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.
Each year, World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed with a specific theme that resonates with contemporary global issues related to religious harmony and peace.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Several educational institutions, interfaith organizations, and governmental bodies host seminars, workshops, and discussions to promote religious harmony and peace.
Governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) conduct awareness campaigns, interfaith dialogues, and social service programs to bring diverse communities together.
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.
Individuals and religious communities observe voluntary fasting, prayers, and meditative practices as an expression of commitment to interfaith harmony.
| 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 |
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| Observance Methods |
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| Past Themes | 2025: “Uniting for Peace” 2024: “Harmony in a Troubled World” |
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