PRESS RELEASE: HM King Abdullah II of Jordan Prize for UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 On September 23rd 2010, HM King Abdullah II of Jordan introduced a World Interfaith Harmony Week at the Plenary Session of the 65th UN General Assembly in New York. This resolution was adopted by the UN on October 20, 2010, and the first week of February, every year, has been declared a UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. https://www.un.org/en/observances/interfaith-harmony-week https://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/ The Background HM King Abdullah II of Jordan has long been known for his peace initiatives including  The Amman Message and the Common Word. The UN World Interfaith Harmony Week seeks to promote the common basis of “Love of God and Love of the Neighbour, or Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbour” among people as a means to safeguard world peace. Its message invites everyone, excludes no one, and is purely voluntary. The HM King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize …

Religious leaders from Indonesia’s six officially recognized religions led interfaith prayers at the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 and the International Day of Human Fraternity in Jakarta, Sunday, February 9, 2026. (Photo: Youtube/the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia) RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia again hosted the commemoration of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 and the International Day of Human Fraternity, held at Nusantara IV Building, the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday, February 9, 2026. This year’s commemoration emphasizes peace through interfaith harmony, combined with tangible actions to address climate change. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual observance held from February 1 to 7, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. It aims to foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and dialogue among people of different religions as an essential part of a culture of peace. During the event, Chairman of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) Sultan Bachtiar …

During World Interfaith Harmony Week, representatives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue met in Geneva at the Ecumenical Centre and at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey from 2–6 February.  The delegation of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue was formally received by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Geneva, 5 February 2026, Photo: WCC The delegation was formally received by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. The meeting aimed to review ongoing cooperation and to plan forthcoming steps in view of the 50th anniversary of the shared journey in the field of interreligious dialogue in an ecumenical context. “Interreligious dialogue is acknowledged as a dynamic and relational process that enables communities of different faith traditions to encounter one another in mutual respect,” reads a communique from the meeting. “It plays an essential role in strengthening social cohesion and peaceful coexistence by upholding human dignity and promoting respect, solidarity, and shared responsibility among …

  https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1r/k1rf10ohvt   Summary 2026 United Nations Harmony Week on the theme “Better Together for a Harmonious World” Description Recognizing that the peoples of the world are bound together by a common destiny, affirming the universal values of compassion, justice, and peace shared across faiths and traditions, recalling General Assembly Resolution A/RES/65/5 proclaiming the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week, and acknowledging the urgent need for dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity in addressing global challenges, Permanent Observer Mission of the pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation in Africa along with ASK of Him, (AskofHim.com) an international ministry under the umbrella of The Māori Initiatives out of New Zealand, (MaoriInitiatives.org), made up of 4 ministries titled “The Kingdom PLAN”: pray, learn, action, and numerate will align with the objective of the harmony week along the theme” Better Together for a Harmonious World”. https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1r/k1rf10ohvt

To mark the 1 to 7 February World Interfaith Harmony Week, LWF’s director for Theology, Mission and Justice reflects on the need to stand united against division and hatred, tending the flame of hope together 03 Feb 2026 by Rev. Dr Sivin Kit   When the United Nations launched the World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010, the vision was for a week globally dedicated to highlighting common values across faith traditions, including all people of goodwill —love of God, love of the good, and love of neighbor. Sixteen years later, as we observe this week again, the onslaught of the unending bad news reminds me how the world has shifted dramatically. The challenge before us is no longer simply about dialogue and understanding. It’s about solidarity and cooperation for the common good in the face of rising religious nationalism globally. This reality became profoundly clear to me on 6 January 2026, the Feast of Epiphany. While I walked through Washington DC’s government district that evening, I felt the significance …

The first week of February (1–7 February) is observed annually by the United Nations as World Interfaith Harmony Week. The initiative was proposed at the UN General Assembly on 23 September 2010 by King Abdullah II of Jordan and was adopted unanimously on 20 October 2010. The initiative is rooted in the 2007 A Common Word project, which encouraged dialogue between Muslim and Christian leaders based on two shared fundamental commandments: love of God and love of one’s neighbour. These principles are regarded as essential and provide a solid theological foundation for mutual understanding and peace. Event dedicated to dialogue During the week, an event titled “Strengthening Multilateralism in Times of Global Challenges” will be held in Geneva, organised by the Permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations. The event marks the 11th edition of the Geneva Interreligious Dialogue and will bring together ambassadors, high-level representatives of major religious traditions and members of the international community …

  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru As Nigeria joins the world in celebrating Interfaith Harmony Week, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for unity among people of different faiths. World Interfaith Harmony Week is a United Nations-designated observance since 2010 that promotes dialogue across religions. The 2026 celebration is scheduled for February 1st-7th, with the theme: “Celebrating Peace, Honoring Leaders – From Prayer to Action.” In her message to commemorate the global event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “Let us celebrate the values that unite us across faiths, that is, love, peace, compassion, respect, and service to humanity.” She emphasized transformation beyond words, declaring, “From prayer to action, may our diverse beliefs inspire dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective efforts to build a more peaceful and inclusive Nigeria.” Mrs Tinubu highlighted love, compassion, respect and service to humanity as common pillars across religions, urging Nigerians to move beyond symbolic expressions of belief toward meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among faith groups. …

World Interfaith Harmony Week puts a focus on the human values we have in common. Each year, during the first week of February, communities around the globe observe World Interfaith Harmony Week – a United Nations initiative that encourages goodwill, dialogue, and cooperation among people of all faiths and philosophies. While it’s a global observance, its message resonates strongly here in Australia, where multiculturalism and religious diversity are foundational to modern society. World Interfaith Harmony Week was formally established in 2010 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan. The idea grew from the “A Common Word” initiative, which highlighted shared values among the world’s major faith traditions – particularly the central teachings of love of God and love of neighbour or, for those with non-religious views, “love of the good”. Recognising the need for a dedicated space to promote understanding, the UN unanimously supported the proposal. Since 2011, the first week …

https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/proclamations/proclamations/WorldInterfaithHarmonyWk2026   Canada Province of British Columbia A Proclamation CHARLES THE THIRD, by the Grace of God, King of Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth To all to whom these presents shall come – Greeting WHEREAS British Columbia is a culturally, ethnically, racially and religiously diverse province comprising many peoples and communities, and WHEREAS on September 23, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to designate the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week in a call for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding between people of all religions, convictions and beliefs, and WHEREAS the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week calls upon groups of goodwill, people of different faiths and members of all communities to recognize common values and cooperatively enhance interfaith harmony and interreligious dialogue, and WHEREAS World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to join the United Nation’s efforts to foster a culture of peace and non-violence and to …

Namrouqa stresses Jordan’s commitment to interfaith harmony, int’l peace at UN forum in Riyadh   The Jordan Times   AMMAN — Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nancy Namrouqa on Sunday headed the Jordanian delegation participating in the 11th International Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, which opened in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, under the theme “Two Decades of Global Dialogue: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward.” In her address at the forum, Namrouqa said that “the world is burdened by escalating crises—moral, humanitarian, environmental, and geopolitical. Nowhere are these crises more evident than in our region.” She added, “We must raise our voices to demand accountability. We must act collectively to establish justice, preserve human dignity, and end the humanitarian catastrophe.” Namrouqa stressed that Jordan recognises that the moral compass of nations is shaped by their ability to coexist, according to a provided statement. She noted that Jordan takes pride in its legacy of interfaith dialogue initiatives, …

2025 UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Prizes The UN WIHW Winners 2013-2025 Published 3:16 AM GMT, March 24, 2025 Share Announcing the 2025 Winners of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. AMMAN, JORDAN, March 24, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / — The 2025 HM King Abdullah II UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Prizes On September 23rd 2010, HM King Abdullah II of Jordan introduced a World Interfaith Harmony Week at the Plenary Session of the 65th UN General Assembly in New York. This resolution was adopted by the UN on October 20, 2010, and the first week of February, every year, has been declared a UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. The 2025 Prize Winners are: First Prize Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue – A Factor of International Solidarity International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan (IIAU) Uzbekistan Report 56 – Final Report on The Week of Scientific, Cultural, Educational, and Sports Events in Celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 The UNESCO Chair in Comparative Study of World …

