The King Hamad Global Center 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, to launch the King Hamad Leadership for Peaceful Coexistence Programme.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the KHGC Board of Trustees, hailed the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for advancing global harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He highlighted that this programme aims to empower young leaders through specialised training and courses developed in collaboration with international experts, fostering a culture of peace and respect.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla noted the importance of this partnership with prestigious British academic institutions, which further strengthens Bahrain-UK relations and promotes peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue.
He emphasised the importance of international collaboration in enhancing educational and academic initiatives that nurture young peacemakers, aligning with the humanitarian vision of HM the King, the directives of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the principles of the “Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain” on religious freedom, as well as the objectives of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence.
The King Hamad Leadership for Peaceful Coexistence Programme is set to train 100 young leaders over four years, with 25 participants selected annually.
Krish Raval OBE, Founder and Director of FiL, underscored the programme’s importance as a transformational journey that educates and equips Bahraini youth to become global ambassadors for peace and skilled advocates for coexistence and dialogue.
He noted that the programme’s success would further solidify the strong Bahraini-British relations, rooted in the pioneering spirit of the “Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain” on religious freedom and belief, and aligned with FiL’s mission to build more cohesive and harmonious societies.
Dr. Lucy Hawkswell, speaking on behalf of Dr. Nikita Ved, Co-Founder of the 1928 Institute, expressed her appreciation for the positive Bahraini-British collaboration on this specialised training programme. She highlighted its role in preparing young leaders to champion peaceful coexistence, religious freedom, dialogue in conflict resolution, and the fight against hate speech.
