Report: One Table, One World: An Interfaith Brunch for Embracing Diversity & Celebrating Harmony

In by Signifypk

On February 13, 2025, Signify Consulting hosted a remarkable event titled “One Table, One World: An Interfaith Brunch for Embracing Diversity & Celebrating Harmony” at La Salle Parish, Pastoral Institute, Multan. The gathering, organized as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week, brought together religious leaders, scholars, and community members from Muslim, Christian, and Hindu communities to promote peace, mutual respect, and environmental awareness. The event opened with an interfaith dialogue session, moderated by Mr. Ahmad Riaz, Project Manager at Signify, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of interfaith harmony in fostering peaceful coexistence. He introduced the global observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week and highlighted its significance in promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse faith communities. Religious leaders shared powerful insights during the dialogue, reflecting on the core teachings of their respective faiths. Father Raphael, a Catholic priest from La Salle Parish, highlighted that all sacred and holy books emphasize obedience to God and the duty to care for one another. He reminded participants that while every individual is unique, we all belong to one Creator, and it is our shared responsibility to love and protect one another, as well as the environment for future generations. Allama Syed Mujahid Abbas Gardezi, a Muslim scholar, underscored the importance of peace, referencing the principle of “Live and let live” and drawing parallels with the event of Karbala, which symbolized religious diversity. He urged faith leaders to leverage their influence to raise awareness about climate change, stating that the community would prioritize sustainability if guided by their spiritual leaders. Dr. Kishore Murad, a Hindu religious leader, spoke about the significance of following divine principles and shared the meaning of the phrase “Om Shanti Om”, representing the aspiration for peace. He emphasized that humans are the vicegerents of God and are entrusted with the responsibility of spreading love and protecting nature, drawing examples from Hindu scriptures that stress environmental preservation. Prof. Abdul Majid Watto, an Islamic scholar and professor at Sir Syed College, reinforced that Islam teaches love and respect for all, regardless of religion, and caring for the environment is not just a social duty but a spiritual responsibility. Throughout the event, leaders expressed their commitment to action. Brother Waseem Shamoon, Principal of De La Salle School, shared how his school celebrates diversity by embracing different religious festivals like Eid and Christmas, promoting inclusion and acceptance. Pir Amir Mehmood, a Muslim faith leader, encouraged religious figures to integrate environmental awareness into sermons and take the lead in green initiatives, stating that places of worship should become hubs for sustainable practices. One of the most symbolic moments of the event was the Declaration Signing Ceremony, where religious leaders signed a pledge to promote peace, reject intolerance, and take collective action for climate sustainability. The signed pledges will be displayed in worship places, serving as lasting reminders of their shared responsibility. The day concluded with a tree plantation activity to symbolise role of faith leaders in building climate change resilience, where leaders, including Rev. Iftikhar Moon, Allama Mujahid Abbas, and Zain Baloch (CEO Signify), planted trees as a symbol of hope and environmental sustainability. Following closing remarks, Mr. Zain Baloch emphasized the importance of translating discussions into actions, urging participants to carry the spirit of unity beyond the event and work towards making Pakistan a symbol of peace and sustainability. The event left a profound impact, strengthening interfaith relationships, breaking down misconceptions, and inspiring collective action for a harmonious and environmentally conscious future.