By Bennett Atumah The United Nations (UN) World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW),  is observed in the first week of February every year. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2010 through Resolution A/RES/65/5, in the 65th Assembly. The WIHW aims to foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people of different faiths. Over the past 15 years, the week has been marked with interfaith dialogues, conferences, community service projects, peace walks, and cultural exchanges, all designed to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and nurture a culture of mutual respect. The initiative traces its roots to a proposal by King Abdullah II of Jordan in September 2010, urging people worldwide to express the teachings of their faiths about tolerance and respect for other religions. The WIHW calls on governments, religious organisations, and civil society groups to promote interfaith dialogue as a means of preventing conflicts and fostering peaceful coexistence. Faith, a system of beliefs and practices, …

 Feb 25, 2025 By YSP Thailand Starting in 2010, the United Nations declared the first week of February each year “the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week” to promote understanding, harmony, and cooperation among people of different religions, beliefs, and faiths to achieve tangible results, which is another important dimension of a culture of peace. The Universal Peace Federation Thailand is aware of this and conducts activities to bring about “Peace” to promote love, understanding, unity, respect, and cooperation beyond the boundaries of race, ethnicity, religion, language, and ideology. Therefore, in collaboration with the Youth and Students for Peace Foundation (IAYSP), we organized a Religious Youth Service (RYS) 1-day camp to commemorate the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 on February 15, 2025. 70 participants from 3 religions, including junior high school, high school, and university students, as well as the general public. gathered in the UPF Peace Embassy in Bangkok to learn about different faith traditions. The opening ceremony in …

Every year, from February 1-7, the world observes World Interfaith Harmony Week, a time dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different faiths and religious traditions. In 2025, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria led in advancing this mission through two key activities: an advocacy visit to the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC) and a live radio interaction on Liberty Radio, Kaduna. These engagements aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue, strengthening social cohesion, and emphasizing the need for religious tolerance in Nigeria under the theme, “Everyone Belongs: Celebrating Diversity and Fostering Belonging.” On February 6, 2025, GPF Nigeria, led by its Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, conducted the advocacy visit to KSPC. The delegation comprised leaders from Christianity (Christian Association of Nigeria – CAN), Islam (Jama’atu Nasril Islam – JNI), and Hinduism (International Society for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON). The visit marked a significant step toward broadening interfaith dialogue beyond the traditional Christian-Muslim framework to include other faith …

February 16, 2025 by Admin The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have issued a plea defending the dignity and presence of the People of Gaza.   A HUMANITARIAN PLEA FROM THE CHURCHES OF JERUSALEM: DEFENDING THE DIGNITY AND PRESENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF GAZA Jerusalem, the Holy Land February 14, 2025 As custodians of the Christian faith and conscience in this sacred land, we raise our voices in sorrow and steadfast resolve in the face of the ongoing suffering in Gaza. The devastation that has unfolded before the eyes of the world is a profound moral and humanitarian tragedy. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost, and entire communities stand in ruin, with the most vulnerable— children, the elderly, and the sick—enduring unimaginable hardship. Amid this anguish, we are compelled to speak against the grave threat of mass displacement, an injustice that strikes at the very heart of human dignity. The people of Gaza, families who have lived for …

Chief Imam commends AcrossFaiths Foundation Ghana for organizing a historic World Interfaith Harmony Week The National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has commended executives and members of the AcrossFaiths Foundation Ghana for organising the 2025 edition of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in the country. The United Nations General Assembly declared the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010 to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among people of different faiths. The commemoration of the 2025 edition of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in Ghana for the first time since the inception of the week-long global event in 2010 was spearheaded by the AcrossFaiths Foundation Ghana. The week-long event, observed globally from 1st to 7th February annually aims to foster peace, unity, and cooperation among people of different faiths. The commemorative activities come at a time when the world is grappling with religious tensions and environmental crises, underscoring the significance of interfaith …

Nashville, Tennessee, 15th February 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The first-ever Interfaith Crawl of Nashville was held in honor of World Interfaith Harmony Week, bringing together people of diverse faith traditions for a day of learning, connection, and friendship. This unique event visited four of Nashville’s prominent houses of worship: the Islamic Center of Tennessee, the Church of Scientology, The Temple: Congregation Ohabai Shalom, and the Sri Ganesha Temple. The event was met with resounding success, drawing participants from all walks of life who came together with open minds and hearts to learn about their neighbors’ faiths. Through guided tours, personal stories, and shared dialogue, attendees deepened their understanding of each religion and found common ground that fostered respect and mutual appreciation. Participants were particularly moved by the warm hospitality at each location, which included opportunities to observe sacred spaces, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments. The atmosphere of friendship was palpable, creating a sense of peace and unity that transcended religious differences. “This event was …

Nation Sunday, 16 Feb 2025 On the ground: Aaron Ago (fourth from the right) at the Jejak Harmoni programme in conjunction with the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration at the Al-Hidayah Mosque in Sentul. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Views on religion must be expressed with care as freedom of expression is not a ticket or an excuse to insult or belittle the religious beliefs of others, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said spreading fake news or provocative statements about religion can worsen the situation and create racial tension. “As a country rich in diversity, we cannot deny that differences exist in various aspects of life. “However, we must see these differences as strengths and not weaknesses. “This diversity should not be a dividing line, but rather the basis for a society that is inclusive and respectful,” he said at the launch of Jejak Harmoni programme in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week yesterday. The event was …

Fr. Bader stressed that the wise Jordanian diplomacy led by His Majesty the King is steadfast and clear which places the interests of Jordan and Jordanians at the top of the priorities, and calls for enabling the Palestinian people to obtain all their legitimate rights by rejecting any proposals or attempts to remove them from their land, as well as by pushing for the attainment of ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, at a time when peace according to His Majesty the King implies just peace, otherwise there will be no peace. By Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org : On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan, in partnership with Caritas Jordan, marked the 15th anniversary of the World Interfaith Harmony Week and the 5th anniversary of the International Day of Human Fraternity by holding a seminar that highly valued the efforts undertaken by His Majesty King Abdullah II in making peace which is the other …

The Chairman of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP), Mr. Abdulkarim Abdulmalik has called on Nigerian journalists to put the promotion of inter-religious dialogue on the front burner of their news coverage. During the Guild’s commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 at the weekend, Abdulmalik noted that prioritising stories and articles that promote religious tolerance, peace and harmony underscore the advancement of good journalism and social responsibility of the mass media in the country. According to him, the full impact of this year’s theme, “Ensure that No One is Left Behind” would be felt if only the mass media give it deserving publicity. On Muslim-Christian relations in Nigeria, he appealed for more education and enlightenment on religious tolerance and harmony amidst diversity. Abdulmalik explained that in Nigeria, ‘Muslims and Christians live together in the same environment, work in the same offices, travel together in the same commercial vehicles; not minding the religious faith of the driver. They …

Week aims to promote harmony between peoples regardless of their faith through dialogue By Editorial Board February 05, 2025 Muslims, Christians urge world to respect holy books. — APP/File This past Saturday (February 1) marked the start of World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrated annually in the first week of February since being designated by the UN General Assembly in 2010. The week aims to promote harmony between all peoples regardless of their faith through dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. Despite the opportunities for all three of these elements only rising with the growth of the internet and greater exchange of information across the world, the global landscape remains fraught with inter-religious tensions and persecutions, both within and across borders. For countries as religiously diverse as Pakistan, promoting inter-faith harmony has been particularly challenging. The violence in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that has led to the loss of over 200 lives and seen the region virtually cut off from the rest of the …

