Auckland, New Zealand—World Interfaith Harmony Week 2021 was commemorated in New Zealand with a dinner event, held in Auckland on February 3, on the theme, “Building Bridges Across Boundaries.”
The function brought together around 25 people of different faiths to share time and build friendships with one another.
The event opened with a welcome from the secretary general of UPF-New Zealand, Mr. Geoffrey Fyers. This was followed by a reading about the Week from Mr. Kenji Watanabe, chairman of UPF-New Zealand. The Week was first proposed by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan at the UN on September 23, 2010 and adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 10, 2010. After Mr. Watanabe’s remarks, Ambassador for Peace Mr. Morrin Cooper read UPF’s statement on the Week.
Prayers were offered from representatives of three faith groups: representing Christianity was Pastor Vinne; representing Hinduism was Mr. Nand; and representing all other faiths was Ruth Cleaver, president of the Auckland Interfaith Council.
Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Anne Pala, who chose the restaurant as the location for the event, gave the closing remarks after the meal.