The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on February 4 across the globe to foster peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity among people of diverse faiths. The day also falls within World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), which takes place during the 1st week of February every year, since 2010.
- 4th February 2025 marks the observance of the 5th International Day of Human Fraternity.
- It emphasizes the importance of dialogue between different religions and belief systems to promote mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation.
Background:
i.On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/75/200 proclaiming February 4 of every year as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
- The 1st ever International Day of Human Fraternity was observed on 4 February 2021.
ii.This resolution, co-facilitated by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was adopted to recognize and promote initiatives that encourage interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
History:
i.On February 4, 2019 the document entitled “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” also known as Abu Dhabi Declaration was signed by 2 religious leaders: Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- 4 February 2025 marks the 6th anniversary of the signing of the Document.
ii.The document promotes the values of love, mutual respect, and cooperation across different cultures and religions, to live in peace and dignity.
Significance:
i.In 1999, the UNGA adopted Resolution A/RES/53/243, known as the ‘Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace’, which laid the foundation to build a more harmonious and inclusive world for present and future generations.
- It acknowledges that human brotherhood thrives on diversity, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, pluralism, and respect for beliefs to achieve peace and harmony.
ii.Since its creation, organizations like the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, and the Permanent Missions of Egypt and the UAE to the UN have commemorated the day.
World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW):
i.WIHW was 1st proposed by H.M. King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan at the 65th United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23 2010.
ii.On October 20 2010, the UN recognized the 1st week of February (1-7) as WIHW through resolution A/RES/65/5 to foster peace, nonviolence, and understanding across different faiths globally.
- The first-ever WIHW was observed from 1-7 February 2011.
2025 Events:
i.On the occasion of International Day of Human Fraternity, the ‘Zayed Award’ for Human Fraternity is presented to individuals and organizations who made significant contributions to promoting human fraternity and global peace, at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates(UAE).
ii.The 6th Edition of ‘Zayed Award’ winners are the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), World Central Kitchen,WCK (Washington, DC., the United States of America, USA) founded by Chef José Andrés, the Prime Minister (PM) of Barbados, Mia Mottley, and 15 year-old Ethiopian-American inventor Heman Bekele.
iii.The award, including a financial prize of USD 1 million, is presented annually by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity since 2019.
About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC):
UNAOC was established in 2005, as the political initiative of Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General (SG), and co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey.
Director – Nihal Saad
Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA)
