Vision and Global Role
For over 50 years, the UAE has pursued a progressive vision rooted in tolerance, coexistence and innovation. As a global hub at the crossroads of three continents, it offers a modern model for an Arab and Muslim country – built on strong institutions, evidence-based policymaking, women’s empowerment and global engagement. Home to over 200 nationalities and numerous diverse places of worship, the UAE has made religious and cultural pluralism central to its national identity. It has emerged as a world leader and pioneer in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence, both domestically and internationally.
The UAE’s foreign policy rests on a core belief: peace, stability, and prosperity are mutually reinforcing and built on tolerance.
Living Tolerance in Action
For the UAE, tolerance is more than a value—it’s a pillar of national identity and global engagement. By embracing diversity and peaceful coexistence, the UAE works to build stronger, more resilient societies at home and abroad.
Over 200 nationalities live in the UAE, bringing diverse cultures and traditions. The country is proud to host dozens of Christian churches, two Hindu temples, a Jewish synagogue, a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist monastery.
In 2019, during the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, Pope Francis made a historic visit to the Arabian Peninsula, joining the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi to sign the Document on Human Fraternity—a landmark call for peace, mutual respect, and dialogue among faiths.
In the same year, the UAE partnered with UNESCO to restore Christian churches in Iraq destroyed by Daesh—a global first.
In 2023, Abu Dhabi inaugurated the Abrahamic Family House, uniting a mosque, church, and synagogue in one space. It stands as a living symbol of the UAE’s belief in dialogue, respect, and shared values to inspire a more peaceful and inclusive future.
Historic Achievement: Resolution 2686 on Tolerance, Peace and Security
On Wednesday, 14 June 2023, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the landmark resolution 2686 (2023) on ‘Tolerance, and Peace and security,’ co-authored by the UAE and the UK. The historic resolution is the first to recognize that hate speech, racism, xenophobia, gender discrimination, and extremism can lead to the outbreak, escalation, and recurrence of conflict.
“Security Council Members have adopted a resolution that will reaffirm the commitment to upholding the universal principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. These principles – along with human rights and gender equality – are not competing interests; rather, they are mutually reinforcing. They should be promoted and implemented to achieve peace, security, stability, and sustainable development.”
HE Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State and Former Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN
Resolution 2686:
Momentum and Implementation of the TPS Agenda
The UAE is committed to turning Resolution 2686 into action.
September 2023: The League of Arab States adopted a resolution mandating the Arab Group member of the Security Council to follow up on 2686.
June 2024: The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide briefed the Security Council on how UN missions are tackling hate speech and intolerance in the field.
“For the United Arab Emirates, tolerance is not merely a virtue or aspiration; it’s a prerequisite for global peace and security. Join us in turning tolerance into action. For peace, for security, and for all.”
HE Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State
June 2025: The UAE marked the resolution’s second anniversary with a High-Level Meeting at UN Headquarters, bringing together governments, UN officials, civil society, and the private sector to share best practices and strengthen global peacebuilding.
“In our increasingly diverse communities, tolerance is a crucial ingredient that allows this diversity to flourish. It turns difference from a point of friction into a wellspring of innovation and strength. We need to develop a shared understanding of what TPS is and how it can be usefully applied in practice.”
HE Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN
Through UN leadership, regional cooperation, and global partnerships, the UAE works to keep tolerance at the heart of international peace and security.
Looking Ahead
The UAE will continue to work with partners across the UN and beyond to drive the next phase of the TPS agenda. By embedding TPS into global conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding efforts, and by continuing to address fanaticism and extremist ideology as root causes of conflict and division, the UAE affirms its role as a world leader in promoting tolerance and coexistence.
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