DUBAI, 24th March, 2019 (WAM) — The Ministry of Tolerance and the UK-based Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the values of tolerance and the development of young people.The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and the Chairman of the Foundation, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, the third son of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh.The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is one of the most highly regarded youth development frameworks in the world. It focuses upon the skills, behaviour and attitudes that empower young people to navigate their way through the challenges they face, while making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. The Award is currently available in a number of UAE international schools. The partnership will enable young people from all of the UAE’s various population groups to be able to access and participate in the Award.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan said that this prestigious Award provides young people with skills and experiences that are consistently recognised by employers and educational institutions worldwide. The Award helps develop young people and support them on their journey to a successful future. Amongst the values promoted by the Award are tolerance and respect for diversity in all its forms. It is therefore natural that the Ministry of Tolerance seeks to work with such a prestigious partner to help promote tolerance. By promoting The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to all the residents of the UAE, the Ministry of Tolerance is furthering the virtues of tolerance to the broad range of ethnic, cultural and religious groups that make up the rich tapestry of this safe, secure, peaceful and prosperous country, Sheikh Nahyan added.In a statement issued to mark the signing of the MoU, Prince Edward said, Today’s young people are growing up in a dynamic, fast-paced world and the development of skills like confidence, adaptability and communication is important. Non-formal education – such as that offered by organisations that run The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – is a tried and tested way of enabling young people to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone and become positive agents of change, both for themselves and their wider communities. This partnership is a great opportunity to further the work of the Award within the UAE. British Ambassador Patrick Moody added, It is fitting that this (signing of the MoU) takes place during the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, and it is another example of how the UK and UAE are working together to promote the values of tolerance and inclusion. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global, non-formal education framework which challenges young people to develop new skills, get physically active, learn about teamwork and leadership through adventurous journey and volunteer within their community.There are currently 1.3 million young people completing their own unique programme, via hundreds of thousands of youth-focused partners and operators, including schools, youth organisations, examination boards and youth offender institutions.Since its launch more than 60 years ago, millions of young people have participated and received Awards, with millions more benefitting from its impact in communities around the world.