Nahyan bin Mubarak calls for more interfaith tolerance for a peaceful future

DUBAI, 4th February, 2016 (WAM) – Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, has reiterated the importance of interfaith harmony to secure a more peaceful future for our world, reminding families of all faiths of their responsibility in promoting tolerance towards each other, and the dangers of religious-based discrimination. Sheikh Nahyan's comments were made at the World Interfaith Harmony Day conference, held under his patronage, at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights Hotel. The conference marks the United Nations’ (UN) World Interfaith Harmony Week, between 1st and 7th, February, which celebrates the principles of tolerance and respect for each other that are deeply rooted in the world’s major religions. "Its observance also summons solidarity in the face of those who spread misunderstanding and mistrust," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, in his official statement on the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event was held in conjunction with the Sikh cultural centre, Guru Nanak Darbar, and Griffith University, Australia, in the presence of a representative of the UN Secretary-General. The minister also said that building harmony and tolerance among religions today will pave the way for a brighter future in which we will all reciprocate respect for each other’s beliefs. Sheikh Nahyan went on to express his confidence at the success of the conference, "because everyone is keen on the interests of humanity which is currently suffering from intractable social problems, even following centuries of civilisation." He said there was an urgent need for harmonious dialogue between world religions. Al Nahyan also stressed the need for all religions to contribute towards building of cohesive families by addressing issues which can occur within their households, such as lack of confidence, understanding, trust and discrimination based on religion, disrespect for other people’s beliefs, and hatred towards those from different religions, which can result in racial discrimination, assault or even murder in the name of religion. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395291125487.html