslim Council of Elders calls for global strategy to combat hate speech
Cultural, religious diversity should be a source of strength, says Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb
ABU DHABI: The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has called for the unification of international efforts to formulate a global strategy to counter all forms of hate speech, intolerance, extremism and discrimination.
The council has emphasised the importance of promoting values of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, as well as enacting binding international legislation to eliminate threats to global security and peace.
In a statement marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech yesterday, the council stated that cultural and religious diversity should be a source of strength and enrichment for societies, not a cause for conflict or disputes. It affirmed that diversity is a divine principle and that pluralism, acceptance, and respect for others should be the foundation of dialogue between different religions, cultures and civilisations, aiming for a world where everyone enjoys peace, security and stability.
The Muslim Council of Elders is making significant efforts to combat hate speech, intolerance and discrimination through numerous initiatives, programmes and projects that aim to promote and strengthen the values of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence as well as various international conferences that seek to build bridges of dialogue and communication between different cultures and religions, thereby fostering a culture of tolerance, respect and acceptance of others.