Sheikha Lubna stresses UAE’s desire to strengthen values of tolerance, harmony, co-existence

WAM -- Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, stressed the desire of the UAE’s leadership and people to strengthen the values of tolerance, harmony and co-existence, and to respect diversity and accept the thoughts, cultures, religions and sects of others, while rejecting all forms of bias, hate, violence and fanaticism.

This statement came during a meeting today with Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches, on the sidelines of the 34th Human Rights Council Sessions of the United Nations that are taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

She clarified that the UAE believes in building the human and humanity, and its national legislations and laws state that all members of society are equal in rights and duties, with no bias between them. The freedom of religious practice is also protected by law, and the country hosts more than 200 nationalities that live in peace and harmony and work together with appreciation and respect while communicating and interacting with harmony and unity.

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi discussed the forms of joint co-operation with Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, and she confirmed that the general goal of the National Tolerance Programme is for the sustainability of the values of tolerance, solidarity, brotherhood and co-operation between peoples and religions. These values apply locally, regionally and internationally, especially during increased incidences of hate speech, contempt, bias and violence that the world is witnessing.

She highlighted the international responsibility that falls upon all related authorities to face this dangerous phenomenon, which is not expressed by human nature and common values.

Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit was introduced to the seven main pillars of the National Tolerance Programme, which are Islam, the UAE constitution, Zayed's legacy and the ethics of the UAE, international conventions, archaeology and history, humanity, and common values.

He saw the five pillars of the programme as representative of the strengthening of the government's role as an originator of tolerance, and to consolidate the role of family in nation building, promote tolerance among young people and discourage them from fanaticism and extremism, enrich scientific and cultural content, and integrate international efforts to promote tolerance highlighting the UAE’s leading role in this area.

The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Constant Delegate of the UAE at the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva.