Muneera Nofal Al Doseri, Executive Director of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), said that coexistence is rooted in fostering a culture of dialogue and acceptance of others, emphasising the importance of harnessing knowledge and experience to build bridges of communication and strengthen understanding within communities.

The Executive Director made the remarks during her opening address at the graduation ceremony for the first and second cohorts of the Joint Postgraduate Diploma in Coexistence, held at the United Nations Office in Geneva. The ceremony was organised by the United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) and GIOYA Higher Education Institution, in partnership with the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance.

She explained that the programme provides a practical model for the role of education and dialogue in advancing understanding among people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. She noted that the true impact of such programmes extends beyond academic knowledge by empowering graduates to apply what they have learned within their communities and institutions and contribute to building relationships founded on openness, respect, and mutual understanding.

The Executive Director also highlighted the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, established by Royal Order to recognise individuals and organisations from around the world that have made sustained and documented contributions to advancing coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue.

She noted that the Award seeks to spotlight impactful models and initiatives and encourage efforts that contribute to building more cohesive societies capable of engaging constructively with differences in a manner that reflects the values of coexistence and tolerance. She added that nominations from around the world remain open until October 10.

In concluding her remarks, the Executive Director congratulated the graduates of both cohorts on their achievement and expressed her appreciation to the University for Peace and GIOYA Higher Education Institution for their partnership in delivering the programme. She wished the graduates every success in transforming the knowledge and experience they have gained into a positive and sustainable impact within their communities