AMMAN — Ministry of Awqaf And Islamic Affairs on Monday celebrated the World Interfaith Harmony Week under the theme “Jordan as a Model of Harmony among Religious Sects and Faiths.” The event, organised in collaboration with the Chief Islamic Justice Department, the General Iftaa Department and the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre (JICRC), was held at the King Abdullah I Mosque’s Islamic Cultural Centre, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Deputising for Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Khalaileh said that Amman has long been a “model of peaceful coexistence” among its citizens of different religions, fostering what he called “Hashemite harmony rooted in the light of Prophethood.” Khalaileh stressed that His Majesty King Abdullah introduced Interfaith Harmony Week as a reflection of Jordan’s real-life experience of coexistence, adding that harmony does not mean compromising Islamic values and principles. Instead, it represents a positive stance that acknowledges the rights of all people, promote mutual respect, and foster recognition …

World Interfaith Harmony Week being inaugurated at Santhigiri Ashram in T’Puram(Photo | Express) Express News Service Updated on: 03 Feb 2025, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Human divisions arise from the limitations of perspective, and the need of the hour is to foster unity from a state of disunity, said Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius, after inaugurating the World Interfaith Harmony Week at Santhigiri Ashram here on Saturday. The Bishop emphasised that Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru envisioned religious unity and cooperation. “The problem arises when individuals see their viewpoint as superior while looking down upon others. This mindset needs to change,” he added. M G Shashibhushan, a historian and author, delivered the keynote address, highlighting India’s deep-rooted tradition of compassion. Drawing insights from the Harappan civilisation, he stated that India has always embraced a culture of giving and receiving. Expressing his appreciation for the gathering, Fr Thomas Kulangara of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church remarked that the light of supreme truth manifests differently in each religion. …

 February 3, 2025 General News Members of Across Faiths Foundation, students in a group photograph   Across Faiths Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding, respect, and harmony, has engaged students of Accra High Senior High School to observe this year’s United Nations (UN) World Interfaith Week. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February, since the General Assembly designation in 2010. The General Assembly pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. In his speech, the President of Across Faiths Foundation, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey said the mission of the Foundation is to create a world where people of different faiths and backgrounds can coexist in peace, mutual respect, and understanding. “In today’s world, we are faced with numerous challenges that threaten to divide us. …

 02 Feb 2025 Manama, Feb. 2 (BNA): Officials and community leaders affirmed Bahrain’s longstanding values of harmony, coexistence, and peace, embedded in the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which promotes openness, tolerance, and social cohesion. Speaking to Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, observed in the first week of February, they underscored Bahrain’s exemplary model of religious freedom, where all faiths can practise their rituals freely in an environment of mutual respect and understanding. They noted that Bahrain’s participation in this global observance reflects its commitment to religious diversity, pluralism, and tolerance. Hala Ramzi, a Shura Council member, commended Bahrain’s role in religious freedom, noting that initiatives such as the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence reinforce the Kingdom’s efforts to fostering a culture of peace and rejecting hatred. She noted that interfaith dialogue is essential to achieving global security and stability. Ebrahim Dawood Nono, President of the …

Feb 1, 2025  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Every year, during the first week of February, the world pauses to recognize the power of dialogue and unity through World Interfaith Harmony Week. Established in 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, this annual observance promotes mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation among people of all faiths. For us as Catholics, this week offers a unique opportunity to live out our calling to be peacemakers, bridge builders, and witnesses to the love of Christ. The Call to Harmony and Dialogue World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan and quickly adopted by the UN General Assembly. Its aim is to foster a culture of peace through dialogue and mutual respect among different faith traditions. The resolution encourages governments, institutions, and communities to celebrate the week by promoting interfaith understanding in ways that reflect their own convictions and traditions. As …

The Newspaper’s Staff Reporter Published February 1, 2025   Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanges views with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong during their meeting at PM House, on Friday.—PPI ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for dialogue, understanding, tolerance and cooperation among diverse religious communities to promote interfaith harmony. In a message on World Interfaith Harmony Week being celebrated from Feb 1 to 7, Prime Minister She­hbaz said, “This week ser­ves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diver­­se religious communities.” “Pakistan, envisioned by our fou­nding father Quaid-i-Azam Muham­mad Ali Jinnah as a sanctuary for all faiths, remains ste­adfast in its constitutional oath to protect every citizen’s right to belief, dignity, and equality. Our faith—rooted in Isl­am’s timeless teachings of justice, mercy, and respect for all creation—compels us to lead by example.” Social cohesion The premier said that the government continued to uphold these values through policies that promote inclusivity and social …

February 01, 2025 Today, we join the international community in observing World Interfaith Harmony Week. This week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse religious communities. Pakistan, envisioned by our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a sanctuary for all faiths, remains steadfast in its constitutional oath to protect every citizen’s right to belief, dignity, and equality. Our faith—rooted in Islam’s timeless teachings of justice, mercy, and respect for all creation—compels us to lead by example. We continue to uphold these values through policies that promote inclusivity and social cohesion. To those who sow hatred, we respond with dialogue. To those who preach fear, we answer with courage. To those who divide, we build bridges. Our government is committed to fostering an environment of acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect. The groundbreaking Interfaith Harmony Policy and Strategy of Religious Tolerance are now in motion, targeting hate speech at its core, safeguarding every …

PM urges religious scholars to promote brotherhood February 01, 2025 (FILE PHOTO) World Interfaith Harmony Week is starting from today (Saturday). It is celebrated every year during the first week of February. This week was conceived to promote a culture peace and nonviolence. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event being observed since 2010. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has urged the religious scholars, community leaders and citizens to play role in promoting brotherhood as extremism and divisive rhetoric are threat to social peace and harmony. The Prime Minister shared these views in his message on World Interfaith Harmony Week. Shehbaz Sharif said this week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse religious communities. He said Pakistan, envisioned by our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a sanctuary for all faiths, remains steadfast in its constitutional oath to protect every citizen’s right to belief, dignity, and equality. The Prime Minister said …

01/02/2025 LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP/DNA): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Punjab belongs to everyone, and every individual is free to perform their religious duties without fear or hindrance. In her message on World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrated globally every year from February 1-7, the CM emphasized that all religions teach love, peace, and tolerance, which form the foundation of a truly prosperous society. While differences are natural, she urged people not to abandon the values and teachings of their respective religions and cultures. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz added that promoting respect for beliefs and fostering interfaith harmony is the key to ensuring sustainable peace and development. She highlighted that Pakistan, and particularly Punjab, has always been a beautiful mosaic of diverse religions, cultures, and traditions, where every citizen is guaranteed equal rights. The CM said the government is taking practical steps to safeguard the rights of minorities and ensure equal opportunities for them. She noted that …

February 01, 2025 World Interfaith Harmony week Starts Today to Promote a Culture Peace and Nonviolence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Religious Scholars, Community Leaders and Citizens to play Role in Promoting Brotherhood as Extremism and divisive Rhetoric are Threat to Social Peace and Harmony. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event being observed Since 2010 and it is Celebrated every Year during the first Week of February. In his Message on World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Prime Minister said this Week Serves as a Powerful Reminder of the Importance of dialogue, Understanding, and Cooperation among Diverse religious communities. He said Pakistan, Envisioned by our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a Sanctuary for all faiths, Remains steadfast in its constitutional oath to Protect every Citizen’s right to Belief, Dignity, and Equality. The Prime Minister said the Government is committed to fostering an environment of acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect. https://ptv.com.pk/ptvworld/newsdetail/1552

World Interfaith Harmony Week is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, within and among all nations and peoples. Seeds of Peace Pakistan celebrates World Interfaith Harmony Week February 1-7 of each year has been designated World Interfaith Harmony Week by the United Nations. It was launched in February 2011 to promote harmony among people of different faiths at a time when interreligious conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods all over the world. United Religions Initiative (URI) invites you to join our hundreds of interfaith Cooperation Circles (CCs) worldwide in taking action this year to build peace. 2025 Participation: To submit a CC event for WIHW click here to fill out a short form and be added to URI’s 2025 event listing. Looking for ideas? Consult the Ideas for celebrating WIHW. Also, to register your event to qualify for H M King Abdullah II of Jordan Prize for Harmony Week, please click here. A few URI Cooperation Circles were winners in past years.   …

