Sunday, December 14, 2025 | Jumada al-akhirah 22, 1447 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Cross the bridge that connects the world

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Think of the world as a huge, colourful mosaic with each tile mirroring a culture, a belief, a way of life. The beauty of the mosaic comes not from consistency, but from the harmony of differences. And tolerance is the glue that holds it together.


In today’s rapidly shrinking world, where news travels across continents in seconds and cultures interconnect more than ever before, the importance of tolerance cannot be exaggerated. Tolerance is more than just accepting differences; it is a conscious choice to respect, understand and embrace the diversity that makes our world exciting. It is the bridge between misunderstanding and harmony, fear and friendship, conflict and cooperation.


Just imagine a world where every conversation began with curiosity instead of judgement. That is tolerance which transforms “them” into “us", turning strangers into collaborators, rivals into partners and neighbours into friends.


International tolerance forms the foundation of peace. The ability to appreciate differences is what really allows communities to thrive. It is not always easy, but choosing tolerance is always a step towards progress. Education, dialogue and cultural exchange are essential tools in cultivating this advantage, encouraging people to see beyond their own experiences and appreciate the shared humanity of others.


Global institutions, including the United Nations, have long recognised the power of tolerance which has a good effect. Small gestures such as listening without judgement, celebrating another’s tradition and sharing in another culture’s festival may seem insignificant. However, they plant seeds of understanding that can blossom into lasting change.


When individuals choose empathy over indifference, cooperation over conflict, they contribute to a global culture of respect. This is particularly important in a world where confusion can escalate into larger fights, and where social cohesion is often tested by political, religious, or cultural tensions.


It is also essential to remember that tolerance is not synonymous with agreement. We may not adopt every belief or practice we encounter, but we can choose to respect it. By honouring differences while seeking common ground, societies can foster dialogue, innovation and collaboration across borders.


Tolerance encourages us to see the human story in every face, reminding us that despite our differences, our dreams, fears and aspirations are unusually similar. Ultimately, international tolerance is the inspiration guiding us towards a more peaceful, inclusive and unified world. It is a daily choice to extend understanding, kindness and patience to those who may seem different from us.


In embracing tolerance, we do not dilute our identities; we enrich them, and in doing so, we strengthen the global community. It is the foundation upon which lasting peace is built, the glue that binds diverse communities, and the spark that can ignite a future where every individual, regardless of background, is valued and respected.


By choosing tolerance, we choose a world of possibility, collaboration and hope. This world is where unity thrives not in sameness, but in the celebration of difference. Tolerance is more than a principle; it is a promise to listen, to understand and to act with compassion. It is the key to transforming conflict into connection, fear into friendship and division into dialogue.


In a world as diverse as ours, tolerance is not just desirable, it is essential for the survival, growth and flourishing of humanity. Tolerance is the invisible passport we all need. It allows us to cross borders of culture, religion and thought without fear or suspicion. Tolerance is the bridge connecting nations, the key unlocking mutual understanding and the spark that can light the path to a truly united world.


In fact, tolerance is the art of seeing humanity in every face, regardless of origin, language, or faith. Choosing tolerance is choosing a world where peace, creativity and cooperation reign. It is a world we can all call home.


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