Community Activists in Copenhagen Promote Interfaith Harmony
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Copenhagen, Denmark – Religious leaders, human rights advocates, and peacebuilders gathered in Copenhagen to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week and promote cooperation for peace. UPF-Denmark, in cooperation with the European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion (EMISCO), Volunteer Ministers, and United for Human Rights, organized the event on February 1, 2026.
Approximately 40 participants, including representatives of diverse religious traditions, human rights advocates and academics, gathered to promote dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation for peace, in an increasingly diverse society. The event reflected the growing recognition that interfaith cooperation is essential for addressing today’s global challenges and fostering lasting peace.
Ms. Anette Refstup, communications director of the Church of Scientology, delivered the welcoming remarks and introduced the purpose and significance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, emphasizing the importance of building bridges of understanding among faith communities.
Four speakers shared thoughtful presentations on the theme, “The Role of Interfaith Cooperation in Advancing Peace in the World.”
Dr. Tali Padan, director of Mellem Education, highlighted the importance of education in fostering mutual understanding. Ms. Fakhra Shaheen, ambassador for the Migration Museum of Denmark, spoke about her lifelong commitment to inclusion and social cohesion.
Mr. Nobuhiro Igarashi, chair of UPF-Denmark, emphasized the vision of UPF founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon, quoting his call for religious communities to “respect the traditions of other religions, cooperate with each other to serve the world, and work together to accomplish our mutual mission of establishing world peace.”
Mr. Gregory Christensen of United for Human Rights, a long-time human rights advocate in Denmark, spoke about the importance of defending human dignity and strengthening cooperation across cultural and religious boundaries.
The program concluded with lively discussion and fellowship, reflecting the participants’ shared commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and building a peaceful society. The event reaffirmed UPF’s ongoing mission to support interreligious dialogue and cooperation as essential foundations for achieving sustainable peace.
