The only path to the future for global communities and nations is tolerance.
The UAE community was inspired by the Year of Zayed to consider the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, our nation’s founding father, as well as his vision through the UAE’s extraordinary accomplishments since its founding in 1971.
The declaration of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan makes tolerance the essential component that strengthens cultures, fosters thriving communities, and boosts economies.
Respect and tolerance go hand in hand, but tolerance also refers to accepting and appreciating the diversity of civilizations throughout the world. In order for us to complement one another and work toward a greater good, it is the catalyst that helps people comprehend others and embrace their differences.
The Year of Tolerance serves as a reminder that countries established on values of tolerance, love, and respect are those that can achieve sustainable peace, security, and stability in their development journeys. The UAE is preparing for Expo 2020 Dubai, which is scheduled to begin in less than one year.
Since the appointment of a Minister for Tolerance who suggests policies and initiatives that encourage cultural understanding and provide opportunities equally and without prejudice, the UAE government has been even more proactive in promoting tolerance. Pope Francis led a historic open-air Papal Mass during the first papal visit to the GCC, which took place in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Both Muslims and non-Muslims welcomed Pope Francis with open arms.
The second World Tolerance Summit will be held in Dubai in November, coinciding with the International Day of Tolerance on November 16 and serving as a centerpiece of the first Tolerance Week. The summit brings together public and private sector leaders, peacekeeping ambassadors, and other influential individuals from around the world to discuss the value of tolerance, peace, and equality as well as to celebrate diversity.
The educational system had to change in accordance to allow students from extremely varied cultural backgrounds to cohabit in a classroom and benefit from content that is relevant to everyone while also honoring regional particularities of the UAE.
The UAE government has shown that it is committed to using education as a tool to promote tolerance among young people and future generations, with the ultimate goal of fostering tolerant communities and fostering international peace.
The UAE has established itself as a global leader in openly promoting tolerance across all facets of its highly diverse and multicultural society. It makes no attempt to limit the number of programs it launches in order to raise awareness of the issue and maintain the support of its people. The UAE and the rest of the world will ultimately profit from this societal advancement, and Dubai Cares is delighted to play its part in it. Tolerance can spread throughout the world and be accepted by all, but first the world as we know it must alter. Let’s ensure that all children receive a quality education and are equipped to effect change.