Uniting for peace World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February, since the General Assembly designation in 2010. The General Assembly pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions. Origin and history World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), conceived to promote a culture peace and nonviolence, was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010. This was quickly …

World Interfaith Harmony Week – February 1-7, 2025 History Timeline FAQs Importance Observe World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed every year in the first week of February, from February 1 to 7. This observation has emerged from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution that seeks a worldwide celebration of interfaith harmony. The World Interfaith Harmony Week was started in 2010 by HM King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan. The goal of the week-long celebration is to promote harmony between citizens of the world, regardless of their faith. It is a celebration of unity in diversity, and the divine connection between people and their faith. History of World Interfaith Harmony Week The World Interfaith Harmony Week was proposed by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan at the U.N. General Assembly in September 2010. A month later, the U.N. declared that the first week of February will be celebrated as World Interfaith Harmony Week. The celebration is …

ibandh Vinod Trending Desk Last Updated:February 01, 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week serves as a platform to promote peace and understanding among religious communities globally. World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform for all interfaith groups and people to come together and promote harmony. (Image: Shutterstock) World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025: An annual celebration observed every year in the first week of February, the World Interfaith Harmony Week serves as a platform to promote peace and understanding among religious communities globally. Established in 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, the week focuses on increasing dialogue, respect, and collaboration among different faiths. It also encourages citizens to reflect and take action aimed at uplifting the spirit of harmony. As UNGA gears up to observe the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025, here’s all you need to know about its history, significance, and objectives. World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025: History According to the United Nations’ official website, the World Interfaith Harmony Week was …

January 28, 2025 In Psalm 150, the author says: “Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet… harp… lyre… timbrel… strings… flutes… and loud clashing cymbals.” If you’re counting, that’s seven different instruments that are referenced, all of them praising the Lord. Imagine how all of those playing together would make for a joyful noise! From February 1 to 7, people all around the world mark World Interfaith Harmony Week. It’s an initiative that arose from the United Nations in 2010, based on the desire to see people draw on the resources of spirituality, faith and religious traditions in support of the common good, rather than allowing those things to be co-opted to sow seeds or rivalry and violence, as they so often are. The year 2025 is the 15th anniversary of the launch of this global cause for justice and peace. In the world of music, harmony refers to the idea that two or more distinct and often discordant …

Jan 30, 2025 Interfaith harmony and human rights are woven together by the universal values of dignity, equality, and mutual respect. As we commemorate Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1-7), we are reminded that the bedrock of human rights lies in the recognition of our shared humanity regardless of our faith. First established in 2010, World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the United Nations to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Interfaith harmony celebrates diversity and encourages dialogue among different faiths and traditions, creating a foundation for mutual understanding. This aligns deeply with the principles of human rights, which assert that every individual is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion without fear of discrimination or persecution. These freedoms not only protect the rights of individuals but also foster environments where diverse perspectives can coexist, enriching societies and strengthening their moral fabric. History shows us that divisions based on religion or belief lead to violations of …

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025: Origins, Importance, and Global Observance Askari Jaffer – Hans News Service | 1 Feb 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week fosters peace and unity by encouraging dialogue and collaboration among different religious communities worldwide. World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed annually in the first week of February to encourage peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities. This initiative serves as a platform for dialogue, respect, and collaboration, promoting global harmony. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, the event inspires individuals and organisations to take action in fostering mutual understanding and peace. The Origins and History of World Interfaith Harmony Week The concept of World Interfaith Harmony Week was introduced in 2010 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, aiming to promote cultural peace and non-violence. The initiative quickly gained support and was officially recognised by the UN General Assembly. The week is rooted in ‘The Common Word’ initiative, which began in 2007 and encouraged dialogue …

The 2024 HM King Abdullah II UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize winners have been announced. “The WIHW promotes the common basis of “Love of God and Love of the Neighbour, or Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbour”. Its message invites everyone, excludes no one, and is purely voluntary.”— HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad AMMAN, JORDAN, March 22, 2024 / EINPresswire.com / — On September 23rd 2010, HM King Abdullah II of Jordan introduced a World Interfaith Harmony Week at the Plenary Session of the 65th UN General Assembly in New York. This resolution was adopted by the UN on October 20, 2010, and the first week of February, every year, has been declared a UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. https://www.un.org/en/observances/interfaith-harmony-week https://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/ The Background HM King Abdullah has long been known for his peace initiatives including The Amman Message and the Common Word. The UN World Interfaith Harmony Week seeks to promote the common basis of “Love of …

Summary Event on the occasion of Interfaith Harmony Week sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations. Description The theme this year is – Overcoming Hate: Reaching Across the Divide to the “Other” – Partnerships and Peacebuilding at the Grassroots Level. Join us for this timely program featuring perspectives from: The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations. The Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations. The Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations. Faith leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American, and Muslim traditions. NGOs. Youth. Related Sites and Documents Website of the World Interfaith Harmony Week   https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k18/k18jyvglr6    

House OKs bill declaring February 7 as National Religious Freedom Appreciation Day March 19, 2023 By Billy Begas   The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposal declaring February 7 of every year as National Religious Freedom Appreciation Day. House Bill 7210, which was approved unanimously with 302 votes, was in line with the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week of the United Nations. According to the bill, the Council on Interfaith Initiative under the Office of the President will be tasked to promulgate the rules and regulations to ensure the significance of the celebration.   LINK

https://media.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19i50ypu2 Summary Working together to achieve peace, gender equality, mental health and wellbeing, and environmental preservation. Event organized during World Interfaith Harmony Week (1-7 February). Description Future pandemics and natural catastrophic events are likely to continue, adversely impacting the health and wellbeing of peoples. These stressors will continue accentuating already-existing inequities, unless addressed with urgency. The Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of Sierra Leone, Belize, and the Permanent Observer of the Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations Faith leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim traditions and spiritual leaders representing the Onondaga Nation and African Traditional Religion The World We Want, youth panel discussion Celebratory musical performances In 2010, the UN General Assembly passed a Resolution proposed by King Abdullah of Jordan (A/Res.65/5) establishing the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Harmony Week to be observed by meaningful programs and initiatives to promote harmony among the world’s faiths. Related Sites and …

The Interfaith Legacy of Pope Benedict January 2, 2023 by Admin Pope Benedict was feted by leaders of other religions as a kind and gentle person. His intellect guided the Catholic Church’s orthodoxy and belief during his 25 years as the head of the Vatican congregation that steers the faith of its worldwide churches. Here, we look to the interfaith legacy of Pope Benedict, who was – indirectly – a cause of World Interfaith Harmony Week coming into being. Relations with Muslims When Pope Benedict visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in 2006, he took off his shoes and stood in silent meditation with his arms folded in the same manner as the imam praying next to him. This was read by many Muslims as a sign of deep respect and as a gesture that ran directly counter to a speech he had made two months earlier at the University of Regensburg, Germany.     Pope Benedict at Instanbul’s Blue Mosque In the Regensburg …

Ambassador of Jordan Ibrahim Al Madani hands over award; Prof Arshad all praise for the Jordan leadership for the honour DNA ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani professor Dr. Arshad Munir, Department of Islamic Studies Ghazi University has been awarded with King Abdullah II prize in connection with World Interfaith Harmony Week. The professor got the seond prize. To decorate the professor with the prize Ambassador of Jordan to Pakistan Ibrahim Al Madani hosted a small but impressive ceremony and handed over the award to Dr. Arshad Munir. It may be mentioned here that in 2010 King Abdullah II of Jordan introduced the World Interfaith Harmony Week at the plenary session of the 65th UN General Assembly in New York, making the first week of February of every year a time to bring together all people, regardless of their faith or those with no faith to celebrate religious and cultural tolerance and understanding. Prince Ghazi bin Muahmmad, Chief Advisor to King Abdullah II for …

