NEW YORK, US – On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the UN chief Saturday called for renewed commitment to forge an “alliance of peace” amid a surge in hate speech, sectarianism and strife.
The International Day of Human Fraternity celebrates values that “are the glue that hold our human family together” – compassion, religious understanding and mutual respect, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said.
“These values underwrite peace, yet all over the world, they are being eroded by deepening divides, widening inequalities and growing despair and by surging hate speech, sectarianism and strife,” he said.
The Secretary-General pointed to a model for interfaith harmony and human solidarity: the declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, co-signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019.
“Let us all take inspiration and renew our commitment to stand together as one human family,” he said.
“Together, let us build an alliance of peace, rich in diversity, equal in dignity and rights, united in solidarity,” the UN chief said.
On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution – co-sponsored by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt – proclaiming February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
The UN invited all member states and international organizations to observe the International Day of Human Fraternity annually.
In adopting the resolution, member states recognized the valuable contribution of people of all religions or beliefs to humanity.
The member states also recognized the contribution that dialogue among all religious groups can make towards improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind.