"World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrates the principles of tolerance and respect for the other that are deeply rooted in the world’s major religions. The observance is also a summons to solidarity in the face of those who spread misunderstanding and mistrust."Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for World Interfaith Harmony Week
Participants at the Fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions: "Promoting Dialogue for Peace and Prosperity in Turbulent Times" in Astana, Kazakhstan. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event to be observed during the first week of February starting in 2011.
World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5
adopted on 20 October 2010. In the resolution, the General Assembly, points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to support during that week the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.