Tomorrow marks the commencement of the annual “Forum for Tolerance Clubs and National Identity Clubs at UAE Universities,” hosted at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Al Ain. The event will be graced by the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and President of the Community Foundation Fund, alongside university and college leaders participating in the forum.
Event Overview
The forum is organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the Community Foundation Fund, in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology in Al Ain. It will feature extensive student participation, with representatives from over 41 Tolerance Clubs and 14 National Identity Clubs across 43 UAE universities and colleges.
Vision for Youth Empowerment
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan expressed that the forum serves as a pioneering national platform aimed at nurturing a capable and promising generation that takes pride in its identity and historical roots. It aspires for youth to embrace values of tolerance, humanitarian coexistence, and conscious openness to the world.
Driving Innovation and Cultural Awareness
The Tolerance Clubs and National Identity Clubs operating within the country’s universities and colleges are seen as intellectual beacons and real laboratories, channeling the creative energies of youth towards innovation and excellence, while adhering to their rich cultural and social heritage. The Minister highlighted the pride felt in the projects and initiatives launched by students that reflect their deep awareness of their societal responsibilities towards their nation and their pivotal role in promoting a message of peace and love from the UAE to the world.
Building Bridges and Showcasing Initiatives
This annual event represents a culmination of ongoing efforts to instill values of tolerance and coexistence while enhancing national identity among university youth. Its objective is to forge intellectual and cultural bridges that connect the academic system with the Emirati community and families, providing a supportive environment for students to showcase their innovative initiatives and accomplishments, thereby contributing to the development of a generation equipped with awareness, knowledge, and steadfast in their foundational values.
Opportunities for Expression and Recognition
Yasser Al-Qurqawi, General Director of the Community Foundation Fund, noted that the forum creates a space for young people’s expressions of creativity and harnessing their energies through the “Madar 2026” competition, which blends various art forms, films, and video games while encouraging the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence in producing creative content that meets their aspirations.
Acknowledging Educational Contributions
The forum will honour universities and colleges with the “Tolerance Shield for 2026,” acknowledging their efforts in translating coexistence values into practical programmes and initiatives. Additionally, three clubs will be awarded the “National Identity Shield” for their role in enhancing cultural and national awareness. The event will also celebrate winners from the creative tracks of the “Madar 2026” programme.
Comprehensive Exhibition and Community Engagement
The forum includes a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the initiatives of student clubs, an open discussion session, and live ‘podcast’ sessions highlighting youth experiences in various creative fields. It will also launch the “Wassal Tawasul” initiative in partnership with the Parents Council at the Higher Colleges of Technology, aimed at enhancing community partnerships and supporting communication channels between educational institutions and families.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak commented:
• “The Tolerance Clubs and National Identity Clubs distributed across the universities and colleges of the country serve as intellectual lights and laboratories leading the creative energies of youth towards innovation and excellence.”