The two-day World Tolerance Summit concluded its sessions on Thursday, November 14, with policymakers and heads of international organizations calling for policies that can establish a culture of tolerance worldwide.

Tolerance Leaders Debate titled, "Achieving the Social, Economic and Humane Benefits of a Tolerant World" discussed the measures nations can take to make "a tolerant world".

Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader took part in the summit in line with CCSM's endeavors to entrench tolerance and strengthen inter-religious dialogue.

In his intervention, he presented seven clues that spread an atmosphere of peace and serve as a panacea attaining comprehensive solutions. He said that these points include integral development to serve humanity, patience, well breeding and reforming the education system, media, preservation of plurality including the religious freedom, and positivity. (See http://en.abouna.org/en/content/fr-bader-seven-clues-instill-peace-soci…)

A number of government officials, foundations and organizations, ministers, experts, clerics, and media representatives participated in the day two sessions, including inspirational sessions and interactive workshops.

Exhibitions were one of the highlights of the summit which had the participation from students to government departments.
From an interactive painting session to the mission to plant one million trees, the exhibition venue of the World Tolerance Summit was rich with diverse topics on tolerance.

Dubai-based Soul Art Centre provided a wall for the visitors to share their thoughts on tolerance in two walls that conveyed the message of Tolerance in Multiculturalism.

A large number of people wrote their message of tolerance on the wall, while some tried with brush and paint.

Several government departments joined the exhibition, among which the Department of Antiquities and Museums displayed artefacts from the 16th century; some of them are for the first time being shown to the public.

Maryam Saeed Lehlaili, a collection specialist at the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiques and Museums, said, "We are proud how tolerance has been part of life even before the establishment of the UAE. The two ceramic items were specially designed for the UAE, and it shows the values of coexistence and acceptance of others."

Trees to build a culture of tolerance Jean Paul Wabotai, an art teacher with a mission to plant a million trees for tolerance, was one of the attractions of the exhibition. His mission, under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, has won the accolades from several global leaders, and he wishes to plant one million trees in 2020.

He said, "Why trees and tolerance? Let me explain. I am an art teacher who is in constant touch with children. I can be a great influence on them. When they plant trees with a conscience, they forget their race, skin color, and they forget all their differences. Only the tree remains there. I want to show them when something is decided with dedication, they can make it happen."