UAE becoming role model for tolerance

The UAE is setting up a bright and honourable model for tolerance and co-existence, thanks to country’s tireless efforts to instil these values so that they become part of the lifestyle for different segments in the society, which is hosting more than 200 nationalities living and working in harmony, said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Media Council, NMC, in his speech ahead of the International Day for Tolerance, which is celebrated on 16th November .

''The UAE leadership firmly believes in the urgency of promoting and spreading values of tolerance, centrism and moderation, these being key pillars for development, stability and happiness of the communities and an effective instrument for countering extremism, intolerance and hatred, which cause destruction and suffering of the humanity as evidently seen in many countries of the region and the world,'' Al Jaber said.

The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to Vatican in September this year also underscored the UAE's commitment to advancing global efforts aimed at fostering the values of tolerance and co-existence so as to maintain security, peace and stability, and bolster efforts towards sustainable economic, humanitarian and social development, the Minister added.

Outlining the efforts that encourage tolerance and moderation, the minister detailed that the UAE has established the Institute for Tolerance, the first of its kind in the Arab world, which offers advice and expert views on policies to promote values of tolerance among nations, publishes studies and research reports, and works with relevant authorities to instil the principles of acceptance in young people.

The country has also launched an initiative to honour champions of tolerance, humane thought, literature and fine arts throughout the world, and has instituted the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Tolerance, which will lay the base for developing tolerant young Arab leaders and support intellectual, cultural and media promotion of values that reflect tolerance and openness, the Minister added.

''The UAE has introduced legislations that foster tolerance and denounce violence, including the law against discrimination and hatred, which criminalises any act that stokes religious hatred and/or which insults religion through any form of expression, be it speech or written word, books, pamphlets or via online media,'' he said.

Al Jaber stressed the importance of the role of media in promoting tolerance and denouncing extremism by instilling values of peaceful co-existence, acceptance of other people and countering extremist ideologies.

''The media, notably the influential and opinion-shaping social platforms, can also encourage different segments in the community to stand against intolerance and hatred," the Minister said.