Sheikh Nahyan Inaugurates Second Edition of Human Fraternity Majlis at the Abrahamic Family House

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the second edition of the Human Fraternity Majlis at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. The event, held in celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, saw the participation of heads of state, Nobel laureates, UN officials, and global leaders dedicated to advancing peace and coexistence.

Sheikh Nahyan expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his unwavering support of human fraternity. He highlighted the UAE’s role as a beacon of peace and tolerance, referencing the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019, which led to the UN’s recognition of February 4 as International Human Fraternity Day.

A Platform for Global Dialogue

Organized by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in collaboration with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Abrahamic Family House, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, and the World Summit of Nobel Laureates for Peace, the Majlis brought together leaders from over 20 countries to discuss solutions to global challenges in human fraternity.

Dignitaries in attendance included East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Duweiny, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs H.E. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, former European Council President Charles Michel, First Lady of Colombia Verónica del Socorro Alcocer García, and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

Sheikh Nahyan’s Vision for a Peaceful Future

During his address, Sheikh Nahyan underscored the importance of the Majlis as a space for dialogue, unity, and consensus-building, rooted in the UAE’s tradition of hospitality. He emphasized the role of the Abrahamic Family House as a symbol of the country’s commitment to tolerance and human fraternity.

Praising the messages of His Holiness Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad El Tayeb, he urged global action to address challenges such as poverty, security, education, and interfaith misunderstandings. “We must celebrate successful models that demonstrate peace and tolerance as forces for development and stability,” he stated.

Global Leaders and Youth Advocates Call for Unity

East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta emphasized the collective responsibility of nations in promoting human fraternity. “We must patiently listen to each other, show empathy, and engage in respectful communication,” he said.

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted the impact of the Document on Human Fraternity in fostering a global movement for tolerance. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland reinforced the importance of collective action, stating, “It is by our deeds that the world will know peace.”

The event also spotlighted youth leaders as champions of unity. Thirteen-year-old UNICEF youth advocate Ghaya al-Ahbabi addressed the Majlis, saying, “No matter our differences, we are all part of the same human family.”

Commitment to a More Inclusive Future

Discussions at the Majlis centered on diplomacy, social inclusion, and empowering youth as future leaders of human fraternity. The event reaffirmed the UAE’s leadership in promoting global coexistence, reinforcing its legacy as the birthplace of the Document on Human Fraternity and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.