International Day of Human Fraternity

The Origin and Purpose of the International Day of Human Fraternity

On December 21, 2020, the General Assembly of the United Nations, during its 75th plenary session, established that February 4 of each year be dedicated as an International Day of Human Fraternity. The UN statement reads that by adopting this resolution, the Assembly invites member states to celebrate this day “to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.”

Hope for Global Solidarity

The text of the resolution also expresses the hope that “a global response based on unity, solidarity and renewed multilateral cooperation” will be sought as the world faces the unprecedented crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. With the awareness that on our own we cannot save ourselves, the resolution calls on making every effort so that interreligious and intercultural dialogue are promoted, as advocated in the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.

It is precisely to commemorate the signing of the Document that the UN chose the date of February 4.

With the view of the good of all humanity, it is hoped that the February 4 occurrence will rouse the desire to work for a culture of peace that supports the efforts of all those – including the international community and followers of various religious traditions – who are committed to tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity, especially during these times tragically marked by the pandemic.