In a recent press conference, His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, lauded His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s global initiative in establishing the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence. This award is a reflection of His Majesty’s vision to promote noble human values for a safe, peaceful, and sustainable world. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla highlighted the humanitarian and civilizational aspects of the award, which was established under Royal Order 32/2024. He emphasized that the award is deeply rooted in Bahrain’s history of openness and pluralism, with objectives aligned with promoting peaceful coexistence, fostering dialogue between civilizations, and combatting extremism, violence, and hatred.
The principles of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence are in line with Bahrain’s Constitution, the National Action Charter, and the “Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain” on freedom of thought and belief. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla noted that this international award is part of a broader framework of humanitarian initiatives led by His Majesty King Hamad, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Bahrain has made significant strides in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence, with Dr. Shaikh Abdulla stating, “Coexistence is our close and inseparable bond, and harmony is our reality that reflects our unique model, as an international example of moderation and fraternity.”
In addition to the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, King Hamad has spearheaded other initiatives to promote global harmony, including the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, the inauguration of the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at Sapienza University in Italy, and the hosting of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum East and West for Human Coexistence. His Majesty’s call for an international agreement to criminalize hate speech further highlights Bahrain’s commitment to spreading a message of peace and hope for all humanity, aiming to enhance the prosperity of people worldwide.
This press conference serves as a testament to Bahrain’s leadership in championing global harmony, with the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence serving as a beacon of hope and a model for countries worldwide. The initiatives undertaken by His Majesty King Hamad and his government underscore Bahrain’s dedication to fostering dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among nations. The King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence is a symbol of Bahrain’s commitment to promoting peace and coexistence on a global scale, reflecting the country’s values of tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity.
The establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, along with other initiatives such as the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue and the Bahrain Dialogue Forum, solidify Bahrain’s position as a leader in promoting peaceful coexistence and intercultural understanding. Through these efforts, Bahrain aims to contribute to the creation of a more harmonious and inclusive world, where people from different backgrounds can coexist peacefully and respectfully. The King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence stands as a tribute to these efforts and a reminder of the importance of promoting tolerance, dialogue, and collaboration in today’s diverse and interconnected world.