WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK

Event Title

Human Fraternity and Interreligious Dialogue as a Factor of Peace and Stability

Organizing Institution

UNESCO Chair in the Comparative Study of World Religions at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan

General Description

Within the framework of World Interfaith Harmony Week, a series of scientific, cultural, and educational events is planned to be conducted with a focus on human fraternity and interreligious dialogue as key determinants of peace and social stability.

The activities will take place in Tashkent and Bukhara and will follow an academic and inclusive methodology in accordance with United Nations principles.

The program is designed to integrate scholarly discussion, student research, creative engagement, and field-based interfaith interaction, ensuring analytical depth and practical relevance.

SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

International Scientific and Practical Seminar

Topic: Human Fraternity and Interreligious Dialogue as a Factor of International Solidarity

Date: 3 February

Venue: International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Tashkent

The seminar convened representatives of UNESCO, the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, scholars in Religious Studies, recognized academics, representatives of diverse religious confessions, civil society institutions, as well as academic staff and students.

Discussions examined interreligious dialogue as a mechanism for peacebuilding, shared ethical foundations, and international cooperation.

Student Scientific Conference

Topic: Social Development Principles in Religious Teachings

Date: 4 February

Venue: Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, Bukhara

The conference involved students from the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Tashkent Islamic Institute, Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, and Orthodox and Protestant seminaries.

Comparative analysis focused on moral responsibility, social cohesion, and the constructive role of religion in contemporary society.

CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Creative Student Competition

Theme: Faith and Social Unity as the Foundation of Human Fraternity

Date: 5 February

Venue: Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, Bukhara

The competition was organized in the format of a social video project.

Student works addressed themes of tolerance, interreligious respect, and harmonious coexistence using modern communication tools.

Interfaith Educational Tour

Title: Interfaith Friendship Journey

Date: 5 February

Location: Religious institutions in the city of Bukhara

Educational visits were conducted to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and other religious organizations.

This field-based learning activity facilitated direct engagement with religious diversity and interconfessional communication.

Interfaith Coffee Break

Title: Table of Friendship

Date: 3 February

Venue: International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Tashkent

An informal interfaith meeting was held with the participation of representatives of different religious traditions.

The format supported dialogue, trust-building, and interpersonal interaction beyond formal academic settings.

Academic and Social Significance

• Advancement of interreligious understanding through scholarly and educational frameworks

• Promotion of youth participation in peace-oriented academic discourse

• Integration of theoretical Religious Studies with applied dialogue practices

• Contribution to sustainable social stability through education and culture

Alignment with World Interfaith Harmony Week

The events were grounded in the principles of Love of God and Love of the Neighbor.

They correspond to United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/65/5.

They reflect the values articulated in the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.