Emirati Children Express through Their Paintings Ways to Bridge Peace Celebrating the National Day of Peace as part of the UAE’s efforts to encourage values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence

Dubai, UAE – 20 September 2024

Celebrating the International Day of Peace, a group of Emirati students shared their vision of peace with the world in a special humanitarian campaign aimed at promoting the values of tolerance and compassion among all people. They expressed their unique perspectives on peace by painting art pieces conveying powerful messages to the world.

 This campaign, held on the International Day of Peace, celebrated by the world and international organizations promoting values of coexistence, aims to highlight the significant humanitarian role of the United Arab Emirates and its ongoing efforts to spread values of tolerance and peace through children’s creativity. The art pieces created by the children reflected the importance of strengthening a culture of peace in society on both local and global levels, showcasing their visions of enhancing peaceful coexistence among nations.

Moreover, the campaign was held in an atmosphere filled with hope and creativity, where students brought to life their dreams of a future marked by understanding and respect among all nations. Inspired by the UAE’s remarkable journey of giving, they used their artistic talents to highlight the importance of spreading a culture of peace, believing that art is the ultimate language for communication and building bridges of understanding between diverse cultures.

The humanitarian campaign is part of a series of activities organized by INDEX Media, DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and the International School of Creative Science to raise awareness about peace and tolerance. Drawing inspiration from the UAE as a model of peaceful coexistence among diverse nationalities, the campaign sends a powerful message to the world, showcasing the safety and peace that UAE’s residents and citizens live in.

The campaign also carried profound humanitarian messages, highlighting the importance of the International Day of Peace, especially from the perspective of Emirati children. A workshop was held at the International School of Creative Science, focusing on expressing the concept of peace through art. The workshop engaged children aged between 6 and 8 years old, offering them a unique opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace and express it through their artwork.

The campaign organizers expressed the importance of the children’s participation in this special campaign, noting that this initiative is in line with UAE’s efforts to enhance values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in future generations. They emphasized that the campaign aims to raise community awareness about the importance of peace.

Sarah AlMadani, CEO of INDEX Media, said: “At INDEX Media, we are proud to collaborate with the “DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation” to organize this remarkable humanitarian campaign. This campaign is part of a series of activities that highlight the urgent humanitarian issues facing many communities around the world. Our goal through this campaign is to nurture the values of peace and compassion, which reflect the legacy of our Father, the late Sheikh “Zayed,” emphasizing the role of children in spreading the message of peace through art. The children, with their innocence and creativity, expressed their vision of the world, strengthening our connection with the community and reaffirming our support for initiatives that raise social awareness.”

She added: “Our participation in this campaign reflects our commitment to social responsibility and embodies the UAE’s vision of promoting a culture of peace and tolerance. We are always keen to work with local and international organizations to advance these values, and we take pride in supporting initiatives that make our world a better place for all.”

For his part, Eng. Khaled Al Attar Director General, DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, said: “DIHAD celebrates International Peace Day by promoting humanitarian values and international cooperation, embodying its deep commitment to spreading the message of peace in a world afflicted by conflicts and disasters. Through its continuous humanitarian campaigns, DIHAD emphasizes the importance of peace as a cornerstone for stability and sustainable development. In this context, DIHAD places a special focus on children, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping a brighter future and a peaceful society. Through child-centered initiatives, DIHAD strives to empower children to express their vision for the future through creative means such as art and education, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing a generation that understands the importance of peaceful coexistence.”

Mr. Ataullah Parker, Principal of the International School of Creative Science, praised the significance of the campaign, saying: “We take pride in the collaboration that provided students with the opportunity to create drawings expressing peace for the International Day of Peace. Through this campaign, students gain skills in empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. This initiative bridges academic learning with real-world issues, inspiring students to engage with global challenges. We look forward to more opportunities for future collaboration.”

This humanitarian campaign will also include a wide media campaign to share children’s drawings across social media platforms on the International Day of Peace. The goal is to convey their message to as many people as possible and contribute to raising awareness about the importance of peace and tolerance globally.

During the campaign, the children expressed their hope for a safe future for all nations as they painted a world without wars. This campaign was supervised by social workers upon the recommendation of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to support the UAE government’s initiatives in developing a school model that offers a comprehensive life experience for its students. The model aims to produce individuals equipped with positive traits, as well as social and scientific skills, that will support them in their future endeavours.

DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation’s Contribution to Global Peace

DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation continues its mission of serving humanity and promoting peace. It moves forward in building bridges of hope and support for communities in need around the world. The Organisation remains committed to the UAE’s vision of spreading peace, steadfast in its active role in assisting those affected by crises and enhancing peace globally. Through its ongoing humanitarian campaigns, including the DIHAD Children’s Initiative, the Organisation aims to support children in showcasing their excellence and intelligence in the humanitarian sector, taking into consideration their views and ideas on important topics such as the significance of humanitarian work and the necessity of assisting refugees.