World Interfaith Harmony Week is celebrated the world over every first week of February with the intent of promoting harmony among people irrespective of their faith. This initiative is based on the purpose of promoting "Love of God and Love of the Neighbor, or Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor."
Since its inception in 2011, individuals and organizations mark this day with an array of activities that highlight the positive impact of interfaith, harmony, peace, dialogue, and the beauty of embracing each other’s differences.
As an organization whose mission is hinged on inter-religious collaboration and harmony, several activities were organized by URI’s Cooperation Circles around the world to mark WIHW.
The H.M. King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize for 2024 was awarded to Bridges – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue, Bridges CC from Bulgaria, for their outstanding event titled “Gift of Love: An Interfaith Art Performance Promoting Harmony and Tolerance.”
Take a look below at some of the events organized by the URI Cooperation Circles around the world!
Additionally, in 2024, some of the regional offices collaborated to produce informative programming from the URI Cooperation Circles.
AFRICA
Cooperation Circle: Interfaith Youth for Change
Location: Burundi, URI Great Lakes Region
Interfaith Youth for Change Cooperation Circle in Bujumbura Burundi organised a football match as one way to foster interfaith cooperation in their community.
The theme of the event was " Practicing Kindness and openness recognizing the humanity in everyone regardless of their faith."
Cooperation Circle: NASACURI CC
Location: Uganda, Great Lakes Region
NASACURI Cooperation Circle organised a netball tournament that brought together the indigenous community and participants from various faith groups.
Collaborative efforts among URI Great Lakes, URI West Africa, URI Southern Africa and URI Horn of Africa.
ASIA
EUROPE
Location: URI Europe
In commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), BRIDGES CC orchestrated a poignant artistic endeavor titled "Gift of Love." The event unfolded on February 9th within the venerable confines of the Bishop's Cathedral in Plovdiv, a city bestowed with the distinction of being the European Capital of Culture in 2019, steeped in historical and spiritual significance dating back to the Roman era.
Under the auspices of Her Excellency Ambassador Andrea Ikić-Böhm and with generous backing and collaborative support from the Embassy of the Republic of Austria, this artistic spectacle endeavored to forge connections among youth from diverse backgrounds, bonded by a shared commitment to creativity and universal human principles such as religious tolerance. Adhering to the thematic motif of the year 2024—exemplified by the hue "peach fuzz" and the stylistic ethos of the Renaissance—the performance served as a clarion call to rekindle humanity's most cherished and authentic values: love, collaboration, empathy, and understanding, with a reverential acknowledgment of spirituality's enduring influence on global harmony.
A cohort of 56 youthful participants, representing a spectrum of religious affiliations including Armenian, Muslim, Christian Orthodox, Catholic, Buddhist, and pagan traditions, convened as members of the "Bridges Children" community. Through the expressive medium of art, they endeavored to convey messages of devotion to the divine, compassion towards the 'other,' and solidarity with their fellow beings. Through a multifaceted presentation comprising paintings, choreographed dances, musical renditions, and poetic recitals, attendees were treated to a tapestry of cultural richness and spiritual reflection.
Culminating in a collective rendition of "We Are the World," symbolizing solidarity with global compatriots, the event bore witness to the convergence of individuals from disparate backgrounds in a shared celebration of diversity and unity. Alongside the dedicated team from BRIDGES CC, representatives from three additional Cooperation Circles in Bulgaria—Evropress CC, Dialogue Center CC, and Seed for Change CC—attended, alongside esteemed figures such as Father Petar Gramatikoff, a pivotal figure in URI's establishment in Bulgaria. Notable dignitaries, including Father Hrach Muradyan of the Armenian Church and Regional Mufti Taner Veli, lent their presence, alongside youth leaders from the Jewish community and municipal representatives from Plovdiv and partnering organizations from across Bulgaria.
With the Bishop's Cathedral brimming with 200 attendees, those unable to secure physical attendance availed themselves of the event's livestream on social media platforms. Following the formal proceedings, a convivial gathering of 40 individuals—including organizers, partners, VIP guests, participants, and the Austrian Ambassador—engaged in informal discourse over Armenian cuisine and fine wine, fostering an atmosphere of conviviality and camaraderie. Buoyed by the effervescence of shared experiences, plans were laid for future intercultural and interfaith initiatives, underscoring the enduring legacy of the "Gift of Love" performance.
