World Interfaith Harmony Week
Next: February 1, 2027
Good neighbours, whatever the faith.
The story
Where it comes from
World Interfaith Harmony Week runs through the first week of February, and this Story marks its opening day. It was first proposed at the United Nations in 2010 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, and the UN General Assembly adopted it that year in resolution 65/5. The Assembly noted that mutual understanding and dialogue between religions are an important part of a culture of peace, and created the week to promote harmony between all people, whatever their faith.
How it's celebrated
The General Assembly invites everyone to spread a message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during the week, on a voluntary basis and in keeping with their own traditions. Faith groups hold joint forums, shared meals and open days. It is also a gentle moment to send a card to a neighbour, colleague or friend whose festivals are not your own.
Did you know
- In Geneva, Jordan's mission to the UN and the UN training institute UNITAR hold an annual Geneva Interfaith Dialogue linked to the week.
- The week is observed by choice: the resolution asks places of worship to take part according to their own religious traditions or convictions.
- Among the earlier documents the UN lists behind the week are the Bali Declaration on Building Interfaith Harmony and the 2008 Phnom Penh Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation.
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