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World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025: 1-7 February

World Interfaith Harmony Week has been observed on 1-7 February by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), serves as a global initiative to promote mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue, and cooperation among different religious communities.

World Interfaith Harmony Week Theme

Each year, World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed with a specific theme that resonates with contemporary global issues related to religious harmony and peace.

  • 2025 Theme: ‘Uniting for Peace’
  • 2024 Theme: ‘Harmony in a Troubled World’

These themes highlight the importance of interfaith understanding and collaboration in addressing global challenges. The themes serve as guiding principles for discussions, activities, and events organized worldwide during the week.

World Interfaith Harmony Week History

Proposal and Adoption by the United Nations

The concept of World Interfaith Harmony Week was first introduced by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2010. Recognizing the need for enhanced interfaith dialogue, King Abdullah II proposed this initiative as a means to foster peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities.

Following the proposal, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted the resolution on October 20, 2010, declaring that the first week of February each year would be observed as World Interfaith Harmony Week.

First Celebration of WIHW

The first World Interfaith Harmony Week was celebrated in 2011, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that has since been embraced by various governments, institutions, and civil society organizations worldwide. Over the years, WIHW has gained recognition and participation from numerous religious and secular organizations.

The Role of ‘The Common Word’ Initiative

The foundation of World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of the Common Word Initiative, launched in 2007. This initiative called upon Muslim and Christian religious leaders to engage in dialogue based on two shared fundamental religious principles:

  1. Love for God
  2. Love for One’s Neighbor

The Common Word Initiative emphasized that despite theological differences, religious communities could find common ground through these universal values. WIHW builds upon this initiative by encouraging governments, institutions, and civil society to actively promote interfaith harmony and cooperation.

Objectives and Importance of WIHW

The primary goal of World Interfaith Harmony Week is to promote peace, understanding, and goodwill among different religious communities. Below are the key objectives and significance of this initiative:

1. Encouraging Mutual Understanding

WIHW provides a platform for individuals from different religious backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue. Through discussions, seminars, and community activities, people develop a deeper understanding of each other’s beliefs, reducing misconceptions and stereotypes.

2. Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue

One of the core aspects of WIHW is to promote interfaith dialogue. The event underscores the need for open communication between different faith-based communities, fostering tolerance and acceptance in multicultural societies.

3. Promoting Peace and Coexistence

WIHW aims to create a global environment where religious diversity is celebrated rather than seen as a source of division. The observance of this week promotes a culture of peace and non-violence, essential in today’s world.

4. Uniting Governments, Institutions, and Civil Society

WIHW encourages governments, religious institutions, and civil society organizations to work together in promoting interfaith harmony. Various events and initiatives are conducted worldwide, including conferences, discussions, and community service projects.

5. Encouraging Acts of Kindness and Compassion

During WIHW, people from different religious backgrounds engage in charitable activities, voluntary fasting, and acts of kindness. Such initiatives help build a sense of solidarity and social responsibility.

Observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week

1. Participation in Places of Worship

During WIHW, religious leaders and communities are encouraged to spread the message of inter-religious harmony in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship. This helps strengthen interfaith relations at the grassroots level.

2. Organizing Conferences and Seminars

Several educational institutions, interfaith organizations, and governmental bodies host seminars, workshops, and discussions to promote religious harmony and peace.

3. Community Outreach Programs

Governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) conduct awareness campaigns, interfaith dialogues, and social service programs to bring diverse communities together.

4. Social Media Campaigns

With the rise of digital platforms, social media plays a crucial role in spreading the message of tolerance, peace, and unity. Various online campaigns highlight stories of interfaith cooperation and friendship.

5. Voluntary Fasting and Acts of Worship

Individuals and religious communities observe voluntary fasting, prayers, and meditative practices as an expression of commitment to interfaith harmony.

Summary of the Table

Aspects Details
Why in News? World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed from 1st to 7th February every year. The 2025 theme is “Uniting for Peace.”
Observed By United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Objective Promote interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among different religious communities.
History Proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at UNGA on September 23, 2010. Adopted by UNGA on October 20, 2010. First celebrated in 2011.
Foundation Initiative Based on the “Common Word Initiative” (2007), emphasizing Love for God and Love for One’s Neighbor.
Key Objectives
  1. Encouraging Mutual Understanding
  2. Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue
  3. Promoting Peace and Coexistence
  4. Uniting Governments, Institutions, and Civil Society
  5. Encouraging Acts of Kindness and Compassion
Observance Methods
  1. Participation in Places of Worship
  2. Organizing Conferences and Seminars
  3. Community Outreach Programs
  4. Social Media Campaigns
  5. Voluntary Fasting and Acts of Worship
Past Themes 2025: “Uniting for Peace” 2024: “Harmony in a Troubled World”

 

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024-25: 1-7 February_4.1
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