2026 Theme: Dialogue Over Division

February fourth is International Day of Human Fraternity. It reminds us that we belong to one human family: diverse in culture and belief; equal in dignity; stronger when we choose respect over suspicion. At a time of growing tensions and polarization, human fraternity is not only an ideal; it is a practical commitment to live together peacefully and to protect the rights and dignity of every person.

This year’s theme calls on all of us to put dialogue over division. Dialogue does not mean we must agree on everything. It means we listen with care, speak with responsibility, and recognize each other’s humanity. Especially when we feel afraid, angry or uncertain.

It also means rejecting discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech. It means creating spaces — online and offline — where differences can be discussed without turning into harm.

We must all remember that human fraternity begins in everyday life: in how we treat neighbors, classmates, colleagues and strangers; in how we share information; in how we respond when someone is targeted because of identity or belief. Each of us can help build stronger, more inclusive communities by: challenging stereotypes; standing up for dignity and inclusion; learning about other cultures and faith traditions; supporting local efforts that bring people together. Small choices, repeated every day, can strengthen the bonds that help societies stay peaceful and resilient.

The Importance of Human Fraternity

Human fraternity for peace and cooperation is grounded in a simple recognition: people of all religions and beliefs make a valuable and lasting contribution to humanity. Dialogue among religious and belief communities can deepen understanding and highlight shared values. Promoting awareness of different cultures, religions and beliefs helps foster tolerance that is rooted in respect, inclusion and acceptance of diversity, including the free expression of religious identity.

Education plays a vital role in nurturing these principles and in preventing discrimination based on religion or belief. Tolerance, mutual respect and living well with differences are essential to human fraternity and social harmony, which is why interreligious and intercultural dialogue matter at every level: global, regional, national and local.

Background

Following the devastation of the Second World War, the United Nations was established to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. One of its purposes is to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems, including by promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

In 1999, The General-Assembly adopted, by resolution 53/243, the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which serves as the universal mandate for the international community, particularly the United Nations system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits all of humanity, including future generations.

The declaration came about as a result of the long-held and cherished concept — contained within the Constitution of UNESCO — that "since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." The Declaration embraces the principle that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process, in which dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.

On 20 October 2010, the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5 pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. It further recognized the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.

At the core of all the faith systems and traditions is the recognition that we are all in this together and that we need to love and support one another to live in harmony and peace in an environmentally sustainable world. Our world continues to be beset by conflict and intolerance with a rising number of refugees and the internally displaced in a hostile and unwelcoming world around them. We are also, unfortunately, witnessing messages of hate spreading discord among people. The need for spiritual guidance has never been greater. It is imperative that we double our efforts to spread the message of good neighborliness based on our common humanity, a message shared by all faith traditions.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the fourth of February as the International Day of Human Fraternity, with resolution 75/200.