UAE and Austria Convene Forum Celebrating Intercultural Understanding and Shared Values

The UAE-Austria Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Forum opened in Vienna, bringing together leaders and scholars to explore how young people can engage meaningfully with digital platforms whilst nurturing their religious identities and fostering human fraternity.

A significant gathering of diplomats, academics and religious leaders has commenced in Vienna for the second edition of the UAE-Austria Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Forum, a platform dedicated to strengthening the bonds between two nations through substantive dialogue and mutual understanding.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, addressed the three-day forum, which convenes under the theme “Youth and Religion: Digital Space as a Platform for Responsible Religious Awareness”. In his remarks, Sheikh Nahyan articulated a vision of tolerance that extends far beyond passive acceptance, instead emphasising the active construction of bridges between diverse cultures and beliefs, enabling communities to flourish in dignity, security and reciprocal respect.

The Minister underscored that relations between nations ultimately rest upon relations between peoples, and that the forum offers a precious opportunity for participants to engage in genuine listening, collaborative learning and the discovery of shared aspirations that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

Austria and the United Arab Emirates, though distinct in their histories, cultures and experiences, remain united by a steadfast commitment to dialogue, respect for human dignity and mutual openness. These principles form the bedrock upon which peaceful and prosperous societies are constructed, particularly as the world navigates contemporary conflicts and divisions.

The UAE’s national experience exemplifies this philosophy. The country serves as home to individuals representing diverse nationalities, languages, religions, cultures and traditions who contribute collectively to the nation’s progress and prosperity. The establishment of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence reflects the UAE’s profound commitment to these values, affirming that tolerance is woven into the nation’s Arab and Islamic identity and extends universally, without discrimination.

Ambassador Regina Rusz, Director-General for International Cultural Relations at Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, welcomed the UAE delegation, noting that Vienna’s hosting of the forum reflects the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared dedication to tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The forum’s focus encompasses artificial intelligence, global citizenship, digital ethics and the formation of young people’s religious identities in the digital age. Participants have engaged in discussions concerning how digital platforms and social media influence religious identity development, and how educational and religious institutions might strengthen critical thinking and encourage constructive engagement with technology.

Afra Al Sabri, Director-General of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, emphasised that whilst digital technologies present extraordinary opportunities, they equally demand heightened responsibility from societies to safeguard young people from online risks and empower them to harness technology positively and ethically. She stressed the importance of equipping young people with confidence in their identities and the intellectual discernment to distinguish reliable knowledge from divisive discourse.

Source: WAM