Bahrain Marks First International Day for Peaceful Coexistence
The newly established International serves as a platform to promote diversity, counter discrimination, and strengthen inclusive dialogue.
On 28 January, the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC) brought together senior officials, diplomats, UN representatives, civil society partners, and faith leaders to mark the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and harmony among diverse cultures and communities.
Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, underscored the UN’s message that peaceful coexistence is “more than the absence of conflict – it is the ability to live together amid differences while upholding justice, dignity, equality, and human rights for all.”
He highlighted that this vision is deeply rooted in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which collectively emphasise peace as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable societies.
The day serves as a collective commitment to building bridges of understanding and working together for a future where every person can live in dignity, peace, and mutual respect, he said.
El Mekwad further stressed the critical role of education in cultivating tolerance and intercultural understanding, echoing the UN’s call to build societies rooted in empathy, fairness, and shared responsibility.
The observance coincides with Bahrain’s assumption of its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, an achievement the Resident Coordinator described as a reflection of the international community’s confidence in Bahrain’s constructive diplomacy and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
He noted that Bahrain’s Security Council tenure offers an opportunity to elevate regional perspectives, reinforce the peaceful settlement of disputes, and support dialogue amid heightened global tensions.
On 4 March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/269, proclaiming 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.
The resolution emphasises the role of Member States and stakeholders in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, and human rights. It also invites all countries, international organisations, civil society, and the media to celebrate the International Day through meaningful activities that foster a culture of peace, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
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