Human Fraternity in action: UAE’s historic legacy and modern leadership

History shows that civilizations which engaged with one another through trade, dialogue, and cultural exchange were better positioned to achieve progress and shared prosperity. In contrast, those that chose isolation often fell into decline and division. The concept of human fraternity did not emerge overnight; it was shaped over centuries through the encounters of people, the blending of ideas, and the shared wisdom of diverse religions and traditions.

Among the scholars who exemplified the enduring power of knowledge to bridge cultures was Ibn Rushd—known in the West as Averroes. A 12th-century Andalusian philosopher, jurist, and scientist, Ibn Rushd played a pivotal role in advancing reasoned inquiry, dialogue, and mutual understanding across civilizations. His works, which engaged deeply with the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato, were translated into Latin and Hebrew, profoundly influencing both Islamic and European thought. By promoting the idea that truth could be pursued through reason, observation, and debate, Ibn Rushd helped lay the groundwork for intellectual coexistence between diverse traditions. His legacy stands as a testament to how open exchange of ideas can transcend boundaries and foster a shared pursuit of human dignity and knowledge.

In our time, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a beacon of modern fraternity—but its roots in civilizational exchange run deep. Recent archaeological discoveries in the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, at the borderlands of the UAE and Saudi Arabia have revealed traces of advanced urban settlements dating back over 5,000 years. These ancient cities, now being excavated, point to a long-standing presence of trade, cultural contact, and social organization in the region. Far from being a blank desert, this crossroads of the Arabian Peninsula was part of a vibrant web of interaction that linked early Mesopotamian, South Asian, and Levantine societies.

Evidence of this rich heritage can be found throughout the Emirates. In Al Faya, Sharjah, archaeological finds have uncovered Stone Age tools, burial sites, and one of the earliest inland caravan routes connecting the Gulf to the Arabian interior. In Al Ain, the UNESCO-listed Hili Archaeological Park reveals Bronze Age tombs and sophisticated falaj irrigation systems, part of the ancient Magan civilization, which maintained active trade links with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. In the Julfar area of Ras Al Khaimah, once a thriving medieval port city, remnants of Islamic-era urban life and maritime commerce illustrate the UAE’s long-standing role in global trade networks. In Al Dour, Umm Al Quwain—one of the largest pre-Islamic archaeological sites in the region—excavations have revealed a flourishing settlement and trading hub from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE, with temples, fortifications, and imported goods from the Roman and Parthian worlds. On Sir Bani Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi the remains of an ancient Christian monastery—believed to date back to the 6th or early 7th century CE—reflect the UAE’s legacy as a place of refuge and spiritual diversity. Further north, on Siniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain, archaeologists have uncovered the oldest known Christian monastery in the Arabian Gulf, further underscoring the region’s deep-rooted culture of coexistence and religious openness.

This deep historical continuity affirms the UAE’s place not only in the modern dialogue on human fraternity but in the very origins of intercivilizational exchange. The land now known as the UAE has long been a meeting point of peoples, ideas, and faiths—an enduring legacy that underpins its contemporary commitment to peaceful coexistence and global dialogue.

Since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has championed a vision rooted in tolerance and mutual respect, viewing religious and cultural diversity not as a challenge but as a strength. This ethos has been carried forward by The President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has given rise to global initiatives that enshrine the principles of peaceful coexistence. Among the most significant of these is the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, signed in 2019 by His Holiness the late Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb.

Through its institutions and initiatives, including the Abrahamic Family House, the Ministry of Tolerance, and the Year of Tolerance, the UAE has become a living example of how fraternity can be translated from vision to reality, not only within its own society but across the world. Central to this effort is the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, which operates globally to advance the universal values of dignity, dialogue, and compassion. In close cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations and UNESCO, the Committee designs collaborative programs that promote coexistence and foster intercultural understanding, transforming the ideals of human fraternity into practical, sustained action.

Education remains at the heart of this transformation. It is through education that a generation can be raised to embrace empathy, respect, and openness to others. By embedding the principles of coexistence into school curricula and fostering dialogue among students, the UAE is nurturing an environment where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. In this spirit, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is introducing an empathy-centered ethics program globally. The initiative equips students with vital skills ranging from emotional intelligence and digital literacy to financial responsibility and ethical technology, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are prepared to shape a more compassionate world.

Young people, with their creativity and optimism, are essential to this mission. Their energy holds the potential to build a future grounded in acceptance and understanding. Through youth-led initiatives, school programs, and intercultural forums, the Committee empowers young people to serve as champions of fraternity. By partnering with educational institutions and cultural organizations, it ensures that youth voices are heard and valued in conversations that transcend borders. This includes immersive experiences that link empowerment with cultural exposure, broadening perspectives and fostering meaningful global connections.

In the realm of sports, the Committee has found another powerful medium to advance human fraternity. Athletic competition, particularly in mixed teams and international tournaments, naturally encourages collaboration, breaks down barriers, and unites individuals beyond race, religion, or nationality. Events such as the “Human Fraternity Run” in Abu Dhabi have brought together participants from a wide array of cultures, celebrating the shared spirit of unity. Building on this momentum, the Higher Committee is preparing a landmark global event during the International Day of Human Fraternity: a symbolic run spanning all six continents, held under the banner “One World. One Race. One Human Fraternity.”

Culture too remains a vital bridge among peoples. Through festivals, exhibitions, and artistic collaborations, culture enables the sharing of stories that reflect common values and lived experiences. The Committee actively nurtures intercultural and intergenerational dialogue through partnerships with schools and cultural institutions. Student exchange programs and creative storytelling workshops offer young people the chance to build friendships across borders, cultivating empathy and curiosity. These initiatives empower students to express their identities and celebrate heritage through short films, visual art, and digital narratives, tools that promote deeper understanding and mutual appreciation.

In this context, an international conference on human fraternity will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 29–30, 2025. The event is jointly organized by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and the Indonesian International Islamic University (IIIU). This conference is part of ongoing efforts in academic and cultural cooperation aimed at strengthening values of coexistence and peace in a changing world. The conference will also mark the launch of the Indonesian Institute for Human Fraternity and Harmony at the university—a new virtual academic center dedicated to supporting research, education, and community engagement in the fields of peace, intercultural understanding, and religious tolerance. The conference aims to spotlight contemporary humanitarian challenges through a series of dialogue sessions and discussions covering critical themes such as youth empowerment, social justice, ethics and education, media responsibility, and ethical innovation. It will serve as a platform for meaningful interaction among thought leaders, decision-makers, and civil society actors from around the world.

Human fraternity is not merely an ideal. It is a historical journey built upon centuries of interaction, shared wisdom, and collective striving. In our time, the United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of this journey, advancing the cause of coexistence through education, youth engagement, sports, and culture. Its message is clear: a more peaceful and united world begins with the recognition of our shared humanity, and together, we can build it.

---

Ambassador Khalid Al Ghaith, Sec General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is an international body committed to promoting the values of human unity and cooperation inspired by the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.