Nahyan bin Mubarak opens ‘Int’l Forum on Human Fraternity’

The festival aims to support and mark the recently declared United Nations announcement of the International Day of Human Fraternity. Sheikh Nahyan delivered the keynote address during the opening session of the forum which was launched virtually and attended by 1900 international officials, experts and academics from the UAE, the Arab world and globally, all who are avid supporters of matters relating to tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity.

Following the keynote speech, featured speakers included Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Peace, Ethiopia, María Fernanda Espinosa, President of the United Nations General Assembly for the 73rd session, Dr. Xing Qu, UNESCO’s Deputy Director-General, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Judge Mohamed Abdel-Salam, the Secretary General of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity.

Topics discussed explored the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity and ways to consolidate such principles through joint living and work for world peace, in addition to how human fraternity and global joint action contributes to a shared better future. Etisalat is participating in this major global event as a main sponsor for all sessions of the forum.

Sheikh Nahayan confirmed in his keynote address that the International Forum on Human Fraternity organised by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity in cooperation with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, marks a celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity by the UAE, including all its institutions, sectors, leaders, and all people who reside and work on this land of harmony and coexistence. He confirmed that this forum is based on the vision of His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Grand Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb as expressed in the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Fraternity. This forum is also a celebration of the sincere efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E Armed Forces to convey the nation’s message of tolerance, human fraternity, and moral values to the entire world.

He explained that the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Fraternity is an open invitation for everyone to commit themselves, "to work strenuously to spread the culture of tolerance and of living together in peace, putting an end to wars, environmental decay and moral and cultural decline". The Declaration emphasises that tolerance promotes the qualities and experiences that unite, rather than divide, all peoples, and enables a shared stake in public wellbeing and happiness irrespective of cultural, ethnic, and religious differences, so that peoples from around the world share a common humanity and everyone will know that intolerance leads to division between peoples.

Sheikh Nahayan noted that the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Fraternity is a testament to the fact that the United Arab Emirates is one of the most peaceful and prosperous places on earth, as residents from many different religions, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, from some 200 different nations, live and work together here in peace, harmony, and prosperity. He emphasized that this expresses the UAE’s belief in respecting everyone regardless of their differences or beliefs, and reflects that the true spirit of the United Arab Emirates which has always been blessed by leaders of wisdom and vision, beginning with the nation’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed was an extraordinary leader who embodied naturally human values of compassion and care and was open to the entire world. Sheikh Zayed was committed to the values of compass, on, empathy dialogue, human fraternity, peaceful coexistence and equality for all. Sheikh Zayed believed absolutely that recognition and appreciation of others, and the ability to live together with, and listen to others, would provide a sound foundation for a civil, peaceful, and prosperous country.

He added that we are blessed that our country’s commitment to these human values and principles has continued under the wise leadership of His Highness the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is strongly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E Armed Forces, as well as by all other UAE’s leaders.

Sheikh Nahayan added that no nation, no society, could ever convert everyone to a single religious belief. The best we can do and it is very good is to vie with one another in virtue. In the Qur’an, God tells all human beings: "O people! We have created you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another." In the United Arab Emirates, we are committed to responding to that command to "know one another." Our attitude toward the world’s various religious faiths constitutes a key element in the vision of the United Arab Emirates. Our vision is a global vision because our country is home to a global society. We want our global community to prosper and to have peace and harmony.