World Interfaith Harmony Week
1-7 February
World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February. In designating the observance of the week in 2010, the UN General Assembly pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace. It established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.
Origin and history
World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), conceived to promote a culture peace and nonviolence, was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010. This was quickly adopted by the UN General Assembly (resolution A/RES/65/5), declaring the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Harmony week, calling on governments, institutions and civil society to observe it with various programmes and initiatives that would promote the aim of the WIHW objectives.
0 Comments