DILI, 04 february 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s President, Jose Ramos Horta, in his speech at the celebration of the fifth annual International Day of Human Fraternity, in Abu Dhabi, urged all people to promote human fraternity which is crucial for promoting peace and preventing conflict.
“Promoting fraternity requires that all peoples, all nations, all generations, and all segments of society unite in strengthening solidarity and peaceful coexistence, prepare us to overcome the challenges and extreme dangers that confront us today,” said President Horta in a statement.
Horta stressed the importance of listening to people’s grievances, saying that empathy for the suffering and expectations of neighbors, through respectful communication, can lead to mutual understanding, reconciliation and the creation of partnerships for peace.
President Horta therefore, emphasized that human fraternity is a shared mission for all, and indeed, for all of humanity.
The Head of State said that the Declaration on Human Fraternity serves as a guide for concrete action.
“We must intensify our efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and partnerships for peace and prosperity for all.
“We must persevere, even as the challenges seem insurmountable. The path to peace is arduous, but it is the only rational choice for the future of humanity,” said Horta. “May our collective efforts illuminate a path of hope and solidarity for future generations.”
Horta expressed Timor-Leste’s commitment to working with other ASEAN countries to contribute towards a world where peace, justice, and human dignity are enjoyed by all.
On february 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, two of the world’s most respected religious figures, His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, signed the Document on Human Fraternity.
The Document on Human Fraternity has evolved into action through three important global initiatives:
First, the adoption of the International Day of Human Fraternity by the United Nations, observed annually on February 4th.
The second initiative is the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, a prize awarded annually to individuals and institutions that make outstanding contributions to peaceful coexistence and harmony worldwide.
The third initiative is the integration of the Document on Human Fraternity into educational programs in various parts of the world, including Catholic schools and universities.
Timor-Leste is the first country in the world to adopt The Human Fraternity document, a document promoting peace and harmony between Christians and Muslims.
“As President, I have been working closely with education authorities, the Church hierarchy and other religious leaders to ensure that the teachings and values of this document are adapted into our national school curriculum,” Horta concluded.
Related News: President Horta arrives in UAE for Human Fraternity Summit
TATOLI
