Chancellor of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities: Education is the fundamental vehicle for instilling and enhancing human values

As part of its seminar program at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled 'The Role of Educational Institutions in Building Bridges of Tolerance and Coexistence' by Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.

At the seminar’s beginning, Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders’ organization of such seminars reflects its keen interest in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. He also praised the efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in consolidating tolerance, coexistence, and promoting a moderate religious discourse while expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace and coexistence.

Dr. Al Dhaheri added that education is the fundamental vehicle for instilling and enhancing human values. He pointed out that education acts as a preventive measure against extremist ideas and opinions, emphasizing that the human mind is shaped by various institutions, with educational institutions being the most important among them.

He added that the educational curriculum should target the promotion of human values and citizenship since it deepens loyalty and belonging to the nation, respecting a nation’s constitution and institutions. He called for the necessity of promoting the culture of embracing differences, which represents a great approach that enhances various critical concepts which are sorely needed by societies.

The Chancellor of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities stressed that the education received by students should enhance certain values within them, such as coexistence, mercy and justice. He expressed his pride that Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities, which was established in 2020, has supported various educational curricula with many courses that promote tolerance and coexistence.

Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri praised the historical Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He noted that the document emphasized many noble human values that have become of interest to major educational institutions around the world.

The seminar was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, along with Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center and witnessed significant interaction from the attendees, who praised the efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and his passion in defending the values of peace, coexistence, and accepting others.

The Muslim Council of Elders' stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023 is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council's message under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.