World Interfaith Harmony Week Observed in 16 Nations
Written by UPF International
Friday, February 8, 2013
UN World Interfaith Harmony Week was observed in 16 nations. In nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Malaysia, Nepal, Slovakia, and Thailand programs opened with faith leaders offering prayers or participating in ceremonies such as lighting candles or pouring water into a common bowl. Forums in Austria (at the UN International Center), New Zealand, Slovakia. and Thailand featured speakers from several traditions, and programs in Canada and Germany offered insights about a particular religious tradition or spiritual practice common to several faiths.
Reports of youth service projects that brought together young people of different religions and cultures were the focus of programs in Argentina and Russia. Essay contests and debate competitions challenged students in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. In Moldova, a volleyball tournament brought together youths from different religions.
Some World Interfaith Harmony Week events were catalysts for future projects. At the Sao Paulo City Hall in Brazil, participants explored the possibility of establishing a municipal interfaith council to advise the city councilors; in Kiev, Ambassadors for Peace made plans for spreading ideas of interfaith respect and understanding throughout Ukraine.
For details click here.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles

South Korea
Peace Summit 2023: Session IV-B: IAPD
Seoul, South Korea—International faith leaders addressed issues of religion and spirituality.

Czech Republic
UPF-Czech Republic Welcomes LDS Speakers
Prague, Czech Republic—LDS leaders were invited to speak about their beliefs, practices and values.

France
UPF-France Convenes 24th Interfaith Meeting
Paris, France—"Cultivating Generosity" was the theme of the monthly interfaith meeting.