A Kaduna pastor and crusader of religious harmony in the country, Pastor Yohana Buru has bagged the United Nations Interfaith and Harmony award for 2022. The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State, who was declared winner of the award attributed the success story to the tremendous support he received from some media organisations. Buru who is also the National President, Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria said in a statement that the award will not go like that without identifying with organisations who had made it possible. “I am grateful to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), Radio Nigeria as well as the Nigerian Tribune newspaper who have helped us achieve this feat. These organisations have helped in spreading our event with the aim  of sensitizing millions of Nigerians both at home and abroad about the need to live in peace with our brothers and sisters “ “I …

DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Ghazi University’s Department of Islamic Studies obtained second position in a contest held under King Abdullah ll world interfaith harmony prize. Reports regarding the activities to promote interfaith harmony from more than 50 countries were submitted. Department head Dr Arshad Leghari told Dawn that the prize distribution ceremony would be held in Jordan. The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on Sept 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on Oct 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February is observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2022   SOURCE

By  African Climate Reporters March 24, 2022 Nigerian scholar became best winner of world interfaith week harmony 2022   The general overseer of Christ evangelical and life intervention ministry sabon tasha Kaduna state north western Nigeria ,and the national president peace revival and reconciliation foundation of Nigeria pastor Yohanna Buru has been declared the first winner of this year’s united nation world international interfaith harmony week 2022. The judges received 85 submitted reports for the prize from hundreds of events held in total across the globe . This is a remarkable effort given the continuing effects of the Covid pandemic worldwide. The result was published at the website of the organization and Pastor Yohanna Buru says this is the biggest award in the history of his life and it came at the right time which is going to boost his effort toward taking more peace campaigns to various places .,   Buru said, through the 7 days of the week, he …

The King Abdullah II 2022 WIHW Prize winners have been announced! Congratulations to them and to all those who took part in the 2022 WIHW. Event Report Number on website Event Name Organisation 3, 2, 15, 16 Interfaith Harmony Week 2022 Pastor Yohanna Buru, Nigeria 13, 9-12 Interfaith Harmony Week Department of Islamic Studies, Ghazi University, Pakistan 74 Wamala Ward Interfaith Prayers Friends of Canon Gideon Foundation, Uganda 80 Roots of friendship – Mariam meets Maria URI Austria HM King Abdullah II of Jordan Prize for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2022  

https://media.un.org/asset/k13/k133gqa9pn World Interfaith Harmony Week Observance at the United Nations – Theme: Faith and Spiritual Leadership to Combat Stigma and Conflict During Pandemic Recovery. Summary: An interfaith dialogue to continue commitment to advance the cause of developing a culture of peace and harmony by bringing together faith and spiritual leaders to motivate people of the world. Description: Theme: Faith and Spiritual Leadership to Combat Stigma and Conflict During Pandemic Recovery. An interfaith dialogue to continue commitment to advance the cause of developing a culture of peace and harmony by bringing together faith and spiritual leaders to motivate people of the world. At this event, leaders will bring their moral and spiritual authority to bear on the need for solidarity and cooperation among peoples and nations of the world, to control the scourge of COVID-19 with resources available and shared equitably. Opening performance Opening Prayers Statements from Main Member State sponsors, including the main Member States sponsor, the Permanent Mission of Sierra …

https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/59438/world-interfaith-harmony-week     World Interfaith Harmony Week EDM (Early Day Motion)940: tabled on 02 February 2022 Tabled in the 2021-22 session. This motion has been signed by 14 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted. Motion text That this House notes that the United Nations has decreed the first week of February of every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week, which aims to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith; notes that the week is based on United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/65/PV.34, which was passed in 2010 and calls for a worldwide week of interfaith harmony; joins the United Nations in recognising the need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and co-operation among people; welcomes the events taking place during World Interfaith Harmony Week 2022, such as the webinar on Protection of Mother Earth through Mindfulness and Prayer, organised by Interfaith Scotland in partnership with Mindfulness for Earth and Faith …

Third Place Prize Winners Award Ceremony The award ceremony for the third place prize was held at the Embassy Residence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in New Delhi, India. H.E. Mohamed Salam El Kayed presented the WIHW bronze medal and certificate to Dr M. D. Thomas, Founder of Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies. Pictures:  

First Place Prize Winners Award Ceremonies Two ceremonies took place in New Zealand June 18th, 2021: Minister Andrew Little gifted the medal and certificate to the Wellington Interfaith Council. August 2nd, 2021: The Council called on the Mayor of Wellington, His Worship, Mayor Andy Foster to gift the medal and the certificate to the city so that it could be aptly displayed. See here for photos.

Second Place Prize Winners Award Ceremony The award ceremony for the second place prize was held at the Embassy Residence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Japan. H.E. Ambassador Lina Annab presented the WIHW silver medal and certificate to representatives of the Religion and Politics Forum. Mr Kato Shigenari delivered an acceptance speech and there was a performance by pianist Nishizawa Azumi. 2021 Second Prize Award Ceremony  

H.M. King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize recognizes events organized during the UN observance which best promote the goals of the initiative. AMMAN, JORDAN, April 26, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — The World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) initiative announced the official winners of the 2021 H.M. King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize on March 24th. Established by the Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan, the prize is awarded to the three best events hosted during UN World Interfaith Harmony Week to have been most successful in promoting interfaith harmony and impacting religious understanding. UN World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on UNGA Resolution A/65/PV.34 for a worldwide week of interfaith harmony. It was proposed in 2010 by HM King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan. All around the world, organizations, and individuals host events during February to help neighbors of different faiths get to know each other and build a foundation for more peaceful and …

March 6, 2021 by: Frankie Stein The pope received an interfaith manifesto copy, says Alessandro Bazzoni During the first days of February was celebrated the World Interfaith Harmony Week, an event dedicated to spread the world on how the interfaith movement can bring peace to every corner of the world. This event was particularly special because it awarded a manifesto that was created in ASL Roma 6 with the participation of Alessandro Bazzoni, part of the directive board. After being recognized and awarded, the writers of this manifesto decided to deliver a copy to one of the biggest personalities, the pope. This effort of getting the manifesto out to the most powerful faith leader shows a commitment from the team of ASL Roma 6 to the final goal of peace. Now let’s talk more about this interfaith manifesto and what does it explains. First, what is the popular interfaith dialogue? According to the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, “The term ‘Interfaith Dialogue’ …

28.02.2021 – Philippines – Pressenza IPA Some religious leaders and network of the Uniharmony Partners Manila during the WIHW Webinar Celebration Uniharmony Partners Manila (UPM) 2021 World Interfaith Harmony Week Webinar Celebration by Genevieve Balance Kupang This year’s celebration of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) among Uniharmony Partners Manila (UPM), is exceptional given the context of the pandemic and the wounded world. In the past, an array of programs and activities were done daily from February 1-7 in several venues owned and administered by various faith traditions. Due to lockdowns and general community quarantine, members cannot travel, gather, nor be together. Regardless, we, peace advocates, and religious leaders still enjoyed our version of the global WIHW via a two-day webinar, held last February 4-5. This year also marks the inauguration of the UN International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4, 2021; this historic date is intimately associated with the remarkable document “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” …

The packages, filled with items like soap, toothpaste and shampoo, were part of the One Billion Rising campaign, an initiative to raise awareness to end violence against women and children Author of the article: Denise Ryan Publishing date: Feb 15, 2021  •  12 hours ago  •  2 minute read Manpreet Multani from the World Sikh Organization of Canada and Etti Goldman of The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, carry boxes of donated items that will go into care packages that will be distributed to women and children at 25 shelters across the Lower Mainland. PHOTO BY JASON PAYNE /PNG Article content When 1,100 care packages were distributed to women in need throughout the Lower Mainland last week, they contained Valentine’s wishes, but no flowers. The omission was deliberate, said advocate Manpreet Multani, 24, of the World Sikh Organization of Canada. The packages, filled with items like soap, toothpaste and shampoo, were part of the One Billion Rising campaign, an initiative to raise awareness to end violence against …

