THE UAE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT 2019 WILL BE OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMED THE YEAR OF TOLERANCE.
The Walk of Tolerance 2018 in Abu Dhabi
2019 will be the Year of Tolerance in the UAE. Officially announced by the UAE government, the decision was made to honour Sheikh Zayed’s belief that the UAE should welcome all nationalities and religions. Highlighting the country’s role as a global capital for tolerance it is thought by leaders that the decision will help to strengthen the nation’s role of encouraging stability and prosperity in the region.
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan explained the decision; “Instilling values of tolerance carries on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and teachings. It is one of the most important attributes that we can impact on our people and the global community to ensure the safety, stability and happiness of people across the world.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
His thoughts were echoed by those of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who posted on his Twitter account; “Dear brothers and sisters, the President has issued a directive to announce 2019 as the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, with the aim of solidifying the international role that the country plays as the capital of co-existence and meeting of civilisations.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance
Tolerance is the cornerstone of advanced societies, intellectually and humanely, and is one of the tools of empowering civilisations and ensuring stability and flourishing of nations.
In 2019, we will endeavour to establish this value and lead the intellectual, media and research production movements to reaffirm this value in our region, which has suffered a lot because of extreme allegiance to ideologies or factions or parties.”
Dubai Tolerance Summit 2018
THE YEAR OF TOLERANCE WILL FOCUS ON FIVE MAIN PILLARS:
Deepening the values of tolerance and co-existence among cultures and peoples by concentrating on teaching the youth the values of tolerance.
Solidifying the UAE as the global capital for tolerance, via a series of initiatives and projects specialising in tolerance and dialogue between various cultures and civilisations.
Putting in place multiple cultural programmes and contributions to build tolerant communities.
Focusing on legislative and policy-oriented objectives that contribute mandating cultural and religious tolerance, via dialogue.
Promoting tolerance and co-existence via targeted media initiatives and projects.
Last November a World Tolerance Summit took place in Dubai. The event attracted international leaders and public figures and last year the UAE announced it will be a global co-ordinator for co-operation within a new Global Tolerance Alliance to promote acceptance around the world.
Tolerance-themed events will be taking place across the Emirates for the duration of 2019.
