Global Council for Tolerance and Peace Backs UN Decision to Establish International Day for Peaceful Coexistence

His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), has praised the United Nations General Assembly for adopting a resolution designating January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. The decision, supported by 162 nations, represents a historic step that reaffirms the international community’s commitment to the principles of peace, mutual respect, and intercultural dialogue.

Al Jarwan emphasized that this resolution underscores the urgent need to strengthen peace and understanding among diverse nations and cultures, particularly at a time when the world requires stronger bridges of dialogue and cooperation.In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Al Jarwan commended this milestone, describing it as a major step toward sustainable peace, conflict prevention, and the advancement of a shared vision for peaceful coexistence. He stressed that education, dialogue, and community engagement play vital roles in achieving this goal.

Furthermore, he highlighted the international community’s commitment to inter-civilizational, intercultural, and interfaith dialogue, recognizing cultural and social diversity as a source of strength for building stable and prosperous societies. He reiterated that peaceful coexistence is not merely an option but a necessity for achieving sustainable development, particularly in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16), which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, as well as the protection of human rights worldwide.

Al Jarwan commended this global initiative and the remarkable international consensus in endorsing the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, stressing that it will serve as an opportunity to enhance understanding among nations, strengthen human connections, and foster a more peaceful and tolerant world. He further emphasized the importance of promoting fundamental values such as tolerance, mutual respect, justice, and collective efforts to eliminate conflict and hatred.

He reaffirmed the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives and programs aimed at spreading a culture of peace and reinforcing the values of tolerance and mutual respect. These principles, he noted, are fundamental pillars for building cohesive and sustainable societies that thrive on constructive dialogue and awareness of peace and tolerance, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for all.

Additionally, Al Jarwan underscored the importance of actively observing this day by organizing awareness campaigns and events that reinforce the principles of peaceful coexistence, encouraging societies to work together in resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He stated that this resolution paves the way for greater international collaboration in combating all forms of discrimination and violence while upholding human rights for all.

Finally, he called upon all nations and peoples to stand united in pursuit of a world governed by security, respect, and justice, reinforcing the shared responsibility of fostering a more peaceful and harmonious global society.