Abu Dhabi: The UAE has announced the formation of the Manara Centre, the regional centre for coexistence. The centre, which is based in Abu Dhabi and named after the Arabic word that means “source of light,” will support core UAE values and initiatives, such as the Year of Tolerance and the Abrahamic Family House.
The Manara Centre was established with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a flagship partner to implement key educational programs, including forging relationships with universities across the Middle East and Southeast Asia to promote peace and prosperity through coexistence around the world, with specific training designed for university students and young learners.
The announcement was attended by Mr. Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Manara Centre, and members of an ADL leadership delegation.
“We are delighted to partner with ADL, one of the world’s best organisations to promote peace, dispel stereotypes, and bring people from all backgrounds together. The Manara Centre will be based in our region and will be for the benefit of our region,” Mr. Al Nuami shared.
Mr. Greenblatt commented that “ADL brings 100 years of expertise in combating the roots of antisemitism and hate in all its forms. We are honoured that ADL is the key player in providing educational programming for this incredible effort. The centre is a continuation of the progress towards peace and coexistence in the Middle East, building on the historic achievements in the region. We look forward to continuing our work to bring people together in innovative ways in the years to come.”
ADL will work closely with centre staff to build, enhance, and deploy comprehensive and tested programs to promote coexistence. Programming will include the development of educational materials aimed at fostering acceptance, students from universalities across the Middle East and Southeast Asia participating in exchanges and conferences in the region with associated education institutions, and people-to-people engagements focused on university students.
The programming will further include research reports with comprehensive data and best practise guides and organising yearly, high-profile final presentation competitions in Abu Dhabi.
“This centre will be a model for the region and is a reflection of the values that the UAE and the United States share, including a commitment to advancing peace and coexistence and creating opportunities for the region’s youth,” Mr. Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, remarked.