Manama, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, highlighted Bahrain’s pivotal role in promoting peace and tolerance, stressing that the royal vision paves the way for achieving sustainable and comprehensive peace.
In an interview with Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the occasion of International Peace Day, observed annually on September 21, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah emphasised Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue between cultures and religions and pointed out the critical role of education and training in advancing peace. He also mentioned that International Peace Day serves as a global reminder to promote shared human values and mutual understanding between nations.
Bahrain’s leadership in global peace efforts
Bahrain’s approach to peace, as championed by its leadership, has always centred on advancing societies through dialogue and tolerance. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah referred to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al
Khalifa’s assertion that “Faith lights our path to peace,” illustrating Bahrain’s commitment to being a homeland of coexistence and a hub for cultural convergence.
He added that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has further strengthened this commitment by directing the implementation of programmes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. These efforts are bolstered by strategic partnerships with nations around the world, reinforcing Bahrain’s role in advancing global peace through balanced diplomacy and constructive dialogue.
King Hamad’s global initiatives for peace
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said that His Majesty King Hamad has been a keen advocate of promoting peace. He pointed that His Majesty’s leadership has brought forward numerous initiatives aimed at sustaining global harmony, including the Bahrain Declaration and the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. Other key efforts include the King Hamad Cha
ir for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at Sapienza University in Italy, the call for an international treaty to criminalise hate speech, and the creation of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence.
These initiatives, said Dr. Shaikh Abdullah, demonstrate Bahrain’s commitment to spreading tolerance and addressing global challenges through dialogue and collaboration. The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence continues to advocate for these values, promoting Bahrain’s model of coexistence worldwide.
On the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said it is a pioneering global initiative that embodies the royal vision on supporting dialogue and openness between religions and cultures, encouraging individuals and organisations to enhance their efforts and achievements in promoting peace and coexistence.
He explained Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence oversees the general policy of the award to ensure it reflects Bahrai
n’s rich cultural heritage in fostering human harmony and achieving global peace.
Recognising the unprecedented nature of the award, he said that comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure its leadership and sustainability, establishing it as a unique global reference for upholding noble values.
Strategic focus of the King Hamad Global Centre
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah discussed the centre’s strategic priorities, noting that since its restructuring by royal decree, urgent steps have been taken to redefine its mission and build a comprehensive work plan. The centre’s focus includes preventive diplomacy, education, training, and addressing environmental issues, with the aim of building global networks with leading institutions to further these goals.
He also expressed the centre’s aspiration to become a global leader in promoting religious freedom and combating intolerance and racism. Through these efforts, the centre seeks to counter misconceptions about Islam and establish itself as a symbol of peac
eful coexistence.
Promoting peace through education and training
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah emphasised that education and training are at the core of the centre’s mission, as they help foster understanding and equip younger generations with the skills needed for conflict resolution. The centre has signed agreements with prominent institutions, including the Faith in Leadership organisation and the 1928 Institute at the University of Oxford, to launch the King Hamad Leadership in Peaceful Coexistence Programme. This initiative provides training on conflict mediation and negotiation skills, aimed at instilling peaceful values in youth.
In addition, the centre has launched a postgraduate diploma programme on peaceful coexistence in cooperation with the United Nations University for Peace and the Giovanni Goria Foundation for Higher Education in Malta. The programme aims to build capacity and develop research tools to promote peace and human solidarity.
A global message of peace
The International Day of Peace, acco
rding to Dr. Shaikh Abdullah, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of peace as the foundation of stability and development. He noted that the world continues to grapple with conflicts, humanitarian crises, and environmental challenges, but there remains hope in collective human efforts to achieve comprehensive and just peace. He also emphasised that religious platforms, along with media and communication channels, play a vital role in advocating for moderation and fraternity, and in distancing communities from hate speech.
He underscored that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, will continue to advocate for global peace, and remains committed to fostering an environment of solidarity and compassion.