Religions for Peace brings all faiths together to work for peace on International Day of Human Fraternity

Religions for Peace observed the International Day of Human Fraternity on 4 February by continuing to create platforms for all faiths to work together for peace and human fraternity

Religions for Peace Convenes its Multi-faith Movement to Work Together for Human Fraternity

Religions for Peace, as part of its unique convening role, provided a platform for religious leaders, faith actors, and civil society partners to come together to celebrate and re-commit to working collaboratively for human fraternity, as a vehicle towards peace. This is in line with the Religions for Peace’ 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which aligns with Agenda 2030, or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our country and regional based interreligious movement was convened for the inauguration of the capacity building series of Strategic Learning Exchanges – our “Global Interreligious Council (IRC) Development Webinars”. These are sessions designed to share expertise and insight within the members of the movement of 92 national and 6 regional Interreligious Councils, alongside key social science and secular civil society partners. The virtual convenings equip our Interreligious Councils to advance our movement’s key priorities.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, General Secretary of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, who represents the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar as one of 100 religious leaders on the Religions for Peace governing board, highlighted the deep connection between Religions for Peace’s six strategic priorities and creating a reality where human fraternity is the norm. “Religions for Peace is a key, strategic partner on our path towards human fraternity.” He urged all people to work together for the good of all, “regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, or colour.”

Lord Brennan QC, Queen’s Counsel, Senior Associate Member of Matrix and Advisor of Religions for Peace’s Secretary General, stressed the importance of this convening as a means of building the necessary foundation for Human Fraternity. He indicated that Religions for Peace’s global movement “reaches a vast global network of religious organisations” and that such IRC Development webinars provide a platform for reciprocal understanding and actions.

Expert faith-based discussants included H.E. Dr Nedzad Grabus, Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik, Prof. Anantanand Rambachan, Rev. Megumi Wada, Ms. Bani Dugal, and Ms. Mirian Akuaba de Souza. In their own words, these experts of interreligious dialogue and action emphasised that commitment to their respective faith traditions equips them to work with one another in service to all. Their experiences has taught them that fraternity is both an outcome and a necessity, especially in times of a global pandemic, to build resilience within communities and nations. Each decried various aspects of hate speech, violence, and exclusive nationalisms which cause harm to all. In response, they noted that multi- or interreligious work, is proving critical as an antidote, and therefore called for continued commitment to the imperative of multi-religious collaboration in service.

Prof. Azza Karam Joins International Human Fraternity Summit as Expert Panelist

Prof. Azza Karam also spoke during a panel discussion in the first edition of the International Human Fraternity Summit, hosted by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, under the theme “Human Fraternity for Working Together to Achieve a Better Future.”

The summit engaged global leaders in dialogue towards the promotion of human fraternity and provided an opportunity to make and refine commitments to face new challenges the world is encountering.

Prof. Karam joined a discussion on the topic “How Human Values Help Eliminate Racism Among Societies,” and noted that it is quintessential for all faiths to work together in order to reduce and ultimately eliminate the vast inequities and prejudices present in our world today.

She challenged listeners, noting, “I am not sure how we, as religious actors, intend to counter racism – which enables all other forms of discrimination – when we do not exemplify the ability, the intentionality, and the determination to all work together, put our money together, and confront this pandemic together. Why are we holding governments and the private sector accountable to do something we ourselves are not doing?”

In April 2020, Religions for Peace established a unique mechanism – the Multi-religious Humanitarian Fund – that provides financial resources and incentives for faith actors to come together in spite of their diverse beliefs and institutions in joint service of all – especially the most vulnerable populations, and sow the seeds of social cohesion and unity. The Fund has thus far supported 20 multi-faith projects in 20 different countries and will soon open a new wave of applications.

Driving Digital Engagement to Raise Awareness of Human Fraternity

This year marks the very first International Day of Human Fraternity, a day recognised by the United Nations to promote peace, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity. H.E. Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam stewarded the initiative to gain recognition for this day.

To raise awareness and mark this important day, Religions for Peace asked several leaders, “How does respect for diversity promote human fraternity and harmony between all people?” and shared the results on social media. Participants included Dr. Nayla Tabbara, Sister Agatha Ogochukwu Chikelue, D.M.M.M., Prof. Anantanand Rambachan, Dr. Aruna Oswal, Mr. Claudio Epelman, and Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh.

Religions for Peace Congratulates UN Secretary General H.E. António Guterres – Recipient of 2021 Zayed Award

The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity also hosted a ceremony for the Zayed Award, given in recognition of the ongoing efforts of leaders and religious figures in cooperation to promote peace, harmony, and intercultural dialogue in the world. H.E. António Guterres, ninth secretary general of the United Nations, was awarded the 2021 prize.

H.E. António Guterres raised his voice on several occasions during the past year, appealing for a global ceasefire, to allow for all actors to engage together to defeat COVID-19. Religions for Peace senior-most and youth leaders echoed the call for this ceasefire in April and May of 2020.

H.E. António Guterres accepted the award and announced that he would donate the monetary prize associated with it to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, a long-term partner of Religions for Peace.

Religions for Peace extends heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients and gratitude to all our leaders who joined us in celebration of this day. We will continue to bring the world’s faiths together to work collaboratively with each other, multilateral institutions, civil society organisation, faith leaders and communities for human fraternity and peace.