A UAE newspaper has said that while growing intolerance currently poses a huge challenge to many nations,
ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 26th Jun, 2018) A UAE newspaper has said that while growing intolerance currently poses a huge challenge to many nations, "it is a matter of great pride and honour for citizens and residents of the UAE that the country sets flawless examples on what a truly tolerant society is all about."
In an editorial on Tuesday, The Gulf Today asked, "What can be stronger testimony to the spirit of tolerance reigning in the UAE than the fact that people from over 200 nationalities currently live here enjoying total security, peace and prosperity in an entirely harmonious environment?"
The paper also referred to the plan by the International Institute for Tolerance, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, to hold a two-day 'World Tolerance Summit', in Dubai from November 15th, saying it "reflects the fact that the country offers an ideal venue and remains a perfect model of tolerance."
"The summit is an admirable initiative as it is the world’s first-of-its-kind event that tackles tolerance, peace and cultural understanding among mankind," it added.
The editorial cited Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Tolerance, who pointed out: "Tolerance is not simply enduring the existence of opinions, ideas, behaviours or practices that do not concur with your own. It is about recognising, respecting and embracing diversity. It is about being secure in your own culture and beliefs, so that you respond to what is different with curiosity and compassion rather than with fear and intolerance. To be tolerant one needs to be concerned genuinely for the welfare of one’s fellow human beings, and to take action based on those concerns."
The paper went on to say that it should not be forgotten that the UAE is the first country in the world to have appointed Ministers for Happiness, Tolerance, and the Future. "The idea is to focus on the capability of the government in ensuring the quality of life in the UAE as reflected in all its sectors and tiers in society."
"The creation of the International Institute for Tolerance through the patronage of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives helps provide solutions to the challenges of extremism and sectarianism through promotion of the culture of tolerance," it said.
"The UAE offers an outstanding example by remaining at the forefront in the advocacy on peace, harmony and tolerance globally as well as locally," it added.
In conclusion, the Sharjah-based daily said that President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's wise words well sum up the goal: "The UAE is based on firm and strong values that seek to strengthen its relations on the basis of mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation, and the abandonment of all forms of terrorism, violence, and intolerance."
