Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, confirmed that the Global Alliance for Tolerance has the capabilities and expertise to enhance the international understanding of sustainability, and to set a comprehensive strategy to develop a common goal, and a clear understanding of these issues among people of different cultures.
He called on everyone to direct their ability towards building peace and prosperity around the world, saying, ‘Let’s declare our commitment to find a common ground to protect our environment, unleash the power of education and its role in creating new solutions to sustainability and environmental challenges, and celebrate successful global models that build on the power of peace and tolerance to drive development and a sustainable future globally.’
This came during the opening of the “Global Alliance for Tolerance” summit organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders on the sidelines of COP28 h
osted by the UAE with a prominent international presence at Expo Dubai.
The summit, themed “United by our common humanity’, is attended by Rebecca Greenspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Miguel Moratinos, United Nations High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations; Afra Al-Sabri, Director-General at the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and a large number of intellectual, international and religious leaders.
The summit discussed two main themes: “Promoting sustainable development through dialogue and inclusion”, and “A multidimensional approach to a sustainable future” with the participation of prominent global figures in various fields.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said, “I am confident that this forum will provide an important platform to discuss and analyse the vital relationship between tolerance and sustainability, and we are very proud that this forum highlights the importance of tolerance in addressing climate change
and global warming.’
Sheikh Nahyan noted that COP28 confirms the relationship between the commitment to protect and sustain the environment and tolerance. He added, ‘Global cooperation on this urgent issue requires an effective dialogue governed by compassion, honesty, tolerance and peace.”
He added, “Participants in COP28 come from around the world for the common goal of limiting global warming below pre-industrial levels, and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The participants are motivated, not by personal interests, but rather by the conviction that global cooperation is an existential necessity for the survival and prosperity of the planet, and that tolerance towards global diversity encourages the compassion necessary for understanding and cooperation.’
The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence further noted, “At the Global Alliance for Tolerance, we believe that a tolerant society is the one that takes all possible measures to answer these important questions. We are proud
that the United Arab Emirates is a tolerant and peaceful society. We see prosperity and sustainability associated with tolerance around us. Our experience shows that countries that value tolerance are the most peaceful and commercially successful. They are more aware of the challenges of their natural environment, and their people adopt supreme moral values, live in a safer environment, and allocate more of its resources to sustainable social and economic activities.’
He showcased the extensive efforts deployed by the United Arab Emirates under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote tolerance and coexistence throughout the planet. ‘Thanks to the efforts of His Highness the President of the UAE, sustainability has become the UAE’s approach to meet all economic, social and environmental needs.’
Sheikh Nahyan said that holding COP28 in the United Arab Emirates confirms the UAE’s commitment to promoting global cooperation in various fields, especially the maj
or challenges facing humanity. “It is our duty to make sustainability a common approach, and help societies realise that our survival and well-being depend on our environment. Sustainability sets the pre-conditions to meet the social, economic and aesthetic needs of present and future generations, and the Global Alliance for Tolerance aims to enhance the global understanding of sustainability.”
He called on all participants in the alliance to declare their commitment to protect the environment, saying that ‘we must all contribute to the progress of humanity. We must unleash the power of education to generate new solutions to sustainability and environment challenges”.
Miguel Moratinos, UN High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilisations, recognised the crucial role of the Global Alliance for Tolerance in promoting human values and supporting peace and global coexistence. ‘Uniting our efforts towards achieving common goals enables humanity to overcome environmental, economic or social challenges.’
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romoting Sustainable Development through Dialogue and Inclusion
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurated the open discussions, which focused on the importance of promoting sustainable development through dialogue. The speakers were Abdullah Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director of the Abrahamic Family House; Hind Al Owais, Director of the Permanent Committee for Human Rights in the UAE; Dr. Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor of New York University Abu Dhabi; and Manal Bahman, Director of Operations of Emirates Nature-WWF.
The session discussed several topics supporting sustainable development, including the importance of social and economic inclusion, and the active economic and social participation of all segments of society through equal access to economic opportunities, regardless of their background or origin.
Participants also discussed promoting dialogue and social interaction to enhance mutual understanding, building bridges of communication between different communities, thus paving the way for coopera
tion towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The session addressed the role of education, culture and religion in promoting sustainable development, in addition to highlighting the role of innovation and clean technology in protecting the environment and improving economic performance worldwide.
A Multidimensional Approach to a Sustainable Future
The second session focused on the most important religious, societal and humanitarian issues and frameworks that can be used for building a multidimensional approach to a sustainable future.
The session was attended by Clare Dalton, Head of Delegation to the United Arab Emirates at International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Imam Yahya Sergio Yahe Pallavicini, president of the President of ISESCO Council; Rabbi David Rosen, Director of International Interreligious Affairs at the American Jewish Committee; Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Dubai; and Father Bishoy Fakhri, patron of the Coptic Orthodox C
hurch.
The session discussed promoting common human values conveyed by all religions, economic growth through sustainable use of resources and the development of green technology, as well as the importance of an inclusive sustainable future, with a focus on reducing economic and social disparities and ensuring respect of human rights, and the effective use of technology and innovation to address environmental, economic and social challenges.
Participants also discussed valuable solutions to protecting the environment and addressing climate change through the use of renewable energy and reducing harmful emissions. In addition, they affirmed the importance of adopting an integrated sustainable approach focusing on innovation and economic and social progress without adversely affecting the environment and the rights of future generations.
Source: Emirates News Agency