New York, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, participated in the high-level ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), chaired by Miguel Angel Moratinos, UNAOC High Representative, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting reviewed the joint action plan for 2024-2026 and discussed collaboration and partnership prospects among the Group of Friends, which includes countries, international and regional organisations, media, academic, religious, and civil society institutions. Discussions also covered the implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, initiated in 2019. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah commended the noble initiatives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in promoting peace, tolerance, and dialogue among cu ltures, civilisations, and religions, while rejecting extremism and hatred as essential foundations for establishing just and sustainable peace globally. He expressed pride in the royal vision and the direction of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which reinforces values of tolerance, understanding, and human fraternity. He also lauded global initiatives launched by His Majesty, including the 'Kingdom of Bahrain' Declaration on Tolerance and Religious Freedoms, the establishment of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the "King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence." He highlighted the call for an international treaty to criminalise hate speech based on religion, sect, or race, and to prevent the misuse of media and digital platforms to incite extremism and terrorism. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed Bahrain's continued efforts to promote peace through diplomatic initiatives and educational and cultural program mes by the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence in partnership with regional and international organisations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations University for Peace, and prestigious academic institutions. Hatem Abdulhameed Hatem, Chief of the Organisations Sector, attended the meeting. Source: Bahrain News Agency