Kathmandu, Nepal – To mark the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, UPF-Nepal organized an Interfaith Breakfast, in collaboration with the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), on February 9, 2025, in Kathmandu. This event brought together prominent religious leaders and representatives from various faith communities to promote interfaith harmony, mutual understanding, and efforts to advance world peace.
Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, chairman of UPF Asia-Pacific, warmly welcomed all participants, emphasizing the significance of interfaith dialogue and collaboration in fostering global harmony and understanding.
He explained UPF’s dedication to supporting the mission and objectives of the United Nations, working tirelessly to promote peace and cooperation among all faith communities.
He highlighted the remarkable vision of Father and Mother Moon, the founders of UPF, who have supported many interfaith gatherings and conferences as a foundation for achieving lasting world peace. "From the very beginning, they believed that true societal development must be rooted in spiritual principles, with religious communities working together in solidarity rather than in competition," he said.
He referred to the vital role of religious leaders as ambassadors for peace, with the responsibility of guiding their communities toward unity, compassion, and shared prosperity. "As religious leaders, you are not just representatives of faith but also messengers of goodwill," he said. "Let us all stand together, upholding the values of peace, respect, and interfaith harmony."
Dr. Narendra Pandey, of the Bahai faith, emphasized that UPF has long prioritized interfaith dialogue. He noted that World Interfaith Harmony Week serves as a platform to bring people together and reduce societal conflicts and violence.
Mr. Achyut Subedi, a presenter for Radio Kandipur, cited Hindu scriptures and the importance of satsang and cooperation, stressing that working together is essential for peace. Mrs. Namrata Pandey, principle of Oshodhara Mystery School, stated that peace resides within every individual. “Religion is the path and the goal; we must move forward together,” she said. Christian leader Rev. Tulsi Prasad Shrestha stressed the necessity of an interfaith commission to ensure equal rights for all.
Sheikh Nahida Baina, an interfaith activist, emphasized the need to combat the spread of atheism, asserting that spiritual values should be preserved. Mr. Ram Chandra Bhandari, representing the Hindu community, said that while Nepal is religiously rich, a shift in mindset is required for true harmony. He recommended studying the fundamental principles of Sanatan Dharma. Jain leader Sri Naman Upadhyaya spoke of peace and harmony as universal desires and advocated for integrating interfaith values into daily life.
Ven. Bhikshu Dharma Murti, a Buddhist monk, called for expanding the scope of interfaith dialogue to include more community members. Mr. Narayan Sharma Gajurel, vice president of UPF-Nepal, expressed concern about the declining interest in religion among the youth and emphasized the need for proper religious practice to bring about positive change in life.
The religious leaders and participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening interfaith harmony and unity amid diversity. Mr. Santosh Kumar Paudel, president of UPF-Nepal, expressed his gratitude to all attendees and expressed the hope that religious leaders would take the initiative in organizing more interfaith events. Leaders of UPF, including Rev. Prakash Thapa, Rev. Binod Dangi, Hon. Milan Rajbanshi, and Mr. Krishna Prasad Dhakal, also delivered important remarks, contributing valuable perspectives to the discussions.
At the conclusion of the event, the participating religious leaders and representatives expressed their commitment to strengthening interfaith harmony while maintaining unity in diversity. They resolved to address misconceptions and conflicts arising from religious differences through community-based initiatives. They also vowed to encourage youth participation in religious and interfaith dialogue, to ensure the transmission of spiritual values to future generations.
Dr. Piya Ratna Maharjan, the program coordinator, extended a heartfelt vote of thanks and reaffirmed his commitment to interfaith unity beyond Nepal, at a global level.
By Santosh Paudel, President, UPF-Nepal February 9, 2025
