International Day of Human Fraternity

International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on February 4. The day promotes cultural and religious tolerance and highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue to achieve global peace and cooperation. ¹

History of International Day of Human Fraternity

The United Nations General Assembly officially established this day on December 21, 2020, through resolution 75/200. The resolution was co-facilitated by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and received unanimous support from member states. It was created to encourage the international community to work toward a culture of peace that supports the efforts of all who are committed to tolerance and inclusion.

The date of February 4 was chosen to commemorate the historic meeting between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. During this meeting, the two leaders signed the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” also known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration. This document serves as a blueprint for interfaith harmony, emphasizing that faith should lead believers to see others as brothers and sisters to be supported and loved.

Why is International Day of Human Fraternity important?

This observance is a direct response to the rise in discrimination, xenophobia, and religious intolerance globally. It emphasizes that cultural diversity and freedom of belief are essential components of humanity’s “rich tapestry.” By promoting the values of equality and mutual respect, the day helps to counter the messages of hate that often drive social division and conflict. It serves as a reminder that the common values shared by all people are stronger than the differences that may separate them.

The day also highlights the role of education in eliminating prejudice. Schools and educational institutions use the occasion to teach students about the importance of empathy and the skills required for conflict resolution. It encourages leaders and policymakers to adopt a culture of dialogue as a path to solving international problems. By recognizing the equal dignity and rights of all individuals, the observance provides a framework for building more inclusive societies where peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of active cooperation.

• The day fosters awareness of common values shared across different faith systems.
• It recognizes the contribution of religious leaders in promoting interfaith understanding.
• The observance helps to mitigate the negative effects of religious and cultural extremism.
• It encourages youth to participate in programs that build bridges between diverse communities.
• The holiday supports the protection of religious sites and the right to freedom of worship.

How to Observe International Day of Human Fraternity

Observing this day often involves participating in interfaith services or community discussions that focus on shared human values. Many organizations host educational seminars or webcasts that explore practical ways to implement the principles of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. To participate, individuals can take the time to learn about a culture or religion different from their own, which helps to dismantle stereotypes and build authentic understanding.

In the public sphere, many governments and international agencies use the day to launch initiatives that support social stability and respect for diversity. You can observe the day by engaging with your neighbors or community members from different backgrounds to foster local solidarity. Many also choose to watch documentaries or read literature that highlights successful examples of cross-cultural cooperation, or they may support the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which recognizes individuals and entities making significant contributions to global unity.

• Attend an interfaith prayer service or community dialogue event.
• Read the Document on Human Fraternity to understand its core principles.
• Share a message of unity and tolerance on social media using the official hashtag.
• Participate in a workshop focused on cultural awareness and empathy.
• Donate time or resources to a local non-profit that works on refugee integration.

International Day of Human Fraternity Dates Table

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-fraternity[↩]