UN marks first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week
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 in Geneva.
“This week will allow for these groups to become aware of each other and strengthen the movement by building ties and avoiding duplicating each others’ efforts,” the official website of the initiative states.
Church participation in dialogue
The Romanian Orthodox Church actively takes part in interreligious and interconfessional dialogue. Representatives of the religious denominations recognised in Romania and of the Government met in January 2026 to discuss the prevention and combating of antisemitism, xenophobia, radicalisation and hate speech, in the context of the National Strategy for the 2024–2027 period.
On that occasion, Patriarch Daniel delivered a message stressing the shared responsibility to promote mutual respect and interreligious dialogue.
“The Romanian Orthodox Church disapproves of antisemitic and xenophobic actions, attitudes and public discourse and reaffirms its constant commitment to fostering peace and social harmony, interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence, grounded in the values of love for one’s neighbour, solidarity and mutual respect,” the message said.
“The Romanian Orthodox Church also considers that any form of hatred, discrimination or intolerance is contrary to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and incompatible with the moral values that underpin the Christian faith,” the message added.