Chairman Attends Global Religious Leaders’ Congress for Peaceful Coexistence
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, actively participated in the 21st Session of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Kazakhstan.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s humanitarian approach is deeply rooted in the promotion of peaceful coexistence and human fraternity, further solidifying Bahrain’s position as a hub for peace and dialogue, and a sanctuary for openness and tolerance, as stated by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla.
In this context, he emphasized the significance of the “Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain” as a globally recognized document advocating religious freedoms. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s role in hosting various international conferences and events, including the Bahrain Dialogue Forum East and West for Human Coexistence, as exemplary manifestations of this approach.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla commended the strong ties between Bahrain and Kazakhstan, reflecting both nations’ commitment to civility, dialogue, and coexistence, as well as their shared pursuit of global security and prosperity.
He pointed out that cognitive ignorance fuels extremism and violence, whereas tolerance fosters religious freedom and harmony. Bahrain’s diverse acceptance of mosques, churches, temples, and places of worship exemplifies this commitment.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla stressed that the world’s pressing issues are exacerbated by an ongoing crisis of trust, leading to a surge in calls for intolerance, racism, and hatred, which hinders the formulation of effective solutions.
The Chairman highlighted the importance of religious teachings in promoting tolerance, empathy, and equality, underscoring the responsibility of religious leaders to raise awareness and encourage mutual respect.
The King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence champions moderation, understanding, and trust among cultures, adhering to international principles and moral values.
He reiterated His Majesty the King’s call for the launch of an international agreement to criminalize hate speech and prevent the misuse of freedoms and media platforms for the dissemination of religious hatred or incitement to extremism. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla urged collective efforts to build a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous world.