THE embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Manila has announced that 2019 was declared “Year of Tolerance” by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Middle East country’s current president, supreme commander of its Union Defense Force and the emir of Abu Dhabi.
This year aims to highlight the UAE’s approach to bridge communications between people of different cultures in a respectful environment, which rejects extremism and emphasizes acceptance of others.
According to the embassy, the Year of Tolerance will focus on deepening the values of tolerance and coexistence among cultures, solidifying the emirates as the global capital for tolerance through series of initiatives among various cultures and civilization.
Such entails “implementing multiple cultural programs and making contributions to building tolerant communities, [passing] legislative and policy-oriented objectives that contribute in mandating cultural and religious tolerance via dialogue, and in promoting tolerance through targeted media initiatives and projects.”
Noteworthy events that are aligned to this year’s UAE theme are the visit of Pope Francis in February and the hosting of the Special Olympic World Games.
The UAE has always championed the values of tolerance and multiculturalism while rejecting discrimination and hatred by adopting nationwide programs in partnership with various local, regional and international bodies.
Today the country serves as home to more than 200 nationalities living in harmony with laws that guarantee residents, similar to its nationals, to enjoy the right to use the state’s health care, educational, cultural and entertainment facilities without any discrimination.
During the declaration of 2019 Year of Tolerance, Sheikh Khalifa stated, “Instilling values of tolerance carries on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy. It is one of the most important attributes we can give to our people and the global community to ensure their safety, stability and happiness.”