H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah Highlights UAE’s Role in Promoting Tolerance and Peace
During IRF Summit 2025 at Washington, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and the UAE Council for Fatwa, emphasized that the UAE serves as a global model for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He highlighted the country’s commitment to peace and cooperation.
This commitment is rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the vision of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE is home to hundreds of nationalities from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
Who live together in security, harmony, and mutual respect.
Participation in IRF Summit 2025
H.E. Sheikh bin Bayyah attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., along with U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and hundreds of global leaders, religious figures, and U.S. Congress members.
Marrakesh Declaration and Religious Freedom
During a session dedicated to the 2016 Marrakesh Declaration on Religious Freedom, H.E. Sheikh bin Bayyah spoke alongside:
- Vicky Hartzler (Former U.S. Congresswoman)
- Metropolitan Tikhon (Archbishop of Washington and All America and Canada)
- Ambassadors for Religious Freedom in the U.S. (Sam Brownback, David Saperstein)
- Dr. William Vendley (Executive Director of the New Alliance of Virtue)
H.E. described the Marrakesh Declaration as a historic document.
As it promotes religious freedom for peacebuilding, coexistence, and human fraternity.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the ceremony honoring the winners of the sixth… pic.twitter.com/IMdJd6KYzK
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 5, 2025
The Interfaith Initiatives of Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace
He also noted that the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace has launched several major interfaith initiatives based on this declaration, including:
- The Multi-Faith Peace Caravans (2018) – fostering interfaith dialogue.
- The New Alliance of Virtue Charter (2019) – promoting global ethics.
- The Abu Dhabi Declaration on Inclusive Citizenship (2021) – emphasizing equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion.
- Other key initiatives adopted by religious leaders and institutions worldwide.
Call for a “Century of Peace” Initiative
During IRF Summit 2025, H.E. Sheikh bin Bayyah also urged political and religious leaders to support an initiative for a “Century of Peace”.
Advocating for sustained global efforts toward ending conflict, promoting love over hatred, and fostering development over destruction.
He warned that failing to do so would result in a collective loss for humanity.
A Final Call for Continued Commitment
In closing, Sheikh bin Bayyah called upon religious leaders from all faiths—who have courageously supported these initiatives over the past decade—to continue their efforts in building a world based on coexistence, human fraternity, and lasting peace.
