The graduation ceremony for the first batch of the The Joint Post graduate Diploma on Peaceful Coexistence launched in collaboration with the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (KHGC), the UN-affiliated University for Peace (UPEACE) , and GIOYA Higher Education institution in Malta.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KHGC, highlighted that tolerance, peace, and interfaith dialogue are core Bahraini values, guided by the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, aiming for a secure and prosperous world.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed commended Bahrain's role as a global leader in fostering cultural and religious understanding.
He highlighted the diploma programme as part of the centre's efforts to advance the values of the Bahrain Declaration, fostering peace, religious freedom, and mutual respect as foundations for sustainable development.
The programme equips participants with skills in human rights, peace building, tolerance, conflict resolution, and sustainable development, underpinned by international law, he added.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed commended Bahrain's initiatives, including the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence and the Kingdom’s call for an international treaty to criminalise hate speech. He also noted Bahrain's hosting of global forums such as the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue attended by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar.
He emphasised that the graduates, representing 19 countries, are now ambassadors of peace, tasked with applying their skills to foster understanding and resolve conflicts.
Professor Francisco Rojas Aravena, Rector of the UN University for Peace, commended the programme's success as a reflection of Bahrain’s dedication to spreading tolerance and coexistence globally.
Professor Maurits Van Rooijen of GIOYA Higher Education institution commended Bahrain’s role in promoting peace and mutual understanding.