Living in harmony

World Interfaith Harmony Week is a worldwide initiative held in the first week of February that encourages people of different religions and beliefs to work together for peace, mutual understanding and the common good.

It runs from Sunday through to Saturday February 7.

The idea resulted from a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, proposing that the week be dedicated to promoting harmony among people of faith and for those who are not religious. Communities, schools, governments, and civil society groups across many countries have since used the week as a practical opportunity to build respectful relationships and reduce prejudice.

It focuses on two simple ideas: love of the good and love of neighbour. These themes are wide-ranging enough to include many traditions—religious and secular—and to inspire people into action.

“Love of neighbour” can look like everyday kindness, standing up to discrimination, or learning how other people understand life’s big questions. “Love of the good” can mean committing to justice, protecting the vulnerable, caring for the environment, or serving the community.

The events during World Interfaith Harmony Week vary widely are educational, such as interfaith dialogues, panel discussions, and visits to places of worship. Others are service-oriented, such as food drives, tree planting, community meals, or joint volunteering projects.

Artistic and cultural expressions—music, storytelling, exhibitions—also play an important role, because they invite people to connect emotionally as well as intellectually. Even small deeds matter: a classroom conversation, a neighbourhood gathering, or a shared moment of reflection can help replace stereotypes with real human relationships.

In a world of conflict, misinformation, and “us versus them” thinking, World Interfaith Harmony Week is a reminder that cooperation is possible. It encourages people to listen first, speak respectfully, and find shared values.

More details at www.un.org/en/observances/interfaith-harmony-week

We encourage you to share and use this material on your own website. However, when using materials from Majellan Media’s website, please include the following in your citation:  Sourced from www.majellan.media