On December 21, 2020, the General Assembly of the United Nations, during its 75th plenary session, established that February 4 of each year be dedicated as an International Day of Human Fraternity. The UN statement reads that by adopting this resolution, the Assembly invites member states to celebrate this day “to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Hope for Global Solidarity
The text of the resolution also expresses the hope that “a global response based on unity, solidarity and renewed multilateral cooperation” will be sought as the world faces the unprecedented crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. With the awareness that on our own we cannot save ourselves, the resolution calls on making every effort so that interreligious and intercultural dialogue are promoted, as advocated in the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.
United Nations Secretary-General’s Message
for the International Day of Human Fraternity
4 February 2024
On this International Day of Human Fraternity, we celebrate the spirit of mutual respect and solidarity that binds us together as one human family.
Today, these values are being severely tested. Our world is marred by divisions, conflicts, and inequalities. Discrimination is running rampant.
We must come together to protect and uphold human rights, combat hate speech and violent extremism, and push back against those who profit from fear.
We can take inspiration from the declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” – co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb – to work towards a world where dialogue, compassion, and human dignity prevail.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging divides, fostering religious understanding and cooperation among people of all cultures and beliefs.
Together, let us forge a path towards a more peaceful, just and harmonious world for all.
UN Alliance of Civilisations Commemoration
On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/200, designating February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity, to be commemorated annually starting in 2021.
Co-facilitated by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, the resolution acknowledges initiatives fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Notably, it recognizes the historic meeting on February 4, 2019, between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayeb, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which led to the signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” The resolution also encourages all Member States to actively promote a culture of peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
Celebrating human fraternity and its underlying principles — including mutual respect, cultural and religious diversity, and the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue — serves as a poignant reminder of the shared values that unite us as one humanity. This spirit has become especially crucial in these troubled times marked by divisions along religious, ethnic, and cultural lines. The rise of religious animosity, stigma, and various forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities, not only violates human rights and UN values, but also poses a serious threat to international peace and security efforts.
The upcoming virtual event will provide an opportunity to highlight the principles and values included in the Document of Human Fraternity and renew our joint commitment to promoting mutual respect, religious and cultural diversity and advancing dialogue.
WHAT:
In commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Human Fraternity, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is organizing a virtual event for Member States, religious leaders, faith actors, and civil society representatives. The event is co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to the United Nations.
WHEN:
Monday, 5 February 202411:00AM to 12:00 PM EST (New York time)
LIVESTREAM:
The event will be streamed live via UN Web TV: UN Web TV
as well as on the UNAOC website: https://www.unaoc.org/humanfraternityday/
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