Gulf Daily News Thursday, 29th January 2015 15 Roadshow group set to form society Email: [email protected] n At the event are, from left, Ms Mathieson, Mr Al Zayani, Mr Bentley, Mr Al Asfoor, Mr Al Kooheji, Dr Al Jeeb and Mr Van Daele ORGANISERS of a roadshow promoting Bahrain’s religious tolerance and culture will unite to form a society. It will continue roaming the world to showcase Bahrain’s culture, but as a registered society comprising Bahrainis and expatriates, said Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations secretary-general Betsy Mathieson. She was speaking last night at the This is Bahrain exhibition and conference, held at the Bo Zar Gallery Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium. More than 200 delegates representing 40 Bahraini organisations took part in the one-day event along with MPs and Shura Council members. “We will continue to travel the world to share our thoughts and experiences and learn to work together,” said Ms Mathieson. “It is time for This is Bahrain to turn into a society comprised of Bahrainis and expatriates, whose aim and objectives are to focus on economic, social and By MOHAMMED AL A’ALI in BRUSSELS, BELGIUM cultural development.” Meanwhile, Jaffari Waqf Directorate board president Abdulmohsin Al Asfoor said Bahrain would continue to unite people of all races and religions. “Many get attracted to and are accepted in Bahraini society. The vast reforms that the country has seen over the past 14 years, since the National Action Charter referendum, have opened the door for many to come to the country to live within the friendly atmosphere,” he said. United “All miserable and desperate attempts to place Bahrain in the circle of the Arab Spring have failed due to the bravery and awareness of citizens. “The development of a modern state requires the participation of the multi-cultured society to take a united stand against terrorism, extremism and violence, which is undermining and hindering our natural progress.” Among the topics discussed was Bahrain’s dem- ocratic progress, which was highlighted by parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Isa Al Kooheji. “Bahrain continues to witness political developments and an enriching democratic experience, which now sees the government unable to carry out anything without parliament’s approval to its four-year action plan,” he said. “Democracy faces various challenges and obstacles, but Bahrain is constantly working to overcome them. “Perhaps, one of the main challenges we are facing is the lack of awareness among political powers of the importance of respecting the stages of democratic transformation, and another is not allowing external influences to have an impact on these stages.” Promoting women empowerment in Bahrain was also discussed by Shura Council public relations, media and research affairs assistant secretary-general Dr Fawzia Al Jeeb during the conference. “The involvement of women has contributed effectively to Bahrain’s rise at all levels and more is expected,” she said. n Visitors at the General Organisation for Youth and Sport’s stall at the event “We have female ministers, a judge, Shura Council members and MPs who work while continuing to be mothers.” Other speakers were Bah- n Bahrain officials in front of the Jaffari Waqf Directorate stall rain Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member Khalid Al Zayani, Sarens NV strategic global projects director Bev Bentley and Centre on Eastern Arabia co-founder Marc Van Daele. The This is Bahrain exhibition and conference was previously held in London and Berlin. [email protected]