Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), reaffirmed the Center’s commitment to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in preparing and empowering youth as influential leaders in advancing a culture of peace and embedding the values of tolerance for a more unified and prosperous future for humanity.

On the occasion of the launch of the "King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Program," Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed expressed pride in partnering with Faith in Leadership and the 1928 Institute at the University of Oxford to implement the region’s first specialised educational and training program of its kind. The initiative seeks to equip young individuals with the leadership skills necessary to serve as peacebuilders, ambassadors of tolerance, and active contributors to the development of peaceful, sustainable societies.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed noted that the program reflects the Center’s pioneering initiatives, inspired by the humanitarian approach of His Majesty the King and the strategic direction of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These efforts highlight the importance of education, culture, and training in promoting tolerance, harmony, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He also referenced the United Nations’ recent adoption of the Center’s initiative to designate the International Day for Peaceful Coexistence.

The King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Program will enrol 100 youth participants over four years, with 25 students selected annually. The fellowship combines academic and practical approaches delivered by international experts in collaboration with two prominent UK institutions. Participants will develop skills in peace promotion, negotiation, conflict resolution, and combating hate speech. Graduates will also be trained as trainers and future leaders in the fields of coexistence and tolerance. The first cohort will have the opportunity to assume leadership roles in supervising capstone projects, managing discussion groups, and supporting outreach and recruitment efforts for future program cycles.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed reiterated the Center’s commitment to launching impactful educational and training program that empower talented youth and strengthen their role in shaping more inclusive, tolerant societies. These efforts are supported by strategic partnerships with national institutions and leading global centers of expertise, contributing to the broader goal of achieving sustainable human development and building a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous world.