Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, said that tolerance has always been at the core of the UAE as a nation and society.

Speaking at the second session of the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis, hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on 'Philanthropy, Humanity and Tolerance in the UAE', the minister said: "We, in the UAE, have inherited a culture of tolerance because of the Islamic teachings and beliefs that teach us to be tolerant. It is also according to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and other architects of the UAE, who strongly believed in tolerance and acceptance of others."

Sheikha Lubna also recalled the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasising that the Ministry of Tolerance was created in order to reject hatred and promote peace.

Dr Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, quoted a study on the positive impacts of philanthropy - physically, mentally and psychologically. He hailed the leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as the 'Sultan of culture, knowledge and philanthropy'.

Afaf Al Marri, chairperson of the supreme committee for preparing Sharjah to join the global network for Age-Friendly Cities, said that philanthropy and volunteer initiatives needed organisational support, pointing out that Sharjah Social Services Department boasts of more than 1,000 volunteers who are deployed during various emergencies, events and activities across the emirate.

In his concluding remarks, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Media Council who presided over the Ramadan Majlis, underlined the importance of inculcating a culture of giving and philanthropy in children and young people. Recalling his recent visit to the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan with his children, he said interacting with the Syrian refugees had been an unforgettable experience for him and his children.

The session was moderated by Hasan Yaqub Al Mansouri, manager of Sharjah Radio and TV.

Source: Khaleej Times