2015 Winners

The judges received 93 applications for the prize from over 900 events held in total. The judges are highly appreciative of all the efforts of all those who held events and applied for the prize. They wish they could reward all who held an event, but are consoled by the fact that good deeds are their own reward so that everyone who held an event—whether they applied for the prize or not—is a true winner.

In judging, the judges were mindful particularly of those who had the courage to hold events in areas marked by recent interfaith tension or conflicts. They took into consideration efforts made despite scantiness of resources, but also took into consideration the excellence of efforts. They further took into consideration whether events were consistent with the text of the U.N. Resolution establishing the Prize. Accordingly, judges did not reward movements towards religious syncretism but rather rewarded events which respected each religion as it is. Finally, in accordance with the terms of the Prize, judges rewarded events specifically celebrating the World Interfaith Harmony Week rather than good interfaith work in general.

Accordingly, the judges are delighted to announce:

First Prize
Universal Interfaith Peace Mission (President- Dr Allama G R Chishti)
of Pakistan for their various events in a range of locations including 1. Islamia University of Bahawalpur 2. Roz TV Pakistan, 3. Jame Masjid New Sohan Islamabad, 4. Divine Light Public School Islamabad. There was excellence in scope and reach.
Second Prize
Mrs Gisela Jahn and Dr.Beatrix Jakubicka of Germany for their “Friedenskette der Religionen” in Munich connecting 15.000 people in a human chain of light between five houses of worship.
Third Prize
World Interfaith Harmony Week Toronto Steering Committee of Canada for their eight events during the WIHW including: Launch Event, Interfaith Dialogue Circle, How We Talk To God, Race And Religion, Faith And Social Justice, Christian-Jewish Dialogue, An Evening Of Interfaith Performing Arts, Interfaith Ecology Hike, Efforts To Obtain Government Of Canada Support.

The prize-giving ceremony will take place in April, 2015 at the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by the River Jordan in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

All Praise belongs to God Alone.