emirates7 - Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Austria’s Ambassador to the UAE, praised the “Ambassadors of Coexistence” initiative, launched by the Manara Centre for Coexistence and Dialogue at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, for its efforts in advancing peace and intercultural understanding through a variety of programmes.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Berchtold highlighted the initiative as an effective framework for tackling antisemitism, violent extremism, and hate speech. He underscored its importance in encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and reinforcing universal human values.
He also described the UAE as a key ally for Austria and other Western nations in countering extremism, commending the country’s proactive approach as one that could serve as a global benchmark.
Berchtold referenced a successful interfaith event co-hosted by Austria and the UAE at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi last year, calling it a foundation for ongoing and future collaboration.
Tony Sgro, Founder and CEO of EdVenture Partners, noted that the second edition of the initiative gives international university students the opportunity to design digital campaigns promoting tolerance and respect. He stated that the programme involves students in creating compelling research papers, high-impact videos, and cohesive digital strategies that reflect their aspirations for peaceful societies.
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi, introduced a youth-oriented project called “Peace Makers,” aimed at teaching children the principles of peacebuilding. He mentioned the programme is growing and will be explored further during the conference.
Isaac Kutsiwa Simon, a student at the American University of Nigeria, shared details about his team’s campaign, “Ubuntu for Peace,” rooted in the African ethos of shared humanity. Activities include peace dialogues, community workshops, tree planting, and water-related initiatives—all designed to support peace and sustainability.
Ven. Mudithavihari Thero Balangoda, representing the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka, emphasized the initiative’s global impact in promoting peace and coexistence. He noted ongoing partnerships with the Manara Centre and revealed plans to organize a significant event in Sri Lanka dedicated to these values.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Berchtold highlighted the initiative as an effective framework for tackling antisemitism, violent extremism, and hate speech. He underscored its importance in encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and reinforcing universal human values.
He also described the UAE as a key ally for Austria and other Western nations in countering extremism, commending the country’s proactive approach as one that could serve as a global benchmark.
Berchtold referenced a successful interfaith event co-hosted by Austria and the UAE at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi last year, calling it a foundation for ongoing and future collaboration.
Tony Sgro, Founder and CEO of EdVenture Partners, noted that the second edition of the initiative gives international university students the opportunity to design digital campaigns promoting tolerance and respect. He stated that the programme involves students in creating compelling research papers, high-impact videos, and cohesive digital strategies that reflect their aspirations for peaceful societies.
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi, introduced a youth-oriented project called “Peace Makers,” aimed at teaching children the principles of peacebuilding. He mentioned the programme is growing and will be explored further during the conference.
Isaac Kutsiwa Simon, a student at the American University of Nigeria, shared details about his team’s campaign, “Ubuntu for Peace,” rooted in the African ethos of shared humanity. Activities include peace dialogues, community workshops, tree planting, and water-related initiatives—all designed to support peace and sustainability.
Ven. Mudithavihari Thero Balangoda, representing the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka, emphasized the initiative’s global impact in promoting peace and coexistence. He noted ongoing partnerships with the Manara Centre and revealed plans to organize a significant event in Sri Lanka dedicated to these values.