Dear Colleagues,
Greetings of peace and blessings. I hope this message finds you well.
As you are aware, the United Nations General Assembly has designated the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Harmony Week. This landmark resolution invites all states, civil society groups, and faith-based and interfaith organizations across the globe to support and promote the values of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
World Interfaith Harmony Week offers a meaningful opportunity for us to come together in recognition of our shared humanity, to celebrate the rich tapestry of religious and cultural traditions, and to stand united against forces that fuel division, misunderstanding, and mistrust among different faiths and cultures.
This special week encourages us to reflect on the deep interconnectedness that unites us and to honor the mosaic of beliefs, values, and traditions that coexist worldwide. Especially at times when differences seem more pronounced than common ground, our commitment to unity as global citizens is more important than ever.
The week is an opportunity to channel our collective interfaith efforts toward overcoming misunderstanding and mistrust by building bridges through constructive dialogue, education, and shared experiences. These efforts cultivate mutual respect, human dignity, and empathy—essential ingredients for fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse faith communities.
Recognizing how interdependent we all are is crucial. Regardless of our backgrounds, every human being relies on one another for peace, progress, and cohabitation. When we acknowledge that no community exists in isolation, we create space for collaboration across religious and cultural boundaries—strengthening the social fabric and building resilient communities rooted in trust and common purpose.
Moreover, celebrating religious and cultural diversity enriches our collective experience. Each tradition offers invaluable insights into spirituality, ethics, and community life. World Interfaith Harmony Week invites us to see these differences not as sources of division but as opportunities for learning, growth, and solidarity. Through interfaith events, meaningful conversations, and cultural exchanges, individuals discover shared values and aspirations that unite rather than separate us.
By embracing ongoing interfaith cooperation, constructive dialogue, and practical action, we can overcome prejudice, conflict, hate speech, and violence—nurturing harmony, peace, compassion, justice, healing, and the preservation of our environment.
As we observe this week, let us remember that our global community thrives through mutual respect, by embracing our differences and standing firm against forces that seek to divide us. We must keep working together to build a future defined by compassion, inclusion, and shared humanity—guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because we are,” and the timeless teaching of the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
The Golden Rule provides a universally accessible ethical foundation that transcends religions and cultures alike. Its simplicity and universality make it a powerful tool for fostering empathy, respect, and cooperation among people of diverse faiths.
Actions inspired by the Golden Rule move us beyond tolerance to genuine appreciation and support of one another’s beliefs. These efforts not only reduce conflict but also help build stronger, more inclusive communities, ensuring lasting interfaith harmony and freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
May Peace, Justice, Compassion, Human Dignity, Golden Rule, and Ubuntu prevail on Earth.
In peace and gratitude,