This year, World Interfaith Harmony Week is being observed under the love of the good and love of the neighbour banner, with the national theme being ‘Fostering Social Cohesion in Guyana.’Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton, at the launch of the week ofGovernment Ministers and representatives from the various religious organisations were at the launch of World Interfaith Harmony Weekactivities, commended religious leaders for the role they have played in encouraging religious harmony in Guyana. He told the gathering he believes that Guyana is a model of interfaith harmony, adding that he is proud of the high level of religious tolerance exhibited.

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í Faiths will make a presentation on the topic: "The Role of Religion in Creating Harmonious Societies".

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í communities will speak on the topic "How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?"

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í communities will speak on the topic "How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?"

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í communities will speak on the topic "How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?"

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í communities will speak on the topic "How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?"

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í communities will speak on the topic "How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?"

Representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í communities will speak on the topic "How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?"

Artistic items with a moral message will be presented by members of various religious organizations which include the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá'í Faiths.

Interfaith prayers & reflections, message from UN SG by UN Resident Coordinator, presentations on the theme from representatives of the three parliamentary parties, and keynote address by the Prime Minister

HE United Nations (UN) this week commemorates ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ and local religious organisations have stepped up Government’s campaign geared at ‘fostering Social Cohesion in Guyana.’Support for interfaith harmony was evident Wednesday when Guyanese from various religious and ethnic backgrounds assembled at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, to celebrate the occasion.Addressing the occasion, President David Granger said social cohesion is an important part of his Government and an entire ministry has been dedicated to it.“Its importance to remove discrimination on the basis of gender, on the basis of geography… women were elevated to the dignity of Senior Counsel for the first time in 50 years [and], last year for the first time an equal number of women received the Golden Arrow of Achievement to those of men. Guyana declared itself to be a Cooperative State,” President Granger said. Interfaith harmony is promoted to encourage a culture of cooperation to combat human conflict.“Interfaith harmony advances through dialogue; dialogue in turn …

Representatives of the three major political parties; the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) also joined to support the call for harmony. The theme for this year’s observances “Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbour” is commonly used and embraces fundamental theological principles and therefore all mankind of good will, can be included in the observances; those with faiths and those without faiths.

A panel of representatives from the Hindu, Christian, Rastafari, Muslim and Bahá’í Faiths will make presentations to university students on the topic “The Role of Religion in Creating Harmonious Societies”.

The programme which is arranged by the IRO in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Cohesion, consists of interfaith prayers and reflections from the Hindu, Christian, Rastafarian, Muslim & Bahá'í Faiths, the UNDP Resident Representative reading the UN SG message, presentations from the leaders of the three parliamentary political parties, and the keynote address of the President. The religious community mounts a display of their sacred literature, which can be viewed during the breakfast that ends this programme. An hour is allowed for refreshments after which an Interfaith Symposium is conducted–presenters are given 7 minutes to speak on “How does your religion impact the prevailing societal ills of the day?”