Today’s symposium, The UAE and the Consolidation of a Culture of Tolerance and Coexistence Locally and Globally, is part of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) program of activities for the 2019 Year of Tolerance initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him). This special theme for the year stresses the UAE’s role in enhancing the culture of coexistence and tolerance at all levels–locally, regionally and globally.

Our symposium program includes welcome remarks by His Excellency Prof. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the ECSSR, as well as three keynote addresses delivered by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance, UAE; His Eminence Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Emirates Fatwa Council, UAE, and His Eminence Mr. Ali bin Al-Sayed Abdulrahman Al-Hashemi, Advisor for Religious and Judicial Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

Proceedings for the symposium are arranged in two panels, the first focusing on the UAE’s efforts to consolidate the values of tolerance and coexistence in tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God bless his soul); while the second panel touches on the concept of tolerance from a religious and humanitarian perspective.