World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024, Celebrated Annually From February 1

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World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024

World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) is an annual event observed in the first week of February (1-7) to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and harmony among people of different faiths and religions. Initiated by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23, 2010, WIHW has become a significant platform for fostering dialogue and unity across diverse religious communities.

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024 Overview

Date	Event/Activity
February 1, 2024	Commencement of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW)
February 2, 2024	Unveiling of the 2024 Theme: ‘Uniting for Peace’
February 3, 2024	Interfaith Dialogue Sessions: Leaders from different faiths discuss the role of religion in enriching lives and contributing to global betterment
February 4, 2024	National Day Calendar Observance: Recognition of WIHW and its objectives
February 5, 2024	Philanthropy Spotlight: Highlighting the charitable works of religious groups around the world
February 6, 2024	Interfaith Unity Event: Bringing together members of diverse faiths to promote understanding and unity
February 7, 2024	Culmination of WIHW: Reflection on the week’s activities and achievements
Throughout the Week	Utilizing Houses of Worship: Interfaith groups leverage places of worship to promote peace and understanding
Throughout the Week	Advocacy by Religious Leaders: Religious leaders actively advocate for harmony and tolerance
Throughout the Week	Global Outreach: Spreading the message of inter-religious harmony and goodwill worldwide

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Theme of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024

The theme for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024, as organized by the UNGA, is ‘Uniting for Peace.’ This theme underscores the importance of collaboration among individuals and communities from various religious backgrounds to achieve a common goal of global peace. In the previous year, the theme was ‘Harmony in a Troubled World,’ reflecting the challenges faced by the world and the need for interfaith cooperation in addressing them.

World Interfaith Harmony Week History

The roots of WIHW can be traced back to the proposal made by King Abdullah II in 2010, which was unanimously adopted by the UNGA on October 20, 2010. Since then, the first week of February has been designated as a time to celebrate and promote interfaith harmony. The inaugural WIHW took place in 2011, building on the groundwork laid by The Common Word initiative launched in 2007. This initiative urges leaders of Muslim and Christian communities to engage in dialogue centered on common fundamental religious commandments, emphasizing love for God and love for neighbors without compromising one’s own religious principles.

Importance of Organizing WIHW

World Interfaith Harmony Week holds immense importance in fostering mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation among people of different faiths and religions. The event underscores the essential need for dialogue between diverse religious communities, encouraging them to come together in the spirit of unity. The UNGA encourages governments, institutions, and civil society to celebrate WIHW through various programs and initiatives, spreading the message of inter-religious harmony and goodwill.

During this week, participants are encouraged to voluntarily observe fasting, aligning with their respective religious traditions or beliefs. This collective effort aims to promote the objectives of WIHW and contribute to the global pursuit of peace through interfaith understanding.

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024 UPSC

World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2024, observed from February 1-7, promotes mutual understanding and unity among diverse faiths. Initiated by the UNGA in 2010, it serves as a platform for global dialogue. The theme ‘Uniting for Peace’ emphasizes collaboration for a harmonious world. Historical roots trace back to King Abdullah II’s proposal, adopted on October 20, 2010. WIHW fosters interfaith dialogue, recognizing charitable works, and culminating in a reflection on achievements. Governments, institutions, and civil society unite to spread the message of inter-religious harmony and goodwill.

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024 FAQs

Is World Interfaith Harmony Week observed on 1 7 February?

Every year, 'World Interfaith Harmony Week' (WIHW) is organised in the first week of February (1-7).

What is the purpose of World Interfaith Harmony Week?

World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), conceived to promote a culture peace and nonviolence, was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010.