GENEVA/Switzerland | 9/2/2021 Women of faith have a vital role to play in rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Panelists’ own A webinar marking World Interfaith Harmony Week highlights the role of women in post-COVID cooperation (LWI) – Women of faith have a vital role to play in promoting more effective dialogue and cooperation in a world struggling to overcome the divisive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. That conviction was shared by Jewish, Buddhist and Christian participants in a webinar organized by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF) to mark the 1- 7 February observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The online encounter, entitled ‘Women and Interfaith Engagement: sharing lessons learnt during COVID-19 and beyond’, showcased the urgency of reaching out across religious and ethnic divides to promote greater solidarity and support for those worst affected by the global pandemic. In opening remarks, the WCC’s Program Coordinator for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation, …

By  News desk February 12, 2021 M Anwar Farooq INTERFAITH harmony means bringing peace and tranquillity among people by positivity. There is an interrelationship among people of different religious beliefs at the individual and institutional level which projects a positive picture in the polity of nations. Interfaith harmony encourages the dictum to live and lets others live peacefully. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February. World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), conceived to promote peace and non-violence, was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010. Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, voluntarily and according to their religious traditions or convictions. The World …

By JT – Feb 09,2021 – Last updated at Feb 09,2021 The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army on Monday marked the World Interfaith Harmony Week (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) on Monday marked the World Interfaith Harmony Week. During the ceremony at Prince Hassan College of Islamic Sciences, JAF Mufti Brig. Gen. Majed Darawsheh highlighted the values of Islam in relation to coexistence, tolerance and respect to different religions and cultures, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Director of the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre, Father Nabil Haddad, highlighted that interfaith harmony is part of the Kingdom’s diplomacy and  political ideology, highlighting the role of the Amman Message in this arena. The annual event was firstly proposed at the UN General Assembly on October 20, 2010, by His Majesty King Abdullah, and it is marked in the first week of February. Priest Michael Protoli from the US noted the fact that in Jordan Muslims and Christians …

 Umer Jamshaid  4 days ago  Thu 11th February 2021 | 04:59 PM Speakers at a dialogue to promote harmony on Thursday underlined the need for making collective efforts to promote brotherhood, tolerance and interfaith harmony for evolving a prosperous society PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 11th Feb, 2021 ) :Speakers at a dialogue to promote harmony on Thursday underlined the need for making collective efforts to promote brotherhood, tolerance and interfaith harmony for evolving a prosperous society. The community dialogue was organized by National Commissions on Human Rights (NCHR) in collaboration with Blue Veins, JamaAshrfia and Aawaz II Programme in Peshawar to commemorate the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2021 by promoting social cohesion, interfaith harmony and inclusion through dialogue and discussion Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Wazirzada who was chief guest on the occasion said interfaith harmony embodied the notion of live and let live. He said in a world of increasing political and economic dissonance, peaceful coexistence among practitioners of various religious beliefs can prove to …

Published February 14, 2021, 8:34 PM by Manila Bulletin Entertainment Millions of people from 63 nations convened online last Feb. 6 to call for the healing of the nation and the world at the Rally of Hope Philippines sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation, (UPF), an NGO holding general consultative status with the United Nations. Dubbed “One Million People Praying for the Healing of the Nation and the World”, the event was telecast on PTV 4 and was simultaneously livestreamed on radio, cable tv stations in different parts of the nation and in countries even as far as Fiji and other social media platforms. The event brought together Filipinos and other citizens from different corners of the world in an online interfaith gathering to collectively pray for the healing of the world from the COVID-19 pandemic, the healing of Mother Earth from the ruins of climate change, and the healing from social divisions ripping apart our human family. World-class entertainment from Jed …

Coalition of Hindus of North America (https://cohna.org) February 12, 2021 By RNS Press Release Distribution Service Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Jewish speakers shared their perspectives along with historical evidence and current usage of the misunderstood symbol Sunday, February 8, 2021. Virtual. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of New York (Heiwa) co-sponsored a three-day event aimed at spreading awareness, encouraging dialogue, and developing a deeper understanding of the Swastika – a symbol held sacred by nearly 2 billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and other communities around the world. Held during the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, the event highlighted the need to remove various misconceptions that have incorrectly deemed the Swastika as a symbol of hatred in the west. “This series is part of our Swastika Education & Awareness Campaign, which CoHNA launched in 2020 when the State of New York introduced a bill mandating the Swastika be taught as a symbol of hatred …

Published February 7, 2021, 4:20 PM by Christina Hermoso As the Catholic marks the World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue (ECID) has cited the need to forge friendship and unity among Christians, Muslims, the Lumads, and other religious denominations. CBCP-ECID Executive Secretary Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra took time to remember the victims of the Marawi siege as well as the difficulties faced by the majority because of the pandemic. “This is the World Interfaith Harmony Week and this message is specially for our friends in the area of Marawi that have been affected by the war, the siege that we know that remains painful not only visually but also in the heart. This activity is an occasion where people in that area can meet together and build friendship – Muslims and Christians can talk about the importance of the love of God, the love of your neighbor,” he said in his message …

  Published On 07 February,2021 09:02 pm She said it was more pressing and imperative to address and tackle the global problems ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara Sunday said in the modern era, promoting interfaith harmony among different nations and religions was more imperative and a way forward for a better social and prosperous society. The EU was celebrating the World Interfaith Harmony Week with an aim to found all possible common grounds for religious and social harmony, and its contemporary significance among the people having different religions and cultural values, she said. The ambassador said in today’s increasingly complex political and economic world, beset with conflict and intolerance, peaceful coexistence among various religious beliefs was critical for achieving peace and prosperity. She said it was more pressing and imperative to address and tackle the global problems such as COVID-19 pandemic with global responses and joint efforts. “This requires commitment from all concerned. We must …

This week we celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week. The World Interfaith Harmony Week resolution, which was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2010, upholds that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace. In its resolution, the General Assembly, pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. It recognises the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people. This requires commitment from all concerned. In an increasingly complex political and economic world, beset with conflict and intolerance, peaceful coexistence among various religious beliefs is a critical for achieving peace and prosperity. It also key to tackling global problems such as the current pandemic. The need to find common ground has never been more pressing and it is imperative …

World Interfaith Harmony Week 1-7 February   Interfaith harmony: Implementing the transformative agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals PHOTO:UN Photo/Manuel Elias Building Bridges Across Boundaries World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February. In 2021 we also mark the inaugural International Day of Human Fraternity on 4 February. World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2010. In its resolution, the General Assembly, pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and …

      02 01 Interfaith Harmony Week

City of New Westminster, Canada, Proc

Several Lower Mainland municipalities have issued proclamations recognizing Feb. 1-8 as World Interfaith Harmony Week, a move Archbishop J. Michael Miller hopes will contribute to dialogue and respect for religion. “I welcome local municipalities’ recognition of United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week,” said the archbishop. “At this time when there is so much division and hatred in the world, and religion is often perceived as a contributing factor, it’s important that people of faith show the world that religion plays a crucial and beneficial role in all societies. The cities of Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Port Coquitlam were among those that issued proclamations calling for respect and tolerance for religious and personal beliefs. The archbishop noted “Catholics, Christians, and all religious believers are engaged in ongoing respectful dialogue and mutual co-operation as they work to build a culture of peace and serve those in need.” He said the week is “an important opportunity for believers and all people of goodwill …

  British Columbia Proclamation

https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse/status/1356248261879865347     SOURCE

General Assembly asks individuals, organisations to host events during February’s first week to help neighbours of different faiths to know each other for more friendly communities By Staff Report LAHORE: Pakistanis also joined the World Interfaith Harmony Week, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2010, to support mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue to constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. The General Assembly encourages all member states to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the mosques, churches, temples, synagogues and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions. Addressing a press conference at the Nisar Usmani Auditorium of the Lahore Press Club, National Council for Interfaith Peace & Harmony leaders requested everyone to give all respect to each and every person without any religious, sectarian or ethnic discrimination for economically stronger …

