I grew up in the United Arab Emirates so my school friends were all from a Muslim background. I was from a Bahá'í family and we were the only Bahá'ís in the area. I still have family in the UAE and whenever I visit it makes me very happy to meet up with school friends and former neighbours.

Now that I live in Hertfordshire I have many friends from different faiths and I’m involved in an interfaith group and many circles of friends. I feel very comfortable in the company of people from different backgrounds. I very much enjoy being with them all and believe that barriers can be broken down by friendships of this kind.

It is certain that prejudice can be overcome by understanding each other and respecting each other’s opinions and beliefs. By getting to know people on a friendly personal basis our fears and prejudices evaporate and we truly begin to enjoy each other’s company. I feel that every step taken in this direction is worthwhile even though it may seem like a small step at the time.

In my opinion world peace will truly begin when each one of us starts to take small steps of friendship towards all our neighbours.∞