New York, 8 February 2022 (TDI): “As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, let us commit to doing more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding, and dialogue.” United Nations Secretary said on 8 February 2022.

International Fraternity for peace and cooperation

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which calls for a global response based on unity, solidarity, and renewed multilateral cooperation, there are deep concerns regarding acts that advocate religious hatred and undermine tolerance and respect for diversity.

During these difficult times, the valuable contributions people of all religions, or beliefs, have made to humanity, as well as the value of dialogue between religious groups to better understand the common values shared by all humanity should be recognized.

Also, the importance of raising awareness about different cultures, religions, and beliefs, as well as promoting tolerance should be emphasized, which means societal acceptance and respect for the expression of religious beliefs.

Education at school should contribute to promoting tolerance and eliminating discrimination on the basis of religious or philosophical beliefs in particular.

Furthermore, it must be realized that tolerance, pluralism, mutual respect, and a diversity of religious beliefs contribute to the idea of human fraternity.

In order to promote peace, social stability, respect for diversity, and mutual understanding and to foster an environment conducive to peace and mutual understanding at the global, regional, national, and local levels, activities must be encouraged that promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

As part of this process, the General Assembly noted all international, regional, national, and local initiatives as appropriate, as well as efforts by religious leaders to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

In this context, the General Assembly commended the meeting between Pope Francis and Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmad al-Tayyib on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi resulting in the signing of the document entitled “Human fraternity for world peace and living together.”

A Pathway to the Future

This year, for the very first time, the International Day of Human Fraternity is being celebrated within the context of World Interfaith Harmony Week, which will allow to highlight the principles and values in the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” and discuss approaches to its implementation as a pathway to a better future.

In partnership with the Permanent Missions of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to the UN and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, UNAOC is coordinating an event titled “A Pathway to the Future” to commemorate this day.
Background

After the Second World War, the United Nations was established in order to protect emerging generations from the threat of war. Its purpose is to achieve international cooperation with a view to combating international problems, including by promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, gender, language, or religion.

As a result of the General Assembly’s resolution 53/243, adopted in 1999, the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace serve as the universal mandate for the international community, particularly the United Nations system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that is beneficial to all humanity, including future generations.

The declaration came about as a result of the long-held and cherished concept—contained within the Constitution of UNESCO—that “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”

The Declaration embraces the principle that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic, participatory process in which dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.

In its resolution A/RES/65/5 of 20 October 2010, the General Assembly noted that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue are important aspects of building a culture of peace, as well as the establishment of World Interfaith Harmony Week, which aims to promote harmony between all people, regardless of their faith.

In addition, the report emphasizes the necessity of dialogue among people of different faiths and religions in order to enhance mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation between them.

Faith systems and traditions recognize that we are all interconnected, and we must love and support one another in order to live in harmony and peace in a world of environmental sustainability.

Conflict and intolerance continue to plague our planet, with an increasing number of refugees and internally displaced people living in hostile and unwelcoming environments. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 4th as the International Day of Human Fraternity, with resolution 75/200.

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