The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (KHGC)has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Faith in Leadership (FiL)organisation and the 1928 Institute, affiliated with Oxford University, tolaunch the King Hamad Leadership for Peaceful Coexistence programme.

Dr. ShaikhAbdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the KHGC Board of Trustees, hailedthe vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for advancing globalharmony and peaceful coexistence.

Hehighlighted that this programme aims to empower young leaders throughspecialised training and courses developed in collaboration with internationalexperts, fostering a culture of peace and respect.

Dr. ShaikhAbdulla noted the importance of this partnership with prestigious Britishacademic institutions, which further strengthens Bahrain-UK relations andpromotes peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue.

Heemphasised the importance of international collaboration in enhancingeducational and academic initiatives that nurture young peacemakers, aligningwith the humanitarian vision of HM the King, the directives of the governmentled by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Princeand Prime Minister, and the principles of the "Declaration of the Kingdomof Bahrain" on religious freedom, as well as the objectives of the KingHamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence.

The KingHamad Leadership for Peaceful Coexistence programme is set to train 100 youngleaders over four years, with 25 participants selected annually.

Krish RavalOBE, Founder and Director of FiL, underscored the programme’s importance as atransformational journey that educates and equips Bahraini youth to becomeglobal ambassadors for peace and skilled advocates for coexistence anddialogue.

He notedthat the programme’s success would further solidify the strong Bahraini-Britishrelations, rooted in the pioneering spirit of the "Declaration of theKingdom of Bahrain" on religious freedom and belief, and aligned withFiL’s mission to build more cohesive and harmonious societies.

Dr. LucyHawkswell, speaking on behalf of Dr. Nikita Ved, Co-Founder of the 1928Institute, expressed her appreciation for the positive Bahraini-Britishcollaboration on this specialised training programme.  She highlighted itsrole in preparing young leaders to champion peaceful coexistence, religiousfreedom, dialogue in conflict resolution, and the fight against hate speech.