Practice active tolerance is message of UN, especially when the world is undergoing unprecedented economic and political changes. Countries need to embrace diversity, combat discrimination and increase education efforts about human rights. “Our practice of tolerance must mean more than peaceful coexistence, crucial as that is. It must be an active understanding fostered through dialogue and positive engagement with others:” UNSG Ban Ki-moon in message to mark the International Day of Tolerance. “Antidote to Prejudice” “Practising tolerance can serve as the antidote to prejudice and hatred. We all have a responsibility to protect those vulnerable to discrimination, whether based on race, religion, nationality, language, gender, sexual orientation or other factors:” UNSG (Read Combating Religious Intolerance” - (diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/combating-religious-intolerance-by-ambassador-mo/36890 - in posting this above article last month, I was reminded that religious tolerance should extend to agnostic and atheist persons. I agree and mutual understanding must be practiced. I’m not particularly linked to organized religion and am personally suspicious of it at some levels, but we should also remind that Stalinist/Communist atheism practiced intolerance toward both religion and belief in a Supreme Being). Education is Foundation: UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova echoed Mr. Ban's remarks, underscoring active tolerance as a way to make the most of human diversity as a source of vitality, creation and social cohesion. “In a world that is more connected than ever, intolerance is not an option, and 'passive tolerance' or mere peaceful coexistence is not enough.” Ms. Bokova stressed that the key to active tolerance is quality education that enables individuals to take part in informed debates, listening and integrating different points of view. “The building of an ethic of real tolerance today calls for each of us to improve our skills and our ability to embrace global diversity, by sharing knowledge, mastering languages, discovering cultures and learning the lessons of history,” she said. (Read - “Discriminating Against Religious Minorities in Moldova” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/discriminating-against-religious-minorities-in-moldova-by-ambassador-mo/35072).We should consider the rationale for modern states and political systems defined by religious/theocratic affiliation in its many forms - East and West, North and South. Countering Discrimination, Extremism & Radicalism: President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser also stressed: “to teach children about tolerance and human rights, about diversity and other cultures, and about other ways of life. Peace education needs to be a part of the teaching in all educational institutions.” Mr. Al-Nasser added that even though there is a growing acknowledgement of the need for tolerance and dialogue, the world is still witnessing discrimination, extremism and radicalism every day. “I encourage Member States to reaffirm their commitment to promoting the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of their peoples by supporting activities that build tolerance,” he said. “In doing so, we will enrich our oneness and our diversity, and thereby help to build a peaceful world for all. (Read: “Linking Norway Terror to Islam was Revealing” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/linking-norway-terror-to-islam-was-revealing-un-human-rights-expert/32603). UNESCO: “Promotion of Tolerance & Non-Violence” Award: To mark the day, UNESCO also announced the winners of its Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, who will be honored during a special ceremony on 9 December in Paris. Afghan women’s rights campaigner Anarkali Honaryar and Palestinian peace activist Khaled Abu Awwad will be recognized for their contributions. Ms. Honaryar has helped women who suffer from domestic violence and abuse in her country, and last year became the first non-Muslim woman to become a member of the lower house of the Afghan Parliament, while Mr. Awwad is one of the main leaders in the reconciliation process between Palestinians and Israelis, working for development and democracy in the region. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan on “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice