Award Ceremony of the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 Prize Held at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan

Today, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan hosted the official award ceremony of the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 Prize.

The prize is awarded annually to the most outstanding events held in observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, established on September 23, 2010, at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. The Week is commemorated globally during the first week of February each year.

In 2025, over 1,300 events were held worldwide. Among them, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan stood out with a week-long program organized by the UNESCO Chair for the Comparative Study of World Religions and Intercultural Dialogue under the theme “Human Fraternity and Interreligious Dialogue – A Factor of Global Harmony.” The events, held from February 4 to 8, included a wide range of scientific, cultural, educational, and sports activities.

In recognition of this impactful program, the Academy was awarded the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 Prize.

The award ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Demieh Zuhair Haddad, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Uzbekistan; Rector Muzaffar Komilov of the Academy; officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Committee for Religious Affairs; faculty members; and students.

Ambassador Haddad highlighted that this international recognition reflects the success of Uzbekistan’s national policy promoting interreligious dialogue and tolerance.

The Academy’s Harmony Week program included:
• An international academic seminar on “Human Fraternity and Interreligious Dialogue”
• A student scientific conference on “Tolerance in Religious Teachings”
• A video competition titled “Healthy Faith and Unity – The Foundation of Human Fraternity”
• A theater performance titled “You Are Not Alone” by the Academy’s student troupe
• A cultural event featuring national-cultural centers in cooperation with the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendship with Foreign Countries under the motto “Uzbekistan – Land of Tolerance”
• A “Friendship Table” interfaith lunch
• Interfaith sports competitions titled “Sport – A Bridge Between Cultures”, including chess, checkers, table tennis, and mini-football

These activities aimed to strengthen human fraternity, deepen mutual respect, and highlight the role of religious diversity in promoting peace and harmony among nations.

Speakers at the ceremony emphasized the vital role of interethnic and interreligious harmony in Uzbekistan’s national development strategy, underscoring the comprehensive policies and practical efforts implemented to sustain unity and mutual respect.

The event concluded with Ambassador Demieh Zuhair Haddad formally presenting the award to Rector Muzaffar Komilov in an official handover ceremony.