Each year on 16 November the world observes the International Day for Tolerance, a United Nations-designated occasion underscoring the essential role of tolerance in fostering peaceful and just societies. In an era marked by escalating conflicts and tensions worldwide, this day serves as a reminder of the imperative to uphold values of tolerance and dialogue as antidotes to hatred and violence. Across the globe, many nations grapple with intensifying unrest and instability, driven by military conflicts and forced displacements, amplifying the urgency of tolerance in a fractured world. The absence of effective solutions to these conflicts has fueled the spread of hatred and racism, underscoring the global need for a culture of dialogue that fosters understanding, respect for differences, and the celebration of diversity.
On this day, it is essential to highlight that tolerance is not merely passive acceptance of negative behaviors but rather a proactive pathway to peace and sustainable development, rooted in respect for human rights and the principle of equality, which are the foundations of lasting peace.
Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, affirmed that this year’s International Day for Tolerance takes place amid rising political tensions and extremism, most notably in the Middle East, where the conflict has led to the tragic killing and displacement of Gaza's population, with violence now spilling into Lebanon. The global landscape also reflects a refugee crisis in Europe, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and pockets of extremism and sectarianism elsewhere. These pressing issues illustrate the profound need for tolerance and intercultural communication, particularly in societies embroiled in conflict, where platforms for healthy dialogue are critical. Such forums enable individuals to share their thoughts and emotions constructively, countering the forces of violence and hatred.
Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu-Ghazaleh emphasised that the Arab Strategy for the Alliance of Civilisations is dedicated to fostering bridges of communication and collaboration among nations and peoples through various programmes and initiatives, including the promotion of tolerance as a step towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. Strengthening this strategy within Arab societies is a shared responsibility, demanding ongoing efforts and coordination across all sectors. Education, rooted in the values of tolerance, is foundational for sustainable peace. Families and schools must serve as hubs for instilling respect and understanding in young people, from introducing core concepts of tolerance to teaching children peaceful methods for managing differences and conflicts. This focus is especially vital amid rising violence and the erosion of childhood innocence.
Governments and civil society organisations also bear a significant responsibility in advancing tolerance by organising awareness programmes, workshops, and discussions aimed at addressing discrimination and racism. Government policies should embody the principle of tolerance by enacting laws that forbid discrimination and violence while promoting equality. Furthermore, the media holds a powerful role in encouraging tolerance by combating harmful narratives and misinformation that can incite hatred and division. It is essential that the media fulfil this role, highlighting stories that foster tolerance and understanding across diverse cultures and avoiding content that perpetuates animosity. These core principles are integral to the Arab Strategy for the Alliance of Civilisations.
Tolerance must be recognised not merely as a value within the lexicon of humanity but as a way of life requiring commitment and dedication. It is an urgent imperative for achieving peace and justice in an increasingly polarised world. We must strive to be ambassadors of tolerance, actively working towards a world grounded in mutual respect and understanding, seizing every opportunity to promote these values within our societies. Locally and globally, governments and civil institutions alike must come together to build communities centered on tolerance—not only on designated days but as an intrinsic part of everyday life.
