Toward a Culture of Respect and Interfaith Solidarity

A statement on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia — 15 March 2026 

On 15 March, the international community observes the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. This observance calls on governments, civil society, and faith communities to reject religious hatred and to protect the dignity and rights of Muslims around the world.

In his 2026 message, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned that Muslims in many societies continue to face discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling. Such conditions are often fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech that can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship. The Secretary-General also recalled his appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé as United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, strengthening the UN’s collective response.

For the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), this international day is both a reminder and a responsibility. Islamophobia is not an abstract concept. It manifests in prejudice, exclusion, vandalism, online abuse, and violence directed at individuals and places of worship. Such acts undermine the principles affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the protection of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

In harmony with Sustainable Development Goal 16—which calls for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies—no person should face hostility because of their faith. The United Nations has repeatedly affirmed that terrorism and violent extremism must never be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group.

Interfaith Engagement and Dialogue

UPF’s commitment to interreligious cooperation has deep roots. Its founders, Hak Ja Han and the late Sun Myung Moon, engaged Muslim leaders in dialogue as early as the late 1980s, including meetings with Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro, Grand Mufti of Syria. In the years that followed, UPF and its predecessor, the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace, organized seminars and leadership programs with Muslim participants from across the Middle East and beyond.

Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, IIFWP convened international conferences addressing the relationship between Islam and global peace, including meetings in Jakarta and London that created space for reflection and responsible dialogue during a period of heightened tension.

In 2003, UPF launched the Middle East Peace Initiative, bringing Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders together for dialogue, study visits, and cooperation. Over the years, UPF has continued to convene interfaith initiatives in many regions—from consultations in the Middle East to dialogues in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

More recent examples include interfaith gatherings in Lebanon and Germany, a peace dialogue in Argentina between Jewish and Muslim religious leaders, and programs in Africa promoting cooperation among religious communities. In March 2026, UPF-USA hosted an interfaith iftar in Washington, D.C., marking Ramadan as a time of prayer, reflection, and shared civic responsibility.

Through initiatives such as the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development, UPF continues to promote cooperation among religious communities consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 17.

Building a Culture of Respect

Islamophobia cannot be overcome by sentiment alone. It recedes through meaningful encounter, honest listening, and cooperation in public life. It requires responsible media discourse, deeper religious literacy, and the protection of freedom of religion or belief in practice.

These priorities resonate with the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the global #NoToHate campaign, which call for collective efforts to counter hatred and strengthen cultures of tolerance.

On this international day, governments, educators, media professionals, faith communities, and civil society organizations all have an opportunity to deepen dialogue and civic cooperation that protect the dignity of Muslims and strengthen interreligious trust.

Guided by principles of interdependence that have long shaped its peacebuilding vision, the Universal Peace Federation remains committed to this work. Peace grows when people encounter one another not as categories, but as neighbors, partners, and members of one human family under God.

Dr. Tageldin Hamad

President, Universal Peace Federation International

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