This artistic tableau, "Gift of Love," represents a cornerstone in the broader mosaic of events convened during the World Interfaith Harmony Week. It encapsulates our overarching objective of erecting bridges that transcend boundaries of creed, institution, and ideology, fostering interconnectedness and understanding among diverse communities. Moving forward, we endeavor to integrate this event into the WIHW platform and aspire to garner recognition through application for one of the prestigious awards bestowed by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Jordan, honoring exemplary contributions to global interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Cooperation Circle: Baraza CC and URI Europe
The webinar "Cultural diversity – a key factor for socially sustainable economies" was held on 14th February on the occasion of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.
This webinar is a result of collaboration between Baraza CC and URI Europe. Two excellent speakers have agreed to give us their perspectives on this important topic.
Professor Dr. Anke Weber is a leading member of Baraza – an international, intercultural NGO based in Germany. She is a Professor for Intercultural Research Methods and Statistics at Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. She has extensive work and research experience in Germany, the EU, Africa and the US. Her PhD from the University of Zurich, Switzerland focused on the impact of ethnic diversity on education in Africa. She spent over five months conducting field research in Kenya and Tanzania and worked as a guest lecturer in Butare, Rwanda. Before joining the Joint Research Center (JRC) of the European Commission in Ispra, Italy, she worked in the US and in Switzerland as a consultant in the Human Development Department of the World Bank. From 2014-2016, she was responsible for developing health indicators at Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Commission in Luxembourg. Her current research focuses on multicultural teamwork, intercultural onboarding, and social sustainability.
Elisabeth Lheure has been serving on the URI Europe Executive Committee and as a Trustee of United Religions Initiative's Global Council, elected as a member of AUDIR Cooperation Circle.
Thanks to AUDIR, Elisabeth has been working in the field of mediation for interreligious issues in different cities and suburbs of Catalonia (Spain), she is participating and conducting interfaith gatherings in diverse surroundings, including in prisons and addresses focused workshop about “construction and deconstruction of religious prejudice” for different audience (university students, interfaith groups, civil servants, police cadets, inmates, etc).
Elisabeth collaborated on different publications as “Religious and Spiritual cares at the end of life, helpful insights into beliefs and convictions” (2013); “Laïcité et religions à l'aube du XXI siècle”(2010) “Urban Policies and the Right to the City : The UN-HABITAT and UNESCO Joint Project” (2009); “El somriure diví” (2008); “Come to the celebration” (2008).
Elisabeth was awarded the medal of Knight in the National Order of Merit by decree of the President of the French Republic in 2006 and received the X Cassià Just Memorial Award from the Government of Catalonia in 2023, for her commitment to interreligious and interconvictional dialogue, freedom of thought, conscience and religion and to promoting a culture of peace and human rights through constructive dialogue.
12 participants from 10 countries participated in the webinar.
Questions and comments from participants followed very insightful and interesting presentations.
The webinar recording can be seen on the URI Europe YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaTfQ0VO1_I
Cooperation Circle: Dialogue and Alliance CC
To mark World Interfaith Harmony Week (1-7 February) and International Day of Human Fraternity, Dialogue & Alliance CC held its monthly meeting on Sunday 4 February 2024 on the theme of "Promoting interfaith harmony".
Mr Honoré MAMBUÉNI, coordinator of the Paris Unificationist community, led the main meeting at the Espace Barrault in Paris. People from more than twenty countries followed by videoconference.
The first reading provided a Christian perspective. Three extracts from the New Testament (Mt 5.8-9, 1 Co 1.10, Jc 3.18) were read by Mr Jean-Paul CHAUDY, coordinator of Dialogue & Alliance 69. This branch meets every week at Mains Ouvertes, an interfaith community centre in the Part-Dieu shopping centre in Lyon. The team includes several religious leaders: Jews, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Baha'is and religious minorities.
This reading was commented on by Marie-Louise TUZOLANA, President of the Bana Mboka Choir in Lyon, and an educator of young girls who have broken away from their families.
The second reading brought a Baha'i perspective. The text by their founder, Baha'u'llah (1817-1892), was read and commented on by Ms Malène GIROT-DAQUIN, also from Lyon. She is an author, scriptwriter, and actress.
We then listened to "Ahïya" by the Duo Les Frangines. This song exalts the will to love one another beyond our differences.
The third reading took a unificationist look. It was an extract from a speech given by the founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Reverend Sun Myung Moon, on 18 August 2000 at the UN headquarters in New York. He proposed that consideration be given to setting up a representative council of religions within the United Nations. Mr Jacques MARION, President of the Federation for Universal Peace in France, read and commented on this proposal.
The meeting ended with a question-and-answer session and some remarks by Mr Jean-François MOULINET, coordinator of the Dialogue & Alliance circle, who announced that the next meeting would take place on Sunday 10 March on the theme of "The contribution of women to interfaith dialogue" (to mark International Women's Day).
The recording of this programme is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr4OwaiVEqs .
