Hundreds of people from different faiths and nationalities have gathered in Dubai to celebrate UN International Peace Day on Thursday.  This event was organised by the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Jebel Ali for the fifth year.

Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Tolerance has urged everyone to work together and build more tolerant and peaceful society for both present and future generations.

“We all have a responsibility to promote tolerance, coexistence, harmony, peace, respect, safety and dignity. We all have to go hand in hand to protect those noble values.

“Here in the UAE, we believe that tolerance is the backbone of all civilisations, religions and cultures. In its multi-cultural approach, the UAE is home for more than 200 nationalities living and sharing one common existence peacefully and securely” She said.

Frode Mauring, UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE said that there are about 65 million refugees around the world as a result of conflicts, particularly the ongoing crisis in Middle East has produced greatest share of refugees in recent years.

He also said, “All to escape danger in the pursuit of a better, and above all, safer tomorrow ... which brings me to this year’s theme for International Peace Day: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”.

The speaker’s at this event have urged everyone to install a sense of togetherness in the society and encourage youth to work towards a better future.

The UN General Assembly has declared peace day to strengthen the ideals of peace within and among nations and people.

By A.s