ABU DHABI, 6th November, 2018 (WAM) — Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, said that the message of tolerance and co-existence promoted by the UAE does not exclude anyone in UAE or abroad, nationals or residents, individuals or organisations as well as families, whether young or old.He affirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Tolerance to promote the message of tolerance and encourage everyone in the country and abroad to consider the impact of accepting the other. Mutual respect and understanding build a healthy foundation necessary for security, stability and general comfort. Our pride stems from the fact that we are a country where everyone thrives equally regardless of their differences, he added.The Minister of Tolerance indicated that such aims are achieved through a series of local and international initiatives and events, most notably the Tolerance Festival, organised by the ministry throughout the year.Sheikh Nahyan made these statements after reviewing the preparations by the ministry for the launch of the Tolerance Walkathon which will kick-off from Umm Al Emarat Park on Friday, 9th November, 2018 at 16:30.The Tolerance Walkathon will be the launch pad for the National Tolerance Festival organised by the ministry from 9th to 16th November, 2018, which also features more than 120 local and federal entities and private organisations.Hundreds of dignitaries, officials and members of the public from 100 nationalities will march in a walkathon to celebrate their peaceful coexistence on the International Day of Tolerance.Sheikh Nahyan stressed on carrying the message of tolerance that the founding fathers have established since the country’s formation. He added that the tolerance walkathon aims at promoting the ministry’s mission to raise public awareness about acceptance and understanding as core values of the society, and boost the principles of tolerance and coexistence as a means for deepening the culture of openness, dialogue, communication in UAE which has become today a leading example of coexistence and peace in the world. It is also an initiative of recognition towards our visionary leaders who have managed to build the UAE as a role model for tolerance and peaceful coexistence that gains the respect and appreciation of the whole world. That shows the UAE’s determination to continuously seek ways to open dialogues and spread the culture of peace and co-existence in all sectors, he added.He stated that the ministry is very keen on the active participation by various categories of residents in the UAE with their diverse nationalities, religions and multi-ethnic backgrounds. He announced that so far more than one hundred communities have expressed an interest in taking part and more are expected to join.Sheikh Nahyan noted that he has just been briefed with all details and preparations made for the Tolerance Walkathon which will witness a wide participation by the communal and intellectual leaders, high dignities, and ambassadors of brotherly and friendly countries.The walk’s distance is limited to two kilometres to ensure the participation of all segments of society including families, students of the schools and universities, old and young people. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to Etihad Airlines, the local departments and authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, notably, the management of Umm Al Emarat Party for their cooperation with the ministry as well as the generous support and active contribution.He extended thanks and appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their brothers Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and H.H Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for the continuous support to the ministry.