Promoting Interfaith Pluralism and Understanding for Prevention

Organized by the Permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations in partnership with UNAOC and UNOCT

Background:

Following The Amman Message, a statement calling for tolerance and unity in the Muslim world that was issued in 2004 by His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the goal to clarify to the modern world the true nature of Islam, and A Common Word between Us and You, an open letter, issued in 2007, from leaders of the Islamic religion to leaders of the Christian religion, calling for peace between Muslims and Christians and aiming to work for common ground and understanding between both religions, at the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the World Interfaith Harmony Week through the unanimous adoption of resolution A/RES/65/5 (World Interfaith Harmony Week) in 2010. Every year since the adoption of the resolution, UN Member States, UN entities and the international community celebrate the three commandments that are at the heart of every belief – the love of God, love of one’s neighbour, and love of goodwill in February. This commemoration is all-encompassing and inclusive – embracing all people of goodwill – followers of all religions and faiths and all who believe in mutual respect, inclusion, tolerance and harmony.

In 2018, in recognition of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony, safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and protect religious freedom, His Majesty was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize, a unique prize awarded to figures that have made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery or practical work. This was the first time the Prize honors a political leader and a head of state. The UNSG Antonio Guterres was the keynote speaker at the Award Ceremony which took place in the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Objective:

With the participation of Member States and United Nations Entities, as well as a diverse panel of topologists, scholars and religious figures, the event will examine the importance of sustaining and spreading the culture of peace, moderation and non–violence through the promotion of harmony, pluralism and understanding, by sharing expertise, lessons learnt and best practices, so as to support the United Nation’s push on prevention, including preventing and countering violent extremism, terrorism and ignorance and prejudice. In particular, it will address the role of religious figures, faith-based actors, and local communities in raising awareness, showcase the partnerships between faith actors and the UN system, as well as how governments and UN entities can collaborate to send the message of mutual understanding, respect for all human rights and equality in all countries. In connection with the SDGs, it will also touch on the importance of positive narratives and dialogue, as well as spreading a culture of peace through education, as a means of preventing violent extremism and prejudice, particularly among youth. The important role played by women as “drivers” and “agents” of peace, will also be addressed.