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7 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The 10th edition of the Geneva Interfaith Dialogue took place at Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme “The Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy.” This year’s event was co-hosted by UNITAR and the Permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations, aligning with the celebrations of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Over 80 diplomats, religious leaders, and representatives from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds gathered to engage in meaningful discussions about the vital role of interfaith dialogue in promoting global peace and cooperation.
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The session began with remarks from Mr Alex Mejia, UNITAR’s Director for People and Social Inclusion, who welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the significance of such dialogues. He highlighted that this annual event serves to unite diverse faiths and cultures, celebrating shared humanity and fostering understanding across various beliefs. As Mr. Mejia stated, “This annual gathering brings us together to celebrate our shared humanity and foster understanding among the peoples of the United Nations, from all fields and beliefs.” He further stressed the need for dialogue to address the complex challenges of our time, urging collective action to tackle global issues with cooperation and mutual respect.
Following Mr. Mejia’s remarks, H.E. Ambassador Akram Sa'ud Harahsheh of the Permanent Mission of Jordan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva took the stage to deliver his speech. Ambassador Harahsheh emphasised the importance of unity through dialogue in today’s world and discussed the critical need for collaboration. He asserted that societies can build resilience against division by embracing “ideas, justice, and inclusive policies.” He added, “Interfaith dialogue is a powerful tool for transcending cultural and religious differences, and it fosters a collaborative spirit that can address the challenges threatening global peace and security.”
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Next, H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero of the Permanent Mission of the Holy See spoke on the importance of turning dialogue into tangible actions. He emphasized that dialogue is more than just conversation—it is about building trust and translating shared values into actions that promote peace. As Archbishop Balestrero noted, “Dialogue is not merely about talking but about building trust and translating shared values into actions that promote peace.” His remarks underscored the necessity of action-oriented conversations that result in long-lasting peace.
H.E. Ambassador Galib Israfilov of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan in Geneva shared insights on the significance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. Ambassador Israfilov highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership in promoting interfaith dialogue and the importance of shared values in shaping diplomatic relations. He stated, “The strength of international cooperation lies in the shared values that unite us. It is through these common principles that we build bridges across cultures and nations.” He also spoke about Azerbaijan’s role in global climate diplomacy, noting, “At COP 29, we hosted a global summit of religions to discuss the devastating implications of climate change and emphasized the need for religious leaders to play a greater role in global peace and climate action.”
H.E. Ambassador Sabri Bachtobji of the Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the United Nations in Geneva emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and cooperation. He noted that such dialogues help “reduce conflicts, at least to some extent, by fostering understanding and respect between different religious traditions and the faith’s guiding light, which can prevent tensions and encourage positive outcomes.”
H.E. Ambassador Richard Brown of the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations in Geneva highlighted the deep-rooted role of interfaith understanding in shaping Jamaica’s diplomacy. He shared insights into the significance of the Rastafari movement in Jamaica’s cultural diplomacy, noting, “Jamaica’s diplomacy is deeply rooted in the Rastafari movement, which emerged in the 1930s as a response to colonialism and has since contributed to global cultural dialogue, promoting unity and equality.” Ambassador Brown emphasized that Jamaica’s interfaith foundation has played a key role in transforming the country into a global ambassador for unity, illustrating the power of cultural and religious diplomacy.
The session also explored the shared principles among religions in promoting peace. H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann of the Sovereign Order of Malta shared her perspective on how religious values can unite nations, saying, “Many of the world’s religions share common principles that guide diplomatic efforts toward peace. These shared values provide a foundation for meaningful dialogue that transcends differences and fosters mutual respect.”
Mr Bader Al-Mutairi of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also spoke on the importance of shared values in fostering global cooperation, stating, “Our shared values are the pillars on which we can build understanding and cooperation among nations. In today’s complex world, these common values are more important than ever in fostering peace and harmony.”
As the dialogue drew to a close, H.E. Ambassador Luis Gallegos, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UNITAR, delivered his final remarks online. Ambassador Gallegos reinforced the vital role of compassion, understanding, and unity in global diplomacy. He called on participants to continue their efforts, guided by these principles, to create a more peaceful and harmonious world. Ambassador Gallegos concluded with a call to action: “Interfaith dialogue is an essential tool in building a more peaceful and harmonious world. Let us all continue to collaborate, recognizing that our shared humanity binds us together in our pursuit of global peace.”
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