The National Tolerance Programme was explained on Sunday to H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance.

Sheikha Lubna outlined the programme's plans, objectives, main pillars and themes, which seek to instil tolerance as a true value of the Arab and Islamic legacy and ethics, along with the traditions and heritage of the UAE.

''Through its initiatives as a host country of diverse residents and an attractive destination for visitors, the UAE fosters and promotes principles of tolerance, cultural interaction and coexistence among different nationalities and religions,'' said HH Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi.

The programme has five main themes: To strengthen the government’s role as an incubator of tolerance; consolidate the role of family in nation-building; promote tolerance among young people and prevent them from being attracted to fanaticism and extremism; enrich scientific and cultural content; and integrate international efforts to promote tolerance and highlight the leading role of the UAE in this area.

Its key initiatives include the Voice of Tolerance, Tolerance Thinkers Council, Corporate Tolerance Responsibility, and the Tolerance, Co-existence and Peace Charter.

The National Tolerance Programme is part of the UAE’s efforts to fulfil the UAE National Agenda, leading to enacting the UAE Vision 2021.