World Interfaith Harmony Week was concluded at the United Nations General Assembly on February 7, 2012 at an event titled “Common Ground for Common Good.” Subthemes discussed by speakers included: the search for common ground, conflict resolution, disaster prevention and response, renewal of the United Nations, and sustainable development.

H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UN Photo/Evan Schneider
“We recognize and celebrate the values that are shared across religious traditions,” said Mr. Al-Nasser, President of the 66th General Assembly. “These common principles form a common ground that unites us in our rich diversity.” The General Assembly President went on to note that the United Nations was itself established in pursuit of universal values such as peace, freedom, human rights, dignity, and the oneness of humanity, which are also espoused by many of the world’s religions.