Muscat: The international conference “United Human Values and Sustainable Development for All” kicked off here on Wednesday, coinciding with marking the International Day for Tolerance and within the framework of the projects “United Human Values” and “Message of Peace”.
The conference aims to promote mutual acceptance and peaceful coexistence among different communities and groups.
The conference is organised by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in cooperation with the Ministry of Information and the “Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers”.
The opening ceremony of the conference was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy.
Dr. Mohammed Said Al Ma’amari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs gave a statement in which he said that the Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with organisations concerned with tolerance, coexistence, and understanding seeks to promote a culture of coexistence, integration, harmony, synergy, compassion for others, respect for human self, appreciation of diversity, respect for sanctities, and rejection of all forms of discrimination and intolerance.
Al Ma’amari added that 120 representatives from 50 countries are participating in the conference.
He pointed out that the conference covers topics related to “Sustainable Development for All” within the framework of the humanitarian goals within the UN plan and among the Global Goals “Overcoming the World’s Challenges”.
Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs affirmed that the foreign policy of the Sultanate of Oman, which adopts principles of dialogue and tolerance, has positioned itself as a country that is always friendly to all.
Further, Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy said that Oman’s regional stances and contributions are testimony for its quest for peace and its keenness for harmony among peoples of the whole world.
The conference comprises several pillars, namely on united human values, cultural diversity, the role of women in fostering united human values and leading sustainable development.
The conference comprises a “Photovoice” programme and a “Youth” programme. The two programmes aim to train young people in engaging in effective dialogue between religions and cultures through the use of photography and intercultural dialogue.
The event also includes activities for children to provide them with an artistic experience through their participation in drawing paintings that express the values of coexistence and understanding.
Moreover, two exhibitions are held during the conference. The first is themed “Message of Peace” and it seeks to deliver the cultural and civilisational experience of the Sultanate of Oman to the world by presenting a civilized model of coexistence, understanding and peacemaking. The second is is entitled “Shadow Art” exhibition which displays artistic works that employ light and shadow to create images expressing united human values.
