On May 19, 2016, the International Peace Institute’s Middle East and North Africa office (IPI MENA) hosted Ahmad Khalfan al-Mansoori, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace (MRAWP). Mr. Mansoori spoke about the organization’s aims and vision to an audience consisting of ambassadors, government officials, various religious communities, corporate institutions, civil society leaders and academia.

In a presentation moderated by IPI MENA Director Mr. Nejib Friji, Mr. Mansoori elaborated on the MRAWP areas of interest, ranging from sustainable development contributions, journalism, medicine, sport and humanitarian work aimed at reducing poverty, improving knowledge, and empowering society as a whole.

Stressing the award’s focus on women’s empowerment, the MRAWP Secretary-General said empowered women are key factors to peace.

Highlighting Islam’s contribution to peace, he said the award, established by royal decree in 2011, aims to build bridges of cooperation between diverse cultures and promotes the values of harmony, tolerance, and moderation.

In explaining MWRAP’s Peace Libraries, Mr. Mansoori said the award will encourage reading and promote young writers. In this regard, he announced that the award will mark the International Day for Poets of Peace.

Referring to the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives, which aim to fight poverty and disease, spread knowledge, empower communities, and foster future innovation, he said they involve 28 entities with 1,400 programs targeting over 130 million people. The initiatives will provide education for 20 million children, medication for 30 million people, 2 billion UAE Dirhams for hospitals and medical research, and invest 500 million UAE Dirhams in promoting tolerance in the region. Mr. Mansoori disclosed that the award is USD 1.5 million.

He concluded by saying that the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace was one drop in the ocean of world peace. Mr. Mansoori said MRAWP looks forward to the strong partnership with IPI MENA.