World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025:
A Global Celebration of Love, Peace, and Unity
Introduction
The World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), observed annually from February 1 to 7, stands as a testament to humanity’s collective aspiration for peace, mutual understanding, and harmony among diverse faiths and beliefs. Initiated in 2010 by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, WIHW is rooted in the universal principles of “Love of God and Love of the Neighbor” or “Love of the God and Love of the Neighbor.” These principles, central to the three Abrahamic faiths and embraced by all people of goodwill, provide a solid theological and moral foundation for fostering global peace and interfaith dialogue.
In 2025, the World Interfaith Harmony Week reached new heights with a series of impactful events, including a landmark global Zoom meeting titled “Love of Neighbor, Love of God,” hosted by Reverend Yuel Bhatti, Founder President of A Better Community for All Canada and Yes Peace Promoters Pakistan. This event, along with countless other initiatives worldwide, underscored the transformative power of interfaith collaboration and the urgent need for collective action to address global challenges.
Highlights of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025
Global Zoom Meeting
Title: “Love of Neighbor, Love of God”
The Zoom meeting, held under the auspices of ”A Better Community for All Canada” and “Yes Peace Promoters Pakistan”, brought together religious leaders, scholars, social activists, and peace advocates from around the world. The event served as a microcosm of the broader WIHW mission, emphasizing the importance of love, tolerance, and mutual respect in building a peaceful world.
Rev. Yuel Bhatti opened the meeting by highlighting the critical role of interfaith harmony in addressing global conflicts and fostering peace. He emphasized that WIHW 2025 was a call to action for all people of goodwill to unite in promoting love and understanding.
Nasreen Chaman from Pakistan provided a historical overview of WIHW, tracing its origins to King Abdullah II’s visionary initiative in 2010. She stressed the importance of respecting diverse religious beliefs to eliminate intolerance and discrimination.
Everest John a renowned religious scholar from the USA, delved into the concept of “neighbor” in religious teachings, emphasizing that loving one’s neighbor is synonymous with loving God. His insights highlighted the interconnectedness of human relationships and spiritual values.
Mili Das a poet from India, captivated attendees with a heartfelt poem that conveyed the power of art and literature in promoting messages of love and unity.
Dr. John Mukhta from Congo shed light on the devastating impact of war in his country and appealed for global solidarity to achieve lasting peace.
Agustina Joseph from Pakistan celebrated the diversity of participants and called for mutual respect and brotherhood as the foundation of global peace.
Elina Randhawa an 11-year-old Peace Ambassador from Pakistan, inspired attendees with her message of hope, urging the cultivation of tolerance and humanitarian values in children.
Shahid Akhtar co-founder of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, emphasized the importance of engaging youth in interfaith dialogue to ensure a peaceful future.
Ms. Fumi John of the World Peace Prayer Society reflected on the global impact of the “May Peace Prevail on Earth” prayer and the significance of peace poles erected worldwide.
Father William Basharat, Bhagat Lal Khokhar, and Father James Channan shared their decades-long commitment to interfaith harmony, stressing the need to eliminate hatred and promote religious freedom.
Dr. Badar Munir and other participants reiterated the importance of collective efforts and extended invitations to collaborate on future peace initiatives.
- Thematic Focus: Love of God and Love of Neighbor
The 2025 WIHW theme resonated deeply with participants, as it transcended religious boundaries and embraced all people of goodwill. The universal appeal of this message was evident in the diverse range of events organized globally, from prayer gatherings and interfaith dialogues to cultural exchanges and community service projects.
- Youth Engagement and Grassroots Mobilization
A key highlight of WIHW 2025 was the emphasis on youth involvement. Young leaders like Elina Randhawa and initiatives such as Yes Peace Promoters Pakistan demonstrated the transformative potential of engaging the younger generation in interfaith dialogue. Their energy, creativity, and commitment to peace underscored the importance of nurturing future leaders who can carry forward the mission of harmony and understanding.
- Global Participation and Impact
WIHW 2025 witnessed unprecedented participation from individuals and organizations across the globe. From the erection of peace poles to the organization of interfaith conferences, the week served as a powerful reminder of the shared values that unite humanity. The Zoom meeting, in particular, showcased the collective determination of global leaders to address pressing issues such as religious intolerance, war, and social division.
Key Outcomes and Recommendations
Strengthening Interfaith Networks
The success of WIHW 2025 highlighted the need for stronger interfaith networks that can facilitate collaboration and resource-sharing among diverse groups. Establishing a global platform for interfaith organizations to connect and coordinate their efforts will amplify the impact of future initiatives.
Promoting Youth Leadership
Engaging youth in interfaith dialogue and peace building must remain a priority. Educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and youth-led projects should be supported to empower the next generation of peacemakers.
Addressing Global Conflicts
The voices of leaders like Dr. John Mukhta underscored the importance of addressing ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises through interfaith solidarity. WIHW should serve as a platform to advocate for peace and justice in conflict-affected regions.
Leveraging Art and Culture
The poetic contribution of Mili Das demonstrated the power of art and culture in promoting interfaith harmony. Future WIHW events should incorporate creative expressions to engage diverse audiences and convey messages of peace in innovative ways.
5.Expanding Grassroots Initiatives
The success of grassroots organizations like Yes Peace Promoters Pakistan and A Better Community for All Canada highlights the importance of localized efforts in promoting interfaith harmony. Supporting community-based initiatives will ensure that the message of WIHW reaches every corner of the world.
Conclusion
World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together people of diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to celebrate the universal values of love, peace, and unity. The global Zoom meeting, along with countless other events, demonstrated the transformative power of interfaith dialogue and collaboration. As we look to the future, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world where love of God and love of neighbor guide our actions, and where peace and harmony prevail for generations to come.
“May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
This comprehensive report, highlighting the achievements and impact of WIHW 2025, is submitted with the hope of winning the UN competition and furthering the mission of global interfaith harmony.
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