World Interfaith Harmony Week
This age of globalization needs enlightened people in each faith who can examine their sacred writings and traditions and identify the aspects that can benefit all humanity as well as those that preserve each religion's identity. The UN designated the first week of February every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week with the motto of "Love of God and Love of the Neighbor" / "Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor." UPF calls on people of faith to honor the Divine indwelling in a way that encourages understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of all faiths for the well-being of our communities and peace in the world.
- Written by: UPF - Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya - UPF International Chairman Rev. Hyung Jin Moon was welcomed to Nairobi by Ambassadors for Peace of different faiths on Feb. 27, 2011.
- Written by: Yeoh Koay Seng, UPF-Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The World Interfaith Harmony Week proclaimed by the United Nations found deep resonance in the hearts of peace-loving Malaysians when a culturally diverse gathering observed an interfaith open house at the headquarters of UPF-Malaysia on February 19. The theme was "Love of God and Love of the Neighbor."
- Written by: UPF - Moldova
Chisinau, Moldova - A round-table discussion on “Interfaith cooperation as the important instrument of establishing the culture of peace in Moldova” initiated by the Universal Peace Federation took place on February 2 in Kishinev.
- Written by: UPF - Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal - UPF-Nepal organized a World Interfaith Harmony Week event at the Peace Embassy in Kathmandu on February 5. Leaders of seven religious traditions offered their perspectives on interfaith harmony.
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Kondopoga, Russia - A Festival of Spiritual Music took place on February 4 supported by the municipal government of Kondopoga and the Consultative Council of Relations with National and Religious Associations. It was also an event in honor of the Interfaith Harmony Week proclaimed by the UN General Assembly.
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Moscow, Russia - A “Play Football Make Peace” youth tournament took place at the Moskvich Sports Palace on January 30 with teams representating different religions playing not only for prizes but also to build friendships across barriers of religion, culture, and nationality.
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Novosibirsk, Russia - A meeting on the theme of "Love of God and your neighbor as the foundation of world peace" took place in the center of Russia on February 6. The 40 participants included leaders and representatives of various NGOs, religions, traditions, and beliefs.
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Yekaterinburg, Russia - In the comfortable hall of the Writers’ House in Yekaterinburg, representatives of different religions and spiritual groups met on February 6. This time it was a joint prayer for peace and mutual understanding in support of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.
- Written by: UPF - Slovakia
Nitra, Slovakia - On the occasion of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week established by UN to be observed the first week of February each year, UPF-Slovakia and the Old Catholic Church of Slovakia held a joint prayer and worship service in the Old Catholic Church in Nitra on February 6.
- Written by: Chihiro Midorikawa, President, UPF-Solomon Islands
Honiara, Solomon Islands - UPF-Solomon Islands sponsored an interfaith forum to commemorate the UN's World Interfaith Harmony Week on January 28. Three guest speakers were invited from different faiths to share a brief introduction to their faith and their thoughts about interfaith harmony.
- Written by: UPF - St. Lucia
Anse-la-Raye, St. Lucia - Six youth representatives of four different religious denominations met together to prepare for the February 6 meeting about Interfaith Harmony. They prepared the agenda, the program and the organization of the meeting.
- Written by: UPF - Switzerland
Bienne, Switzerland - In commemoration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, a marriage renewal ceremony in Bienne on Jan. 23, 2011, highlighted the pivotal role of marriage in creating a culture of peace.
- Written by: Moi Hsien Chai, UPF-Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan - In connection with the “World Interfaith Harmony Week,” UPF-Taiwan held a seminar entitled “Interfaith Cooperation for Peace: Theory and Practice” on January 22 featuring Christian and Buddhist speakers.
- Written by: Tomiko Duggan, Director, UPF Office of Embassy Relations, Washington DC USA
Washington, DC, USA - The UPF-DC Office organized an interfaith luncheon program under the theme of the “Interfaith Cooperation and Universal Peace” on February 24. The program was co-sponsored by The Washington Times Foundation and held in the Beech Room of The Washington Times building.
- Written by: Ristie Denny, Secretary General, UPF-Suriname
Paramaribo, Suriname - UPF-Suriname held a forum on the family in Paramaribo on Feb. 1, 2011 to launch World Interfaith Harmony Week.
- Written by: UPF - Ukraine
Kiev, Ukraine - A meeting of Ambassadors for Peace related to the Week of Interfaith Harmony took place on January 27. The meeting was attended by 20 Ambassadors for Peace. Among the participants were members of grass-roots organizations and representatives of business and education spheres.
- Written by: UPF-International
Observances of the newly-established UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, the first week of February, were organized by UPF in 19 nations.