BY NIGEL EDGAR ON MARCH 4, 2020 Uggah (third left) presents a memento to Abang Johari, witnessed by (from left) Richard, Talib, Manyin and Dr Sim. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is proposing for the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to send its people to Oxford University in the United Kingdom to attend three-month courses on interfaith studies or other disciplines. “We have had very good understanding with the Islamic Centre of Oxford University, and the patron is of course the Prince of Wales who really promotes interfaith relationships. “Every year, we (Sarawak) are given three places to attend short courses on interfaith as well as any other discipline. “Therefore, I would like to propose, I open it up to Unifor, for you (Unifor members) to go only for three months, after that you will get a certificate from Oxford University,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak World Interfaith Harmony Week …

The students filed into Memorial Auditorium to World War II era music. The presentation, by Professor Danny Cohen, had the unlikely title of “Hidden Holocaust History: Memories, Misconceptions & Mickey Mouse” (you had to be there for that). Sponsored by the Tennessee Holocaust Commission, the program’s partner was Chattanooga’s Council Against Hate. After an introduction by Alison Lebovitz, the council’s co-chairman, Mayor Andy Berke offered comments that had the students rapt attention. Berke’s passion to counteract hate and anti-Semitism is personal. It dates back more than a century, long before six million Jews were killed during the Nazi-inspired Holocaust. His grandfather, born in Lithuania, was given a choice of forced labor or death. The family’s town was burnt to the ground, but they escaped, spending two years as refugees trying to get to the United States. Hate that began with small villages and cartoons like today’s memes, fed the anti-Semitism that erupted into the Holocaust. How could hate grow like …

Nuns at the Global Climate March in Bogotá, Colombia Can religion fight climate change? 6 min read . Updated: 24 Feb 2020, 05:49 PM ISTUrmi Chanda-Vaz Religious orders and leaders are increasingly using faith to spread the message of climate change and environmentalism The first week of February is celebrated as World Interfaith Harmony Week, when faith leaders from across the world convene to discuss interreligious relationships. It was adopted by the UN in 2010 to foster dialogue and mutual understanding among people of different faiths. While discussions on complex religious subjects have dominated the forum in the last decade, something unusual happened on its 10th anniversary this year. Led by the Parliament of the World’s Religions (PoWR), global faith leaders spoke about the immediate crisis of climate change that is staring the world in the face. The parliament—inaugurated in 1893 in Chicago, US, as part of the World Columbian Exposition—has been the focal point for interfaith interactions for more than a …

NEWS / 17 FEBRUARY 2020, 7:00PM / KAREN SINGH Ela Gandhi met the pope in the Vatican City last week, following her keynote address on February 11, during World Interfaith Harmony Week, in Italy. Picture: Supplied Durban – Ela Gandhi says she admires Pope Francis and his idea of solidarity is exactly what her grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, stood for.Gandhi met the pope in the Vatican City last week, following her keynote address on February 11, during World Interfaith Harmony Week, in Italy. Invited by the Women of Faith Network in Italy, Gandhi addressed government officials, the religious community and people from the Vatican.Scheduled to return to South Africa on the same day, Gandhi said she went to Saint Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of people gather every Wednesday to see the pope. “We arranged to go there on Wednesday morning, but somebody who had come to the meeting had tickets for us and we were then invited into the Vatican hall, instead of standing outside …

February 17, 2020 2:49pm   Comments Malang, East Java – The founders of Visions of a Peaceful Tomorrow Initiative, Princess Cheryl Halpern, Prince Damien Dematra, and Princess Natasha Dematra were awarded The United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2020 Special Award by the Nusantara Culture Council. The award was presented by KPH Prince Wiroyudho, the chairman of MATRA in the Dome of University of Muhammadiyah, Malang on January 27th, 2020. The Special Award was presented to the VOPI in recognition of the significant contribution that it has made by promoting peace, tolerance and respect for all faiths through the visions of youth. During the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2020, VOPI visited the Islamic Boarding School of Sabilurrosyad and held its Awards Ceremony in the Dome University of Muhammadiyah. The VOPI continued to Surabaya and held a similar event in the Junior State High School 12. The VOPI ended its three city visit with a closing event at the distinguished Tebuireng Islamic …

BY MARILYN ROQUE ON FEBRUARY 11, 2020 In response to the global call for a mutual understanding and peace as nations celebrate the World Interfaith Harmony Week, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted an interfaith luncheon on Feb. 6, 2020, at Claveria Stake Center, CM Recto Street, Davao City. . LDS leader Elder Taniela Wakolo, 1st Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, joined leaders of other faiths and indigenous people communities, including Archbishop Romulo Geolina Valles, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Metropolitan Archdiocese of Davao Archbishop, where 68 leaders and evangelists from 13 diverse groups attended. With the year’s theme, “Celebrating Dialogue Towards Harmony,” the event provided a setting for a congruent and united discussion as leaders shook hands and unique beliefs were humbly shared and warmly received. Elder Wakolo, who just recently met Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in Manila on Monday, Feb. 4, delivered a message of friendship and goodwill. In his …

Watch Meshal Malik’s stimulating conversation in Indus Special with some of the best experts from different parts of the world. Topic: 1. Interfaith Harmony Week Guests: * Yasser Louati – Activist * Byron Matarangas – Into. Law Expert * Alison Scott-Baumann – Prof. Society & Belief * Hanadi Chehabeddine – Activist   SOURCE

Published: February 10, 2020 NARENDRA PANDE About 125 years ago, Swami Vivekananda spoke to the western world on the role of religious dialogue to come up with constructive factors to unite the people who experience heavy divisions and inequality due to their faiths There are certain things in life that remain a mystery for lack of exposure, experience and flow of information. Lack of exposure often hinders harmony, respect, progress, and well-being in life. Interfaith, interfaith dialogue and media connection and relation are still not known in Nepal. The concept stemmed about 125 years ago when Swami Vivekananda from India spoke to the western world on the role of religious dialogue to come up with constructive factors to unite the people who experience heavy divisions, inequality and lack of opportunities owing to their religions. If the media were to set aside some time in understanding interfaith and interfaith dialogue, it would help produce religious tolerance, peace, harmony and development at …

‘It’s personal’: Mayor of London calls for unity at Streatham terror attack vigil By Samuel Draper February 10 2020, 09:30 Follow @SW_Londoner Sadiq Khan gave a passionate speech praising community spirit at a vigil in Streatham on Saturday. The Mayor of London and Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy were among the speakers on Streatham High Road, six days after a terror attack in the area left three people in hospital. Mr Khan praised the Streatham community and the police for their reactions to the stabbing, and how local people have come together rather than letting a terrorist divide them. Mr Khan told the South West Londoner: “It’s personal, I’m a south Londoner. I live up the road. What’s wonderful about the response of my community has been how resolute we’ve stood in the last six days. “We have to lobby the government for more resources. The police we’ve got are under-resourced and over-stretched and we need more of them. “We’ve lost so …

BY JUDY KURIANSKYFEBRUARY 10,2020 Pervasive violence. Devastating climate change. Religious and racial intolerance. Deadly epidemics.  These themes threatening our world today were taken on by a panel of faith leaders, experts and high-level officials at a commemoration of an event during World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrated annually in early February at the United Nations. Entitled “The State of the World Today from a Religious and Spiritual Perspective,” and held at a UN headquarters conference room, the event focused on faith leaders’ solutions to the real life issues affecting peoples worldwide. Two themes emerged: calling for putting words into action, and for oneness.  These were presented in speeches and song. An appropriate tone was set in his welcome by Gordon Tapper, President of the United African Congress, when introducing the main sponsorship of the Mission of the Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations. Tapper acknowledging that the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His …

Vision 2030 consolidates the approach of religious and cultural coexistence King Faisal sent team for interfaith dialogue with the Vatican in 1972  February 9, 2020   King Faisal Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH – The World Interfaith Harmony Week, which falls in the first week of February (1-7) every year, aims to promote harmony between all peoples around the world regardless of their faith. It is a historical fact that Saudi Arabia embarked on a platform of interfaith dialogue nearly half a century ago when King Faisal sent a delegation to the Vatican. The first dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the followers of the Christianity took place in 1972 when a delegation of Saudi scholars visited the Vatican in line with King Faisal’s directive. The objective of the World Interfaith Harmony Week is to achieve coexistence, peace and love between all religions and cultures at the level of the countries of the world as a whole, through organization of community volunteer activities …

