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Vienna, 30 January 2026 — Diplomats, religious leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives gathered at the Vienna International Centre on 30 January 2026 for a high-level conference marking the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW).
Organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in partnership with the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations, Youth and Students for Peace (YSP), and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), the conference focused on the theme “The Relevance of Religions for a Peaceful World Order.”
Among the distinguished attendees was Mr. Abdalla Sharief, UNCAV President , highlighting the importance of media engagement in promoting messages of peace and interreligious cooperation. Also present were Renate Amesbauer, General Secretary of the WFWP-UN-Office -Vienna & President WFWP- Austria, Dr. Maria Riehl, Director of the WFWP- UN- Office –Vienna & Irmgard Mäntler, Secretary of the WFWP- UN- Office – Vienna.
Participants examined how religious traditions can contribute to peacebuilding, social cohesion and mutual understanding in a world facing increasing polarization and conflict. The program featured two sessions: “Towards Harmony among Religions and Cultures” and “Religion and a Peaceful World Order.”
UPF President Peter Haider opened the Conference by emphasizing the role of shared spiritual and ethical values in bridging divides and promoting peaceful coexistence. Distinguished speakers included:
- H.E. Mohammed Sameer Salem Hindawi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Hon. Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament
- Dr. Rizwana Abbasi, Associate Professor, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
- Dr. Afsar Rathor, former United Nations Executive (UN Peacekeeping Missions and UNIDO)
- Mr. Albert David, Member, National Commission for Minorities, Pakistan
- Prof. Dr. Elmar Kuhn, President, Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations Europe
- Dr. Androniki Barla, Orthodox theologian and canon lawyer
- Mr. Jacques Marion, President, Universal Peace Federation Europe (France)
World Interfaith Harmony Week was established by the United Nations in 2010 following an initiative by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and inspired by the A Common Word movement, which emphasizes love of God and love of neighbour as universal foundations for peace.
Vienna’s continued hosting of WIHW conferences since 2013 reflects the city’s strong commitment to dialogue, tolerance, and international understanding.For more information on the WIHW, links: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
The Author:
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora–Austria (ENFiD-Austria), and current ENFiD Adviser. She is also the 1st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), a member of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), Treasurer of the VIC Music Club, and Activities Coordinator of the VIC Art Club In addition, she is a Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor of the European Police Association (EPA), an awardee member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), and a member of the Order of the Golden Spur.
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