UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan recently launched the first edition of the five-day Virtual Knowledge Exhibition titled "Coexistence Based on Knowledge". Organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the exhibition will witness the participation of 150 publishers and 87 writers and intellectuals.

As per a report by state news agency WAM, the launch was attended by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; Afraa Al Saberi, Director-General of the Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Dr. Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR); Saeed Mohammed Ali Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; artist Farouk Hosny, former Egyptian Minister of Culture; Dr.Arif Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of the Khalifa University of Science Technology; Dr. Fatima Saeed Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of the Paris Sorbonne – Abu Dhabi University for Academic Affairs; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Department of Dialogue and Cultural Diversity at the ICESCO; Dr.Majdi Haj Ibrahim, Programmes Expert at the ICESCO; Dr. Mohammed bin Garash; writer Rashid Al Khayoun, and Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al Mualej, Head of the Arab and International Exhibition Commission.

Addressing the launch, Sheikh Nahyan stated that the UAE leadership is keen to explore the histories and cultures of other countries in a bid to reinforce friendships and cooperation among each other while following the legacy of the great founder of the country, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Adding that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a historic leader who taught that tolerance and coexistence mean living in peace with others, Sheikh Nahyan further said that sustainable development can be achieved and conflicts can be settled by promoting compassion and peace around the world.

"Our precious country, led by its leadership, is following the path of the Founding Father by making tolerance the cornerstone of the journey of the community, in light of a strong commitment to developing people and building their capacities. This exhibition is the continuation of the project, entitled, ‘A Thousand Innovative Works in the Areas of Tolerance and Human Fraternity,’ which was launched last year by the ministry," the Minister added.

Later, Sheikh Nahyan urged the community to explore the over 17,000 innovative works displayed at the exhibition and participate in the workshops and seminars organised during the five-day exhibition. Increased participation from the public will facilitate in making the exhibition an annual event for readers, writers and publishers in a bid to promote the significant role played by tolerance and coexistence around the world.

WAM