Today's Edition
AMEINAH AL ZEYOUDI / WAM (ABU DHABI)
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, on Tuesday opened the Annual Forum of Tolerance and National Identity Clubs in universities at Al Ain University.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak reaffirmed the dedication of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, in collaboration with Sandooq Al Watan, to realising the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“We are committed to empowering all the sons and daughters of the Emirates to actively participate in the nation’s journey,” the minister said.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised that the UAE - under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan - is determined to provide all means of excellence and success for both citizens and residents, motivating them to realise the full potential of their God-given talents and capabilities.
“We are truly blessed that God has given us a President who leads with determination and sincerity to ensure that nation’s youth become beacons of truth and goodness, and role models of hard work and diligence,” he said.
The fourth Annual Forum of Tolerance and National Identity Clubs was attended by presidents and directors of UAE universities and club supervisors, in addition to more than 500 students representing the clubs at universities. Among those present were Afra Al Sabri, Director-General of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Yasser Al Gargawi, Director General of Sandooq Al Watan.
“This annual meeting is a strong affirmation that tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity are essential components of our national identity. It also underscores that the members of these clubs and their fellow students - with their self-confidence, patriotism and loyalty to the nation’s history, culture, leaders, and symbols - represent the society’s aspirations and hopes for a prosperous present and a bright future.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak added that the forum regards these clubs as a genuine addition to the educational process.
The activities and initiatives they organise help students develop critical thinking skills and upstanding behaviour. They also encourage students to engage with others, foster dialogue, and collaborate effectively, while deepening their awareness of social issues and contemporary developments. This, in turn, plays a vital role in preparing students to become responsible citizens - during their academic journey or after graduation.
The minister explained that the work of these clubs has demonstrated that their members are promising individuals who are proud of their country, their leaders, and their identity. They are also keen to uphold the values and principles that shape the nation’s journey both now and in the future.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak extended his appreciation to the members of these clubs for their productive efforts, expressing pride in their dedication to building peace and promoting harmony. He praised their efforts to uphold shared human values and urged them to be genuine agents of positive change in society.
He encouraged them to stay connected to the nation’s progress, engage in discussing key national issues, host meetings and forums, organise competitions and celebrations, and actively participate in charitable work, volunteering, and serving the environment and the community.
The minister called on club members to take advantage of the “Year of the Community” as an opportunity to engage meaningfully with all segments of society.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised that attending the forum each year deepens his pride in the youth of the UAE, reaffirming his confidence in the bright future that awaits the nation. He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan to working with university students to help shape them into leaders of tolerance in society, and pioneers of a strong and sustainable national identity.
During the forum, universities whose clubs won this year’s Tolerance Shield were honoured, as well as the students who won the “Tolerance Orbit” competition.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak also toured the “Tolerance Orbit” Exhibition, which featured participation from 12 universities.
The forum also included open sessions organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan, aimed at introducing the roles of the Tolerance and National Identity Clubs. These sessions included a shared vision presentation on tolerance and identity, open dialogue on club activities, and a discussion of the event and competition calendar for the academic year.
In addition, the forum witnessed the launch of the second cycle of the “Our Heritage in Words” competition, which is open to all university students across the UAE.
