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When is it?  World Interfaith Harmony Week is celebrated annually on the first week of February (February 1st to February 7th).

What is it about? World Interfaith Harmony Week aims to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith and non-faith. It provides a platform, one week in the year, where people of every group can recognize their common values, build ties with each other, and work alongside one another to bring peace and harmony to their communities.

How did it originate? World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the United Nations and henceforth the first week of February became World Interfaith Harmony Week.

What is it based on? World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets. The Two commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible.

World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour’. This formula includes all people of goodwill. It includes those of other faiths, and those with no faith.

How do I get involved? In 2023, a number of interfaith networks are running events across Victoria to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week. To get involved simply contact the organiser of the event nearest to you.

The dates, times and locations are:

• The Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong:
  Taking Stock of What Life Is Missing: “The Conversational Nature of Reality”
  Interfaith Breakfast 2022 | UN World Interfaith Harmony Week
  Date: Saturday 4 February 2023  |  Time:7am to 9am
  Location: Supper Room, Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale
  Guest Speaker: Nyadol Nyuen
  For more information click here

• Merribek Interfaith Network and Merri-bek City Council
  Blessing of Prayer/Meditation Room
  Date: Thursday 2 February 2023 Time:12-1pm
  Location: Coburg Civic Centre
  Guest Speaker:Jenne Perlstein (Deputy Chairperson of MIN) 
  Please Note: By invitation only event

• Wyndham Interfaith Network
  Interfaith Harmony Week shared breakfast and reflection.
  Date: Saturday 4 February 2023  |  Time: 8:30 to 10:30am
  Location: 350 K Road, Werribee South VIC 3030
  Registration Required: WIN Secretary Erum Ali erumali2807@gmail.com cc Laurence Gray laurenceg@wyndhamcec.org.au
  For more information click here

• Melton Interfaith Network
  Melton Interfaith Network Monthly Meeting
  Date: Tuesday 7th February 2023  Time: 6:30-8pm
  Discussion and video on World Interfaith Harmony Week
  Location: 31 McKenzie St, Melton VIC 3337

• Ballarat Interfaith Network
  Flag Raising Ceremony in celebration of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023
  Date: Wednesday 1st February Time: 11am
  Venue: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Sturt St (nr. The Olive Grove Café)
  Welcome Address: Mayor, Cr Des Hudson on behalf of City of Ballarat.
  
  
• Victorian Council of Churches: Canadian First Nations People
  Date: Monday 20th February 2023  Time: 7pm-8.30pm
  Venue: St Peter’s Eastern Hill Hall, 15 Gisborne St, East Melbourne
  Description: Canadian First Nations People visiting Melbourne, including Lewis Cardinal, a Trustee of the World’s Parliament of Religion. More information coming soon.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions would like to partner with you in observing World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW). For more information, click here.

Other Related Links:

World Interfaith Harmony Week