UAE hosts forum against online prejudice and intolerance in New Zealand

Emirati officials held events in wake of Christchurch mosque attacks

The Khalifa Program for Empowerment was announced during an event in Auckland, New Zealand. Wam 
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The UAE has shown its support for New Zealand in the wake of this year's terrorist attacks by organising couple of events in the island nation.

Representatives from the Emirates were in Auckland to stage a forum about rejecting prejudice and intolerance that is spread online. They later flew to Christchurch to host a sports competition for disabled children.

The show of solidarity comes after the tragedy of March 15, when a terrorist killed 51 people and injured dozens in an attack on two mosques in Christchurch.

Run by the UAE Embassy of New Zealand and the Khalifa Empowerment Programme, the forum, entitled Promoting Tolerance in the Digital World, was held at the Auckland University of Technology.

It focused on "empowering communities and individuals with the necessary skills... to reject prejudice and intolerance", state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, shared images and video of the forum. The video opened with an Emirati and a Maori performing a hongi, or a traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses.

"The Khalifa Programme for Empowerment's 'I am able' is in partnership with our friends in New Zealand and the world, to emphasise the importance of spreading the values of tolerance for the benefit of all societies," he wrote on Twitter.

"We believe strongly in the Year of Tolerance that the UAE is promoting this year."

Dr Andrew Codling, head of the vice chancellor's office at AUT, said the university was proud to be part of the project.

"In the wake of the Christchurch massacre in New Zealand we feel strongly and very poignantly about the events that unfolded," he said.

The UAE delegation gathers at the event in New Zealand. Wam. 
The UAE delegation gathers at the event in New Zealand. Wam. 

Saleh Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to New Zealand, Dr Ibrahim Al Dabal, executive director of the Khalifa Programme for Empowerment, and Abdul Rahman Al Mansouri, general co-ordinator of the programme, attended alongside of politicians and media.

The ambassador said New Zealand has set a model for coexistence as it grappled with the events of March 15.

Gamal Fouda, the imam of Al Noor Mosque, who was speaking to his congregation on March 15 when a gunman opened fire, spoke at the event.

"There is a clear need for projects to promote tolerance between people of different backgrounds," Mr Fouda said.

It's a privilege for me tonight to come and address the public here about tolerance and fully understanding between religions [inter-faith values].

"Because as believers we have to look at everybody as human [to whom] God gave dignity and we are working together to actually spread love and care among each other."

Helen Jacobi, Anglican priest and vicar of Auckland's St Matthew-in-the-City church, said the partnership was all about "building tolerance in society, particularly in a digital world".

"I'll be sharing a few thoughts about how we can do that, or how we haven't been very good at doing it – and we could do better."

Mr Al Mansouri said there was a clear need to equip people with the knowledge to use the internet responsibly and positively, and of a "safe school" experience.

Embassy officials from the UAE – which hosted the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in March – also attended a sport competition for people with disabilities in Christchurch.

The football event, organised by the New Zealand Special Olympics, was attended by mayor of Christchurch Lianne Dalziel, as well as Mr Al Suwaidi,and Mr Al Dabal.