The United Religions Initiative-Africa in partnership with Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (URI CC), G20 Interfaith Forum, the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum, the African Union Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate (CIDO) and AU-ECOSOCC organizing a one-day interfaith event aimed at fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among people of diverse religions, spiritual expressions, and indigenous traditions. Recognizing the importance of interfaith dialogue, the event is being held in commemoration of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
The one-day event, to be held on February 28, 2023, will bring together religious leaders and other key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond and will be held at the African Union Commission Conference Hall complex. The theme for the event is "The Role of Religious Communities in Africa: Advancing Peace, Human Dignity, Preservation of the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Freedom of Religion or Belief". The organizers aim to use this opportunity to promote the importance of religion in shaping a better future for all people in Africa and beyond.
The event which be held under the patronage of H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, will bring together around 350 participants, including religious, spiritual, and traditional leaders, policy makers, diplomatic communities, government officials, representatives from the African Union and UN agencies, youth and women associations, artists, scholars, students, and various NGOs. Approximately 100 international participants from various countries around the world are expected to attend.
The event aims:
1. To strengthen inter-faith cooperation and collaboration at the national, regional and international levels and to promote the exchange of best practices and experiences between different faith communities.
2. To promote greater understanding and respect between people of different religious backgrounds and to foster a culture of peace and non-violence.
3. To provide an opportunity for cross-religious and faith discussions and provides recommendations on various important topics such as urgent humanitarian and peace building action, freedom of religion and belief, refugee and displaced populations, human dignity and human security, and preservation of the environment.
4. To make recommendations for the AU to be a G20 member
The URI-Africa Leadership team (sub regional coordinators and trustees) will take part in the event.
May Peace, Compassion, Human Dignity, Social Justice and Harmony Prevail on Earth
