Elder Rowe Encourages Future Diplomats to Build Bridges Through Integrity, Civility and Human Dignity

"International relations is not buildings or programs — it's people."

Addressing a room of future diplomats in Bahrain, Elder Edward B. Rowe encouraged students at the Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies to build careers founded on integrity, civility and respect for human dignity.

He invited the students to consider how personal character and respect for others can strengthen diplomacy and international cooperation.

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Speaking on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Elder Rowe drew on more than 35 years of experience in international relations and diplomacy, as well as his current service in the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency and in the international affairs efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He praised Bahrain for its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable peace, support the peaceful resolution of disputes and expand humanitarian and relief work.

Throughout his remarks, Elder Rowe focused on three principles he said are essential to effective bridge-building: integrity, civility and human dignity.

Integrity Begins in Private Life

Elder Rowe invited students to remain true to their values and principles, despite any challenges or temptations they may encounter. He encouraged them not to compartmentalize their lives, but to let their moral and religious values permeate their careers.

"Integrity starts in your private life," he said.

He reminded students that trust is one of the most valuable assets a diplomat can possess, adding, "Integrity is your personal currency. Don't lose it."

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Civility Strengthens Cooperation

Speaking about civility, he praised Bahrain for its commitment and policies to promote coexistence and mutual respect. Elder Rowe noted that both the Kingdom of Bahrain and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share a conviction that religious diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.

As part of the discussion, he presented students with copies of the publication Muslims and Latter-day Saints, explaining that the pamphlet's first objective is to help Church members better understand Islam. He noted that the pamphlet also helps Muslim friends better understand the beliefs and practices of Latter-day Saints, including the similarities between the two faiths.

While expressing the need to look for and build upon commonalities in diplomacy, Elder Rowe also noted: "Differences are real. You don't need to ignore them."

He emphasized that differences should not be minimized and that people do not need to become the same in order to work together effectively and respectfully.

Human Dignity at the Heart of Service

Discussing human dignity, Elder Rowe pointed to the Church's humanitarian work around the world, carried out in collaboration with governments, religious groups and other trusted organizations. He noted that assistance is provided without regard to race, ethnicity or religion because of the Church's belief that all members of the human family are brothers and sisters and have divine worth.

According to the Church's 2025 Caring for Those in Need report, the Church provided US$1.58 billion in humanitarian, welfare and self-reliance assistance in 196 countries and territories, while members contributed 7.4 million hours of volunteer service.

He encouraged the students to become peacemakers in both their personal and professional lives and to seek opportunities to build understanding across differences in ways that respect the dignity of others.

Meetings With Government and Community Leaders

Several of the themes discussed with students, including dialogue across differences and peaceful coexistence, were echoed in Elder Rowe's meetings with government and community leaders during his visit.

Earlier that day, Elder Rowe met with H.E. Yara Faraj, Coordinator at the Prime Minister's Office, and discussed the role of faith communities in promoting service and humanitarian efforts.

Elder Rowe later met with H.E. Ambassador Dr. Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri, Director General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights at Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Ambassador Bucheeri emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue and communication among followers of different religions and cultures and reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to promoting tolerance, coexistence, understanding and mutual respect.

Elder Rowe expressed appreciation for Bahrain's efforts to advance interfaith dialogue and commended the Kingdom's role in promoting understanding among diverse communities.

Elder Rowe also visited the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, where he met with Ali Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Their discussion focused on principles of mutual respect, interfaith understanding, peace-building and the new King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance.

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Before concluding his visit, on Friday, September 4, Elder Rowe met with local leaders and members of the Church, encouraging them to strive to follow Jesus Christ, especially during times of uncertainty and adversity. He invited Church members to strengthen those around them through faith, service and compassion.