12.During the event, it was assured that organizing such an event serves the principles and values conveyed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and transfers them into initiatives for development and preserving human dignity and safety. In addition to enhancing policies, developmental practices and permanent values exemplified in equality, justice, and human dignity to guarantee attaining the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by consolidating efforts and attaining more cooperation and coordination amongst all stakeholders be it the local or international entities relevant to human rights, to enable people to exercise their rights and enjoy them without any discrimination. 13.During the first theme of the event, the Ministry of Health confirmed the distinguished status of the Kingdom of Bahrain, through the efficient national efforts exerted and the high sense of responsibility in dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Another issue tackled was the wisdom portrayed by the political leadership in managing, coordinating, and cooperating between the leadership and various stakeholders, proposing mechanisms to control the pandemic, building capabilities and medications, developing vaccines, and sustaining basic health services. During the second theme of this event, a briefing was presented on the national efforts carried on for sustaining progress in empowering Bahraini women. The third and last theme covered the values of peace and tolerance in the Bahrain Declaration on Religious Tolerance in 2017. 14.At the conclusion of the event, the NIHR extended appreciation and thanks for the intensive efforts and dedicated achievements for all the entities that helped in building the ecosystem of human rights and public freedoms. It was affirmed that “we all work hand in hand to build our nation, raise it high, elevate its institutions and shine its successes, so our flag remains bright in various fields of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects”. 15.This event was organized as part of the strategy, action plan, and tasks of the NIHR for promoting and disseminating the culture of human rights by holding lectures, training and awareness programs, for various segments in the society on issues related to human rights. The participants included officials from various relevant ministries, entities, and institutions, along with representatives of the relevant civil society organizations, as well as the Head and members of the NIHR Council of Commissioners. NIHR Bahrain- Eighth Annual Report 2020 50