World Interfaith Harmony Week: The Role of Religious Institutions in Combatting Hate Speech February 5th, 2020 Rachel McCave “Don’t remain passive. Speak out! Speak out!” – Adama Dieng, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, reflecting on his work and the need to always speak out against injustice. To commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week, Intersections participated in an event at the United Nations titled “Addressing Hate Speech and Preventing Incitement to Discrimination, Hostility and Violence: Synergies within the United Nations System.” Member state representatives from Morocco, Bangladesh and Italy began the conversation by stressing the importance of interfaith dialogue: religious leaders have an influential capacity to promote peace and religious tolerance, especially in order combat hate speech, discrimination and other forms of prejudice that may lead to violence. The panelists referenced a robust set of resources created by the United Nations on the topic, such as the Fez Plan of Action. the UN Strategy and Plan of Action Hate Speech and the UN …

Andy Smallman Follow Feb 5 · 3 min read World Interfaith Harmony Week takes place the first week of February each year We’re in the midst of the 2020 World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), proposed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2010. WIHW takes place the first week of February and is for interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill to show the world that our common values as humans far outweigh our differences. Last year, I was asked to create daily missions of goodwill to inspire interested individuals to up their awareness of the purpose of the week. Successful, I was asked to repeat my efforts this year. Each day, I post a short, entertaining video I’ve produced, each less than three minutes long, from the HEARTquarters of the International Kindness Team (get it, HEARTquarters instead of headquarters?). I play a character I created seven years ago, an unnamed secret agent who is responsible for communicating “secret missions of compassion” to agents in …

 Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan  Published at 04:10 pm February 5th, 2020 Ambassador Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the UN speaks at the UN headquarters on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 UNB UN praises Bangladesh’s decision to impart formal education to Rohingya children Bangladesh has highlighted the prevailing religious harmony in Bangladesh at the United Nations (UN), as the global body observes inter-faith harmony week. Speaking at an event held at the UN Headquarters titled “Addressing hate speech and preventing incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence: Synergies within the United Nations system” on Tuesday, Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission at the UN, Ambassador Rabab Fatima described how the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians in the country are cohabiting in harmony and peace. The program was a part of observance of the “Inter-Faith Harmony Week,” organized by the UN   Office on Genocide Prevention and the   Responsibility to Protect this with Bangladesh, Morocco and Italy as cosponsors. Meanwhile, a special adviser to the UN …

This week marks the 10th anniversary of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, which recognises that interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding are vital to building a culture of peace. KAICIID is deeply committed to the promotion of harmony between people of all faiths and religious traditions in all aspects of our work, including through our Fellows programme which has trained nearly 300 leaders worldwide. In honour of World Interfaith Harmony Week, we take a closer look at a Fellows initiative in our host city of Vienna, Austria. When Cirilo Boloron and Elisabeth Palugyay met through KAICIID’s International Fellows Programme, they immediately connected over their desire to support Vienna’s influx of refugees and migrants. Fast population growth in the city of Vienna has been linked to the city’s history of international migration, with long-standing migrant communities representing half of the population, according to reports by the OECD. Additionally, between 2015-2018, Austria received an unprecedented number of people seeking refuge from conflict. “Vienna is a …

Awqaf minister participates in World Interfaith Harmony Week By JT – Jan 30,2020 – Last updated at Jan 30,2020 AMMAN — Jordan adheres to its values and principles, Awqaf Minister Mohammad Khalaileh said on Thursday, noting the importance of Al Aqsa Mosque and the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Deputising for Prime Minister Omar Razzaz in a ceremony at the World Interfaith Harmony Week in Amman, Khalaileh called on the international community to be just and fair concerning issues in the Islamic world, especially those related to Jerusalem, Al Aqsa Mosque and Muslim minorities worldwide, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre Executive Director Father Nabil Bader said that “we have learnt harmony, peace and love in Jordan’s mosques, churches and schools”.  SOURCE

Proclamations Issued in 2020??? WHEREAS: World Interfaith Harmony Week was proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by King Abdullah II and the first week of February was unanimously adopted by the UN as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. For over 20 years, Interfaith Council of Peel (ICP) has existed as a grassroots organization in the Region of Peel. The mission of ICP is to build an inclusive and co-operative interfaith community, to advocate, establish and promote common ground for people of all faiths in Peel Region and to partner with public, not-for-profit or other community service providers.  The ICP hosts an annual prayer breakfast in Peel to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week. World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform for interfaith groups and groups of goodwill to highlight that common values can outweigh differences and provide peace and harmony within our community. THEREFORE: I, Mayor Patrick Brown, on behalf of Brampton City Council, do hereby proclaim February 1-7, 2020 as “Interfaith …

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1st prize goes to initiative taking prayers from places of worship to troubled areas His Majesty King Abdullah is photographed with winners of the 2019 King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize and a number of Muslim and Christian religious leaders following the prize ceremony (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday attended the 2019 King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize ceremony at Al Husseiniya Palace. At the ceremony, attended by HRH Prince Ghazi, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, King Abdullah presented awards to the winners, a Royal Court statement said. The first prize went to the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative for the activity “Love of Neighbour — our Prayers for our City”.  Co-hosted with Faith, Hope, Love Communities in Elsie’s River,  the activity aim at taking prayers from places of worship to people in troubled areas, according to the statement. The second prize was …

Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, Your Excellencies, World Interfaith Harmony Week team and honoured guests. I greet you in the name of all that is Good and Holy and True. I greet you in the name of Peace. What do we say, when thank you is not enough? In a world where innocent and beautiful dreams are buried every day through hate crimes motivated by religious extremism, we are deeply aware of the responsibility of the work we do and of the significance of receiving the 2019 HM King Abdullah II Prize for our work in the United Nations’  World Interfaith Harmony Week. Apart from the immense encouragement it gives us in our work, it also gives us a global platform from which we must and will continue to spread the message of interfaith, encourage fellow organisations and to carry the light of love for the other, wherever we may go. We are enthused to continue our work, always striving to …

Chancellor Angela Merkel has presented the “Lamp of Peace” to Jordanian King Abdullah II for his human rights efforts. Merkel received the Catholic prize last year for promoting “peaceful coexistence among peoples.”      Jordanian King Abdullah II received the “Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis” at a ceremony in the Italian city of Assisi on Friday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as last year’s recipient, presented the monarch with the award. Abdullah has been given the Catholic award for promoting human rights, interfaith dialogue and Middle East peace, and for taking in Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict in their country. Promoting interfaith harmony In her presentation speech, Merkel praised Abdullah for sending “an important signal in 2007 when he supported the letter sent by dozens of Islamic scholars to Christian leaders.” She also mentioned Abdullah’s 2010 call for a UN “World Interfaith Harmony Week” that is now celebrated annually across the world in February. In addition, the chancellor praised Jordan for not “closing …

Lamp of Peace awarded to King of Jordan Abdullah II Dale Gavlak   Jordan’s King Abdullah II urged greater co-operation to take on serious challenges worldwide as he was awarded a top Catholic peace prize by the Conventual Franciscans of the Sacred Convent of Assisi in central Italy. The annual award, known as the Lamp of Peace, recognises King Abdullah’s promotion of peace in the Middle East, support of interreligious dialogue, welcome of refugees and educational reforms. “To me, the Lamp of Peace of St Francis symbolises how peace lights our way forward to a better future for all people, of every faith and country and community,” Abdullah told a packed St Francis Basilica, housing the saint’s relics and the renowned fresco series of his life. “But it is our task to provide the fuel for that light, and what fuels global peace is mutual respect and understanding,” Abdullah emphasised, receiving strong applause. “It is only by combining our efforts …