Embracing empathy, mutual respect, tolerance and interfaith harmony, Southern Africa Regional Representatives to the African Union commemorated World Interfaith Harmony Week 2022.
“World Interfaith Harmony Week is an international United Nations Observance that runs from 1 to 7 February annually,” said Saydoon Nisa Sayed, Southern Africa Regional Representative to the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum.
Vedhan Singh, Southern Africa Regional Representative to the Interfaith Dialogue Youth Forum, said: “The responsibility of commemorating African Union and United Nations observances has become the twin task of Sayed and myself, where, on the grassroots level, we ensure that these days are marked. We always strive to include other organisations. This year we were called upon by the sexual and gender-based violence coalition ‘We Will Speak Out South Africa’ to highlight the importance of a faith-inspired approach to ending sexual and gender-based violence.”
He said that in a recent statement released by the United Nations, the World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform week in a year when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerful movement they are.
“The thousands of events organised by these groups often go unnoticed not only by the general public, but also by other groups themselves. The week allows for these groups to become aware of each other and strengthen the movement by building ties and avoiding duplicating each other’s efforts,” said Sayed.
In keeping with this spirit, Sayed and Singh, both from We Will Speak Out South Africa, joined the coalition and Faith Action to End GBV, the GBV Solidarity Fund and UN Women to collaborate with the grassroots interfaith community in championing the day.
“Recognising the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and co-operation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during the Interfaith Harmony Week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions,” said Singh.
