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'Active' Tolerance An Antidote to Prejudice and Hatred

Top United Nations officials stressed today that practising active tolerance can serve as the antidote to prejudice and hatred.

The officials also stressed the importance of practising active tolerance at a time when the world is undergoing unprecedented economic and political changes, and called for countries to embrace diversity, combat discrimination and increase education efforts about human rights.

"Our practice of tolerance must mean more than peaceful coexistence, crucial as that is. It must be an active understanding fostered through dialogue and positive engagement with others." - Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon

Director-General of UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Irina Bokova echoed Mr. Ban's remarks, underscoring active tolerance as a way to make the most of human diversity as a source of vitality, creation and social cohesion.

Ms. Bokova stressed that the key to active tolerance is quality education that enables individuals to take part in informed debates, listening and integrating different points of view.

President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser also emphasized the importance of education to promote tolerance and understanding, and urged countries to step up their efforts "to teach children about tolerance and human rights, about diversity and other cultures, and about other ways of life. Peace education needs to be a part of the teaching in all educational institutions."

Mr. Al-Nasser added that even though there is a growing acknowledgement of the need for tolerance and dialogue, the world is still witnessing discrimination, extremism and radicalism every day.

Mr. Al-Nasser underlined the importance of mutual listening and solidarity to sustain peace, saying that given the current complexities and challenges, the world needs "enhanced respect, understanding and appreciation between individuals, families and communities."

Source: United Nations