UNESCO’s Regional Office in Abuja, in partnership with the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), hosted a one-day Interfaith Workshop on Religious Tolerance and Peace at the UN House today. The event aimed to foster peaceful coexistence and combat religious discrimination across Nigeria.
Part of UNESCO’s Global Call against Racism and Discrimination, the workshop convened religious leaders, civil society actors, media professionals, and government officials. They explored the roots of religious stereotypes, shared conflict prevention strategies, and committed to promoting the Interfaith Code of Conduct (ICoC) in their communities.
“The Interfaith Code of Conduct, developed by CAN and NSCIA, is a bold and timely framework to promote interfaith harmony and prevent the misuse of religion as a tool for division,” said Mr. Albert Mendy, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative in Abuja.
Participants underscored the critical role of interfaith dialogue in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. They also stressed that leaders must actively practice and promote peace within their communities. The ICoC is expected to guide efforts to bridge divides and foster mutual respect across Nigeria’s diverse faith communities.
