World Interfaith Harmony Week – Feb. 1-7, 2012

From the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations…

“…it is my privilege to draw your attention to the resolution that the Assembly adopted in 2010 reaffirming that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and proclaiming the first week of February every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs.  This week was first observed in February, 2011.

In our conflict-ridden world, I believe it is important to recognize the historical good done by people of all faiths in many of the areas of the work of the United Nations as well as the current successful partnerships in various parts of the world between UN Agencies and religious groups particularly in meeting the humanitarian needs of disaster-stricken people.  Such partnerships are indicators of the common ground that exists among religious organizations, and all of us who strive for peace and human development.  This common ground will form the basis for the special observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week being planning in my office in cooperation with civil society on 7 February in 2012 in the UN General Assembly Hall.

…It is this spirit of mutual respect that will afford us a firm building block in the establishment of a global culture of peace, a climate of hope and healing to address the challenges that confront our world today.”

– Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the 66th session of the UN General Assembly.

May all Arizonans join this noble quest, thereby strengthening our Arizona building block of peace, hope and healing.