Dialogue & Alliance CC
Location: URI Europe
The URI Europe Peace Prize Webinar to celebrate our Winners and CC accomplishments was organized on 12th February on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and to get inspired by all URI Europe CCs important work.
More than 23 participants from more than 15 countries participated in the webinar.
During the webinar, we showed presentations where Winners and all other projects were highlighted.
And one of the Winner presentations from URI Lienz/Austria CC
https://www.canva.com/design/DAF5qjSiwCY/TPT1gIPINo9Gjp0SQiaSoQ/view
The webinar recording can be seen on the URI Europe YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMhou2rz7mA
Cooperation Circle: URI CC Austria
Location: Europe
One of our WIHW projects this year is "Planting Trees of Hope" in the war zone of Northern Syria.
Another good opportunity was the presentation about URI and our work I could give in the UN Center in Vienna on February 2nd in an international conference.
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
MIDDLE EAST NORTH AFRICA
Location: URI MENA
In commemoration of World Interfaith Harmony Week in February 2024, leaders from the Disi Women Cooperative Community Centers, accompanied by 20 female students from the local community, joined individuals from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, including the United States, Yemen, Egypt, and Syria, to honor the occasion. Together, they gathered near the association's headquarters to participate in a meaningful act of environmental stewardship.
A total of 122 seedlings, representing species such as Ghada, Talh, Rutam, Adhur, and Shaheeh, were planted in an area near the headquarters. This area faces the threat of tree deterioration and extinction, making the planting efforts especially significant.
Location: URI MENA
In honor of World Interfaith Harmony Week (celebrated in February), The Association of Egyptian Female Lawyers CC partnered with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) to host a thought-provoking workshop titled "Our Power in our Diversity." The event focused on promoting religious tolerance and the importance of acceptance within society.
The cultural dialogue featured prominent figures: Pastor Ashraf Sama'n from the Evangelical Church and Sheikh Fathi Ibrahim, Director of the Awqaf (Endowment) Directorate. Other participants represented various civil society institutions.
The workshop highlighted the crucial roles of religious leaders and their previous initiatives to combat discrimination. Discussions emphasized the core values of citizenship, acceptance regardless of race, religion, or gender, and the inherent message of love, tolerance, and respect for humanity found in all religions. The importance of civil society organizations in fostering peace and countering hate speech was also addressed.
The workshop concluded with several key recommendations:
• Counteracting hate speech through effective measures.
• Strengthening the role of civil society in promoting inclusivity and responsible citizenship.
• Increasing initiatives that help young people embrace diversity.
• Developing a unified curriculum for religious education in primary schools.
• Enacting legislation to criminalize hate speech by the Egyptian parliament.
MULTIREGION
Cooperation Circle: Eco Peace Teen Cafe
Location: URI Multiregion
Join us for an enriching discussion on exploring inclusivity with young peacebuilder, Irfan!
Adv. Irfan Pullani is an independent peace-building researcher dedicated to resolving the decades-old Kashmir crisis in South Asia. He holds a master's degree in International Law from the UN-mandated University for Peace, a bachelor's in law from Delhi University, and a bachelor's in business administration from the University of Calicut. Irfan underwent training at the United Nations Office in Geneva and co-represented the University at the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.
He currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Indian Reunification Association, a society founded by a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, advocating for political and economic union in South Asia. Irfan has received prestigious awards, including the TATA TRUST's research grant for studying the 1947 Partition and the Rajeev Circle Fellowship. Recently, he has also been selected for the Peace Practice Alliance program by the California-based Euphrates Institute.
Irfan has represented his country at various international events such as the Global Peace Summit in Dubai, the Young Professional Fellowship in Nepal, and participation in the COP28 conference in Dubai and the 4th Migration Youth Forum hosted in Geneva. Highly proficient in English and four other Indian languages, including Kashmiri, he also possesses working knowledge of Spanish and Arabic.
Mark your calendars for February 28th at 9 pm as we delve into the importance of inclusivity in fostering peace and understanding.
In a world where diversity is our strength, let's come together to learn from Irfan's experiences and insights on building bridges and embracing differences.
NORTH AMERICA
Cooperation Circle: University of Rochester
Location: URI North America
The University of Rochester Cooperation Circle observed World Interfaith Harmony Week with an Interfaith Cafe where students from many faith backgrounds and those who are not affiliated with any particular religion engaged in dialogue about faith, spirituality, and increasing harmony in our fractured world.
Cooperation Circle: A Better Community for All Canada
The World Interfaith Harmony Week Celebration 2024 was hosted by Rev. Yuel Bhati, the Founder of A Better World for All Canada CC on 17th February via Zoom. The online event engaged participants from all around the world!