The annual Endurance Forum begins today
The state promotes tolerance and rejects extremism, hatred, and violence. It believes tolerance is essential for coexistence and civilization. The Kingdom supports Islamic values to enhance security and stability among diverse societies. It aims to integrate these values through dialogue, ensuring they become part of cultural norms.
To combat extremist ideology, the Kingdom established the Global Center to Combat Extremist Ideology, called “Etidal.” This center works to reduce hate speech and its supporters. It encourages the public to report hate crimes, enhances education against hate speech, and promotes human coexistence.
The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue advances a culture of dialogue, respects diversity, and supports shared citizenship.
Recently, the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication organized the annual Tolerance Forum titled “Bridges of Understanding and Coexistence in a Diverse World.” This event coincided with the International Day of Tolerance. It showcases the state’s commitment to spreading tolerance and improving communication within society.
What initiatives has the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication implemented to promote tolerance in diverse societies?
Interview with Ibrahim Al-Asmi, Deputy Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Al-Asmi. The Kingdom promotes tolerance and rejects extremism, hatred, and violence. Can you explain the importance of tolerance in achieving coexistence within diverse societies?
Ibrahim Al-Asmi: Thank you for having me. Tolerance is fundamental for peaceful coexistence. It allows individuals from various backgrounds to live harmoniously, appreciating each other’s differences rather than being divided by them. In a world that faces numerous challenges related to extremism and conflict, fostering tolerance is essential for building a stable and secure environment.
Interviewer: The Kingdom has taken significant steps to combat extremist ideology through initiatives like the Global Center to Combat Extremist Ideology, or “Etidal.” How does this center contribute to the promotion of tolerance?
Ibrahim Al-Asmi: Etidal plays a crucial role in countering hate speech and extremism. It actively encourages the public to report incidents of hate and enhances education to raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech. By promoting human coexistence and dialogue, Etidal works to create a more inclusive society, where diverse opinions and beliefs can flourish without fear of violence or repression.
Interviewer: You recently organized the annual Tolerance Forum titled “Bridges of Understanding and Coexistence in a Diverse World.” Can you tell us more about this event and its significance?
Ibrahim Al-Asmi: Absolutely. This forum is a platform to celebrate diversity and promote shared citizenship. Aligning with the International Day of Tolerance, it showcases our commitment to spreading tolerance throughout society. The forum creates a space for dialogue on human values, building harmony, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals globally. By discussing the role of education and media in fostering tolerance, we aim to equip participants with the tools to instill these values within their communities.
Interviewer: How does the Kingdom’s unique geographical and historical context enhance its ability to promote tolerance on a global scale?
Ibrahim Al-Asmi: The Kingdom sits at a crossroad of cultures and civilizations, which gives it a unique perspective on the importance of tolerance. Our historical ties with various societies and our leadership in the Islamic world position us well to advocate for these values. We believe that our initiatives and forums can serve as models for other nations, demonstrating that dialogue and understanding are key to resolving tensions and building a more peaceful global community.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are the goals for fostering tolerance in the future?
Ibrahim Al-Asmi: We aim to continue promoting tolerance through education, dialogue, and collaboration with international partners. Our focus will remain on enhancing awareness about the positive aspects of diversity, encouraging individuals to share their experiences, and highlighting successful initiatives from different countries. By supporting these efforts, we hope to inspire a worldwide movement towards peace and understanding.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Al-Asmi, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the Kingdom is making significant strides toward fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence.
Ibrahim Al-Asmi: Thank you for having me. Together, through dialogue and education, we can build a more tolerant and peaceful world.
The forum aims to promote human values, build harmony, and support global Sustainable Development Goals. Ibrahim Al-Asmi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Center, stated that tolerance is crucial for peaceful coexistence. The Kingdom’s unique geographical and historical position allows it to lead in promoting these values worldwide.
The forum will discuss education and media’s role in fostering tolerance. Attendees will share experiences from various countries on achieving peace and security. Sessions will involve interested individuals, academics, and experts to highlight the state’s efforts in promoting tolerance.