GENEVA, 20th February 2025 – Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, took part in the UNOG Director-General’s annual meeting with civil society representatives from across the globe.
Held at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), the meeting focused on strengthening partnerships between the UN and civil society to address global challenges. Discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation in fostering peace, social cohesion, and resilience in an increasingly complex world.
Addressing the forum, Sheikha Dr. Shamma remarked, “There is no civil society without tolerance, and no tolerance without a foundation of knowledge and good governance.” She pointed out the growing influence of social media, acknowledging both its power to amplify voices and its potential to spread hate speech. While commending the ongoing efforts of social media platforms to curb harmful content, she emphasized that the most effective safeguard lies in awareness and education. “The true defence against hate speech is a well-informed society, and civil society institutions play a crucial role in this regard,” she added.
Sheikha Dr. Shamma also underscored the UAE’s commitment to promoting tolerance, referencing the nation’s 2015 Anti-Discrimination and Hatred Law, which criminalizes content that incites division along religious or ethnic lines. She further highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Tolerance—the first of its kind in the world—as a testament to the UAE’s dedication to fostering coexistence.
Additionally, she praised the proactive role of UAE-based civil society organizations in supporting these efforts through educational initiatives, workshops, and awareness campaigns. “The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities living in harmony, and our commitment to tolerance is deeply embedded in our national vision,” she concluded.
