Today's Edition
Samihah Zaman (Abu Dhabi)
The UAE stands today as a pioneer of peace and coexistence globally, guided by the vision of its wise leadership that seeks to make the world a safer, more harmonious place, the 20th edition of Aletihad Forum heard on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, addressed the forum in a recorded video message, highlighting the nation's growing stature as a force for peace and stability.
His words echoed the theme of the forum, "UAE: Global Leadership in Peacebuilding".
The event was organised by Aletihad News Center at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities to mark the 56th anniversary of the establishment of Aletihad newspaper.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said that the UAE is proud of its national identity and its Arab and Islamic affiliation. It is blessed with a conscious and wise leadership and a solid political and social system that enables it to play an important role at regional and international levels, and to assume its prestigious position as mediator around the world.
"I point with pride and honour to the conscious and enlightened leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This leadership is keen to ensure that the UAE is an effective actor in international politics, extending its hands with confidence and a keenness to cooperate and work together with all those who desire to achieve development and peace," he said.
He added: "We are very grateful to God that the UAE, beginning with the great founder of the state, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and under the wise leadership of His Highness the President, has always been, and continues to be, advancing its policies, relations, and positions in accordance with a clear vision and strategic principles characterised by credibility and transparency, and governed by authentic values and principles in a changing world where interests and orientations are intertwined."
Integration between Domestic and Foreign Policies
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak explained that the principles, values and rules of engagement that govern relations with other nations and contribute to the UAE's success as a pioneering peacebuilding nation stem from the country's strategic location, its significant economic and human resources, and its keenness to actively contribute to scientific and technological advancements worldwide.
Furthermore, it benefits from the strong interconnectedness and integration between its foreign and domestic policies: they are two wings of one bird.
He added that the UAE's domestic policies, which focus on human development and the preparation of successful leaders at all levels, seek to mobilise the efforts of the nation's sons and daughters to achieve the nation's goals. These policies include efforts for sustainable economic and social development, the creation of a national climate that stimulates creativity and innovation, and the provision of an attractive environment for international investment.
All of these policies contribute to ensuring that the country has a strong and audible voice in all international forums, a voice that reflects its unwavering belief in the rights of all people, to justice and equality, peace and coexistence, and a dignified life within the framework of universal human brotherhood.
Principles that enable Peace
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: "As a pioneering country in peacemaking, we have developed important principles and guidelines. I specifically mention non-interference in the affairs of other countries and not disturbing the social peace of homelands.
"We reject aggression, abide by international laws and conventions, and give special priority to common interests and destiny, whether with our brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, or in Arab and Islamic countries, or in the entire world.
"We support the people of Palestine, and work to strengthen regional and global peace and security, and deepen opportunities for brotherhood and friendship with all countries and peoples.
"We respond with all skill and creativity to everything that is happening in the world around us, and we avoid entering into any disputes or conflicts.
"We always strive to establish a just international system that achieves peace and stability, respects the rights of peoples, and confronts exploitation, corruption and unfair competition."
His said that the UAE's path is guided by "realistic policies and balanced diplomacy" that is aware of its capabilities.
"We are fully capable of formulating our action plans, setting our objectives, and assessing the scope, quality, and limits of our work, without compromising our sovereignty or engaging in matters with unforeseen consequences. Our belief is to strive wisely and prudently to create better conditions for cooperation, coexistence, and peace in the region and the world."
A Culture of Tolerance Creates Peace
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said the UAE possesses a comprehensive vision for the present and future of the country, with an ability to formulate the language of discourse, examine all available alternatives, and intelligently rely on analytical and extrapolation tools.
He said: "As the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and in reference to the importance of the culture of tolerance in affirming the state's position in building peace in the world, tolerance contributes to building trust, establishing purposeful dialogue, and achieving positive relationships between different parties.
"Tolerance requires developing knowledge of others and beneficial and useful communication with them. It leads to avoiding conflicts and disputes, and emphasising coexistence and peace with all.
"Tolerance in the UAE aims to make everyone accustomed to exchanging ideas and experiences, and coexisting with others in peace and harmony in a way that has made this pioneering country, and indeed, a country of peace, dialogue, and regional and international cooperation, in order to achieve a more peaceful and more advanced world: a world capable of dealing effectively with the phenomenon of diversity and pluralism in the population, and in their concerns and interests."
The Human Fraternity Document
The minister said: "To complete the discussion of tolerance and its relationship to the state's role in building peace in the world, I must point to the Human Fraternity Document, which was issued in Abu Dhabi under the generous patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and with him His Holiness the late Pope Francis.
"That historic document respects the fundamental rights of all people and urges openness to others and dialogue with them as a path to human relations that seek to build brotherhood, peace and harmony in the world."
He said that this document, and its implications since its issuance in 2019, have affirmed the UAE's prestigious position as peacemaker and model of tolerance and coexistence in the world.
It is capable of providing a different way of thinking and an innovative approach to peacemaking and effectively engaging with the realities of this era.
