The UAE, alongside the global community, celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4th , following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020. The UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, to reinforce solidarity and unity between nations and spread the values of tolerance and acceptance, introduced the initiative.
The resolution was inspired by the historic 2019 meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb and Chairman of the Board of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church. The meeting included the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity; a framework for how diverse faiths can live peacefully side-by-side, and a guide on advancing a “culture of mutual respect”. The document is intended to pave the way for international peace and coexistence, by creating a pathway to lead humanity towards a more tolerant world.
The occasion signifies global acknowledgment and appreciation for the UAE’s continuous efforts in sharing and promoting the values of coexistence and fraternity among nations. It further underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue as a means to create a tolerant society.
The UAE continues to call for international solidarity to overcome division and discrimination, reiterating the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, to support peace and stability, and establish an environment that fosters mutual understanding.
In 2019, the UAE launched the ‘Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’ as one of the outcomes of signing the Document on Human Fraternity. This award is designed to honor individuals or institutions dedicated to the consolidation of peace, fostering coexistence, constructing cultural and humanitarian bridges, and introducing practical, successful, and influential initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between societies in the long term.
The UAE continues to be an incubator of the values of tolerance, peace, security, and cultural diversity. The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, a diverse community freely practicing different faiths. The laws of the UAE guarantee justice, respect, and equality for everyone, and prohibit hatred, extremism, and factors leading to division.
Statement by H.E. Khalifa Abdul Rahman Al Marzouqi, UAE Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania
