King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance launched, nominations open worldwide
Manama, Aug. 18 (BNA): The King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC) announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, carrying a monetary prize of US$1 million. Nominations are open worldwide to individuals and institutions until 10 October 2026 through the Award’s official website.
Established pursuant to Royal Order (32) of 2024, the Award is an international initiative that embodies the values rooted in Bahrain’s history and civilisation, including openness to all civilisations, religions, and cultures and the promotion of coexistence. It reflects the Kingdom’s vision of advancing global peace and coexistence, while encouraging pioneering work in dialogue among civilisations.
The Award recognises individuals and institutions that have made exceptional and well-documented contributions to advancing a culture of tolerance and coexistence, promoting dialogue and mutual respect, and creating a positive and sustainable impact on communities.
Alongside the monetary prize, recipients receive a certificate of recognition and a medal, presented at a ceremony held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Honourary President of the Award.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KHGC, and Chairman of the Award’s Judging Committee, said that this inaugural edition embodies the vision of His Majesty the King in firmly establishing the values of coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, and in supporting international efforts to build more cohesive and stable societies.
He added that the Award reflects Bahrain's approach to translating these values into practical initiatives and policies that deliver tangible and sustainable impact, and to highlighting the experiences and achievements that build dialogue, trust and understanding among peoples and cultures.
The jury comprises Bahraini and international figures with expertise in political, parliamentary, human rights, academic, religious and international cooperation fields. Alongside Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed, as Chair, its members include Katalin Éva Novák, former President of the Republic of Hungary and former Minister for Family Affairs; Hala Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari, Adviser to His Majesty the King for Scientific and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Khuzaei, member of the Shura Council and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee; Jaleela Alawi Al Sayed Hassan, member of the Council of Representatives; Martin Chungong, former Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; and Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya and a prominent figure in the global spiritual organization All World Gayatri Pariwar.
For nomination requirements, evaluation criteria, and application submissions, please visit: www.khaward.bh
