Abu dhabi: Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, has called for an inclusive approach to combat extremism and hate speech by promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized empowering religious and community leaders, women, youth, civil society, and technology companies to play positive roles in this endeavor.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Marar delivered the UAE's statement during the 'Global Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech', organized by the Kingdom of Morocco in collaboration with the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the UN Alliance of Civilizations. The conference was held ahead of the high-level UN General Assembly in New York.

Al Marar highlighted the UAE's initiatives in advancing the 'Tolerance, Peace and Security' agenda. He noted that the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities living in an environment that respects cultural diversity and offers opportunities for a dignified life, employment, and stability.

Further, Al Marar spotlighted national and international initiatives such as the Document on Human Fraternity, the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House, and the UAE's contribution to drafting the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2686 on Tolerance, Peace and Security, unanimously adopted in 2023.

He stated, 'As the United Nations undergoes reform and prepares to select a new Secretary-General, promoting tolerance and combating hate speech must be at the core of the organization's work and leadership priorities. These efforts should be key pillars in crisis prevention, responsibilities of special political missions, peacekeeping operations, and UN representatives.'

Al Marar concluded by affirming the UAE's commitment to transforming these efforts into concrete actions where tolerance serves as the foundation for a secure, stable, and prosperous future for all.