HM King Hamad's Chair for peaceful coexistence at La Sapienza University inaugurated

10 : 40 AM - 12/11/2016 Rome, Nov. 12 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, to attend the official signing ceremony for The Chair in the name of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at La Sapienza University Rome to teach dialogue, peace and inter-religious understanding. Addressing the gathering, HH Shaikh Nasser said: “I would like to thank La Sapienza University and Bahrain Federation for Expatriate Associations for their tremendous efforts in bringing us all together today. And I hope that this gathering will be crowned with success and will strengthen relations between us all and support the cooperation between our nations.” HH added: “I don’t have a keynote address or an opening speech but I have a couple of thoughts that you might want to keep in the back of your minds throughout and beyond this gala dinner. The inauguration of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Chair for peaceful coexistence at La Sapienza University of Rome, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Europe wasn’t by coincidence but by careful design. It’s symbolic of the key value of His Majesty has been striving to instill in our nation; education,”' HH Shaikh Nasser continued: “Education in all its forms; whether academic, excellence, or life lessons in adhering to the principles of tolerance, co-existence and acceptance. Recent years have tested our nations across the globe. They have brought out the best and worst but they enabled us to realise our strengths and weaknesses. The steep social, political and economic learning curves have taught us that with a culture of coexistence, there is nothing that our nations cannot endure. “Now more than ever, my generation has a huge responsibility to be agents for positive social change. A well-educated, open-minded individual, in Bahrain or Italy, doesn’t only contribute to a brighter future for his or her country, but to the sustainability of our globe. “During my school days, I was always inspired by the sense of unity and togetherness in our school sports team. Despite our differences, we worked together to utilise our individual strengths and eliminate our weaknesses for the success of our team”. HH further said: “My firm belief in sports as a vehicle for positive social and behavioural change for individual and common good has also inspired me to set up a foundation for the promotion of such ideals locally and globally. We need to continue to inspire and be inspired. “We, in Bahrain, are embarking on a journey of excellence for our nation under the leadership of His Majesty and we remain appreciative for the support and encouragement by our international friends and partners. It’s my pleasure this evening to convey His Majesty’s orders to the Royal Charity Organisation to provide financial support to the students and families affected by the recent series of earthquakes that hit your nation. Our country remains firmly in support of yours and we are keen to help alleviate any obstacles that could impede the educational journey of your students.” HH Shaikh Nasser concluded by saying: “Finally, I would like to thank the attendees of This is Bahrain, wishing them all success in achieving the aspired goals, visions, common ambitions and more constructive cooperation between our two nations. Let’s all work together to help our people become citizens of the world.” Representing La Sapienza University Rome in the signing ceremony was His Excellency Rettore Eugenio Gaudio, while the Bahraini side was represented by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations Secretary-General Ms. Betsy Mathieson. Before this, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa officially inaugurated the “This is Bahrain” activities in Rome in the presence of a large turnout of people. The event is organised by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations. HH Inaugurates the Official Exhibition During the event, HH Shaikh Nasser inaugurated ‘THIS IS BAHRAIN’ in Rome Exhibition, which showcases His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s most recent achievements in various Government and Private sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The exhibition also showcases life in the Kingdom of Bahrain featuring Charities, Clubs, Associations and Religious Institutes and Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University, Applied Science University, various Bahrain schools and Cultural Organizations. MoU between La Sapienza University and UoB HH Shaikh Nasser has also attended an official signing ceremony of a Memo of Understanding between La Sapienza University and Bahrain University for Student Exchange Programmes. Representing La Sapienza University was His Excellency Rettore Eugenio Gaudio, while University of Bahrain was represented Dr. Riad Hamza, Bahrain University. Bi-lateral Trade Agreement HH Shaikh Nasser has also witnessed the signing of an MoU aimed at strengthening trade relations between the Economic Development Board and Confirmi Industria. The MoU aims at strengthening trade relations between Bahrain and Italy. Gala Dinner HH Shaikh Nasser participated in a gala Dinner in the presence of the Ambassadors of the GCC countries and it was attended by La Sapienza Rector and Faculty, with spouses and families, La Sapienza students and their families, Bahraini students interested in studying at La Sapienza, Bahraini Delegates and guests. The gala dinner featured a multi- faith wedding aimed at showcasing religious tolerance and co existence in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Exhibition Witnesses Large Turnout The ‘THIS IS BAHRAIN’ in Rome Exhibition witnessed a large turnout and interaction, cementing the great success achieved by the event which aims at maintaining the reputation of tolerance and and coexistence among the Bahraini society, and emphasizing on the possibility of forming from society, a big family with strong bonds to spread tolerance and peace.