November 16 marks International Day for Tolerance

CAIRO – 16 November 2021: “Tolerance means respect, acceptance and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and our human qualities.”

This quote is from the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance adopted by the UNESCO in 1995.

The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence aims to reward persons, institutions or organizations who have distinguished themselves by undertaking particularly commendable initiatives, over a period of several years. It aims at promoting understanding and settling international or national problems in a spirit of tolerance and non-violence.

This award was established in 1995 on the occasion of the celebration of the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

Also that same year, UNESCO Member States adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. 

The creation of the Prize was inspired by the ideals enshrined in UNESCO's Constitution, which states that "it is imperative that peace be based on the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind."

As for tolerance, it is the recognition of universal human rights and the fundamental freedoms of others.

People are, of course, distinguished by their diversity; tolerance alone guarantees the survival of blended societies in every region of the world.

In recognition of a lifelong commitment dedicated to intercommunal harmony and peacebuilding, this award bears the name of the benefactor, Madanjeet Singh, who was a Indian UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, artist, writer and diplomat.

The award is worth $100,000 and is awarded every two years during an official ceremony marking the International Day for Tolerance.