WAM Dubai, 17th May 2012 (WAM): Dr Hamad bin Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace, outlined the goals of the Award during a press conference held in Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Dubai. The Award was incepted under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The announcement of the objectives follows the conclusion of the Dubai International Peace Convention, whose second edition was held last month. The DIPC was launched under the theme "Aiming Global Unity through Peace", and was organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace in collaboration with Al-Manar Center, where a copy of the final report on the convention was also distributed to journalists.

The Award strives to recognize and acknowledge those who dedicate themselves to noble causes pertaining to world peace. The cumulative result will be the enhancement of international relations, and the advancement of civil dialogue in which any disagreements are resolved in a mutually-respectful manner.

What further differentiates this Award is that it avoids prior nominations which might be influenced by private or public considerations. This highlights its credibility and transparency, bringing it on par with international accolades of the highest pedigree.

The Award will be presented every two years starting from 2014, in conjunction with the next session of the Dubai International Peace Convention. This leaves sufficient time to select the recipient who best fulfills the adjudication criteria. The organizing committee announced that several activities will be launched under the umbrella of the Award, and these will be communicated to the media in due course, along with any other relevant breaking news.

The cornerstone upon which the Award is built is the promotion of respectful dialogue, in an open-minded fashion that takes into account the differences of diverse religions and cultures. Throughout this process, the proceedings will be guided by the teachings of Islam in order to tolerate and accommodate differing points of view.

The Award is driven by its mission to nurture, disseminate and honor visionary contributions to world peace, through creative initiatives that are rooted in an Islamic worldview, thereby fostering universal harmony. This is only possible by adhering to the Award's five values of Equality, Integrity, Responsibility, Transparency and Tolerance.

Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace, pointed out that: "The underlying desire behind this Award is to spread the inspiring values of Islam throughout the world. We whole-heartedly believe that Dubai is an exemplary emirate by harmoniously accommodating over 200 nationalities who co-exist in peace. This is overwhelming evidence that global peace is a practical possibility and not an unachievable dream." Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace, added that: "Dubai is immensely proud and honored by this grand opportunity to showcase the true meaning of peace, tolerance and love among the world's nationalities. Together we can foster a spirit of international understanding. In addition, we can resuscitate the humanitarian spirit for charitable causes, which is currently suffering a decline." The DIPC, which is held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is annually attended by numerous internationally acclaimed Islamic leaders and prominent figures. The 2012 edition proved to be an immense success that surpassed all expectations. Over 153,000 people of diverse nationalities and faiths attended numerous enlightening lectures. Moreover, thirty-six people converted to Islam during the conference.

The DIPC has reinforced the prominent role played by the UAE in general, and Dubai in particular, as a beacon of hope and peaceful coexistence. It also aims to root out extremist viewpoints and intolerance by stressing Islam's teachings of moderation and tolerance. Additionally, it emphasizes that violence, injustice and oppression are forbidden by the world's major religions. This therefore means that violence and oppression in the name of religion is actually forbidden by those same religions.

Attendees at the DIPC reiterated the importance of using the world's media and communication technologies to spread the message further, faster and better. Furthermore they noted out the happiness is an extreme demand for all mankind and can only be achieved in peace and security, and that dialogue - such as the discussions witnessed at the DIPC - is the crucial first step to global harmony.

WAM/TF