INTERFAITH “UNITY AND FRIENDSHIP TABLE”: A GATHERING FOR DIALOGUE & UNDERSTANDING
INTERFAITH “UNITY AND FRIENDSHIP TABLE”: A GATHERING FOR DIALOGUE & UNDERSTANDING
Event Title: Interfaith “Unity and Friendship Table”
Date: February 4, 2025
Organizer: UNESCO Chair in Comparative Study of World Religions, International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan (IIAU)
Venue: International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan
Theme: Unity and Friendship Table Target
Audience: Cultural representatives, interfaith community members, students, faculty members
Number of Attendees: Over 50 participants
From February 4 to 8, 2025, the UNESCO Chair in Comparative Study of World Religions at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan (IIAU) organized a Week of Scientific, Cultural, Educational, and Sports Events dedicated to World Interfaith Harmony Week. Under the theme “Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue – A Factor of International Solidarity,” this initiative aimed to enhance interfaith cooperation, promote religious tolerance, and foster global solidarity.
As the fourth event of the week’s celebrations, on February 4, 2025, the UNESCO Chair in Comparative Study of World Religions organized the Interfaith “Unity and Friendship Table“– a unique initiative aimed at fostering dialogue, understanding, and solidarity among religious communities.
The event served as a vital platform for interfaith and intercultural engagement, emphasizing the universal values of human fraternity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect. Bringing together representatives of various religious communities, this initiative showcased how shared experiences – such as a communal meal–can bridge differences, foster dialogue, and reinforce interfaith harmony.
Aligned with the United Nations Resolution on World Interfaith Harmony Week, this gathering was not just an interfaith event but a celebration of the Week itself, embodying its core principles of “Love of God and Love of Neighbor” and “Love of the Good and Love of Neighbor.”
The Unity and Friendship Table was honored by the presence of esteemed guests from diverse religious, cultural, and academic backgrounds, reflecting Uzbekistan’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
The event saw participation from:
Leaders and representatives of different religious communities, emphasizing the importance of interfaith cooperation in fostering peace.
Faculty and students from IIAU, reinforcing the academic role in promoting interfaith understanding.
Officials from the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries, underscoring the national commitment to religious and cultural diversity.
Over 50 participants, including young scholars and students, who actively engaged in conversations about religious tolerance and human solidarity.
The gathering served as a model of collaboration, where participants shared insights on their faith traditions, discussed common values, and built connections that extend beyond religious boundaries. Despite limited resources, the event successfully created an inclusive and welcoming environment, further demonstrating the resilience and dedication of the organizing team to the cause of interfaith harmony.
Impact and Key Messages
The Unity and Friendship Table went beyond a simple meal; it became a symbol of trust, dialogue, and shared humanity. The event reinforced several key messages:
Food as a Unifying Force: Sharing a meal transcends differences, creating a space for open dialogue and personal connections.
Interfaith Dialogue in Action: Through informal discussions, participants deepened their understanding of each other’s traditions, reinforcing the values of respect and solidarity.
A Step Toward Lasting Peace: Events like this cultivate relationships that contribute to long-term interfaith collaboration and peaceful coexistence.
By focusing on these core principles, the event successfully contributed to the ongoing mission of World Interfaith Harmony Week, demonstrating Uzbekistan’s consistent and sustained efforts in promoting interreligious dialogue and understanding.
The Interfaith “Unity and Friendship Table” exemplified how simple yet meaningful initiatives can foster connections, break down barriers, and build a culture of peace. The success of this event highlights the UNESCO Chair’s ongoing commitment to strengthening interfaith cooperation, promoting religious tolerance, and reinforcing international solidarity.
As Uzbekistan continues to uphold its tradition of interfaith harmony, events like this will play a crucial role in shaping a world built on mutual respect, inclusivity, and dialogue.