Remarks by the High Representative
for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
and the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, at the
OIC High-Level Segment on the Promotion of the Culture of Peace and Tolerance:
In Commemoration of the 1500th Anniversary of the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
22 September 2025 – HQ New York
Your Excellency, Mr. Mehmet Pachaci,
OIC Special Envoy on Islamophobia;
Your Excellency, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru,
Permanent Observer of OIC at the United Nations;
Excellencies, Distinguished Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honor to address this distinguished gathering on such significant occasion as celebrate the 1,500 anniversary of Prophet Muhammed (Peace be Upon Him) f or the first time during the high level week of the UN General Assembly. We meet today not only as diplomats and policymakers, but as custodians of a moral duty: to carry forward the message of peace, mercy, and justice embodied by the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. This year, as we mark the 1,500th anniversary of his birth — an anniversary that transcends religious observance to remind us of universal values that speak to the entire human family.
The Prophet’s example is more than history recounting the past ; it is also guidance for our times. Why is that?
Prophet Muhammed’s life was a testament to tolerance, forgiveness, empathy, wisdom and human dignity.
I will just give you few historical examples that attest to that:
The Treaty of Huday-biyyah demonstrated his patience, resilience and the search for peaceful compromise;
The Charter of Medina institutionalized pluralism and coexistence and citizenship rights;
The peaceful entry into Mecca reflected his forgiveness and empathy rather than vengeance and disdain.
Beyond these historic moments, Prophet Muhammed’s wisdom reflected in his teachings inspired his followers to embody mercy and fairness in their daily conduct.
These are not merely moments in history; they are a moral compass for us today as we confront division, polarization, and violence.
Excellencies,
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has rightly chosen this anniversary to reaffirm its commitment to a culture of peace and tolerance. As the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, and as the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, I am deeply conscious of how urgently this message is needed in today’s world.
Last June, in Istanbul , I was privileged to address the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in my new capacity as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
I emphasized that Islamophobia is not a theoretical problem. It is a daily reality for millions of Muslims : women harassed for wearing the hijab; mosques attacked ; the Quran burned or desecrated, children bullied in schools; communities targeted by discriminatory laws and hate speech. In far too many countries, we have witnessed the weaponization of religion for political gain, the stigmatization of minorities, and even acts of terrorism fueled by anti-Muslim hatred.
This phenomenon undermines the very principles upon which the United Nations was founded. It is an affront to human dignity and equality; a violation of the freedom of religion and belief rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Let us be clear: combating Islamophobia is not about privileging one faith above others or one faith community above the others. It is about defending the universal right to freedom of religion or belief — a right enshrined in international law and indispensable to peace. In doing so, we protect our communities from the protagonists who seek to sow hatred and division within the society.
Excellencies,
We cannot tackle this challenge in isolation. Islamophobia does not exist in isolation from other forms of prejudices. It is part of a wider rise in bigotry, racism, and xenophobia. The same poisonous narratives that demonize Muslims also target Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and people who are not adherents to any faith.
One truth is clear : When one community is attacked, all are diminished.
This is why the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was created: to foster dialogue across civilizations and faiths, to counter harmful stereotypes, and to promote mutual respect. As we commemorate the life of Prophet Muhammed peace be upon him, we must recommit ourselves to this mission with renewed urgency.
Allow me to highlight four areas where our collective action is essential:
First, international observance and commitment.
This anniversary provides a unique moment for the international community to reaffirm their commitment to compassion, justice, and tolerance. The proposed designation of the year 1447 AH as the “1500th Anniversary of the Birth of the Prophet of Mercy” is more than symbolic. It is a call to action: to challenge intolerance, discrimination, and incitement wherever they arise.
Second, education and cultural engagement.
Prejudice is often born of ignorance. Remember that first “Aya”or verse in the Quaran that was revealed to Prophet Muhammed was from surat Al A’Alaq. It says : “Read” or {Iqraa}
We must therefore expand educational initiatives, cultural programs, and scholarly exchanges that highlight the contributions of Islamic civilization to humanity — in science, philosophy, art, medicine, astrology, literature and governance. Let us invest in curricula that cultivate respect rather than suspicion, and in media content that reflects truth rather than stereotypes.
Third, communication and media responsibility.
Today’s digital age amplifies both hope and hate. Social media can unite communities, but it can also spread lies at lightning speed. We must work with media platforms, journalists, and influencers to foster fact-based, constructive narratives. We must also support campaigns that build resilience against misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories that demonize Muslims.
Fourth, high-level dialogue for peace and security.
Prophet Muhammed’s teachings on conflict resolution and reconciliation are deeply relevant to today’s crises. Whether in war-torn countries where civilians continue to endure unimaginable suffering, or in societies fractured by sectarian violence, we must anchor our diplomacy in the principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity. Dialogue among states is vital — but so too is dialogue among communities on the ground, where peace must ultimately take root.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
The stakes could not be higher. We live in a world scarred by violent conflict, widening inequality, and a growing trust deficit between peoples and institutions. Too often, religion is manipulated to divide rather than unite. Yet, if there is one lesson from the life of Prophet Muhammed, it is that faith can be a force for healing, reconciliation, and progress.
At the United Nations, we are committed to advancing this vision. The adoption of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March is a milestone. The work of the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites and the UN Strategy on Hate Speech provides further frameworks. But these tools can only succeed if Member States, civil society, media, and faith leaders join forces.
Concluding,
Let’s work together so that we can ensure that:
Muslims can live without fear of anti-Muslim hatred;
Jews can worship without fear of antisemitism;
Christians can gather without fear of persecution;
Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and people of all faiths or none can live with equal dignity and rights.
This is not a utopian vision. It is the very essence of the United Nations Charter which begins with “we the peoples.”
In closing, let me recall the words of Prophet Muhammed peace be upon him in his Farewell Sermon: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black over a white — except by piety and good action.”
Fifteen centuries later, this truth still resounds. Let us together uphold it — not only in our speeches but in our policies, our media, our schools, and our daily lives. In doing so, we honor the legacy of the Prophet of Mercy and contribute to building a world of peace, tolerance, and solidarity for generations to come.
Thank you.