THE LEGACY OF PEACEBUILDING, INTERFAITH, INTERRELIGIONS, AND INTERCULTURALHARMONY AND CONTRIBUTION OF MR. PETER HAIDER AS PRESIDENT OF UPF (UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION AUSTRIA)

Abstract

The legacy of peacebuilding, interfaith, inter-religion, and intercultural harmony has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. Across cultures and religions, individuals and groups have come together to build bridges of understanding and create spaces for dialogue and cooperation. This legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations today as they work to promote peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect.
One example of this legacy can be found in the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. A champion of nonviolence and interfaith harmony, Gandhi believed that different religious and cultural traditions could coexist peacefully if people were willing to listen to each
other and work towards common goals. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, inspiredmovements for social and political change in contemporary world, from the Civilian Rights Movement in the USA to the anti-apartheid struggle in South
Africa.
Another example of the legacy of peacebuilding and interfaith harmony can be seen in the work of the UN. Since its founding in 1945, the UN has been committed to promoting peace and preventing conflict through diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue. The UN's Interfaith Harmony Week, which takes place every year in the first week of February, is an example of the organization's commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding as a means of building peace and preventing conflict.
In addition to these examples, there are countless organizations and individuals working to promote peace, interfaith, inter-religion, and intercultural harmony in communities around theworld. These efforts take many forms, from grassroots initiatives to global
campaigns, and often involve collaboration across religious, cultural, and national boundaries. One suchinitiative is the Interfaith Youth Core, which works to promote interfaith cooperation and understanding among young people in the United States and beyond. Through programs like the Better Together campaign, the Interfaith Youth Core encourages young people from different religious and cultural backgrounds to come together and work towards common goals, such as addressing poverty, promoting environmental sustainability, and building stronger communities. Another example is the Peace Corps, which sends volunteers to communities around the world to work on a range of development projects, from education and health to agriculture and business. Through their work, Peace Corps volunteers build relationships with people from different cultures and religions, promoting mutual understanding and respect. 
In conclusion, the legacy of peacebuilding, interfaith, inter-religion, and intercultural harmonyis a rich and varied one that spans centuries and cultures. Through the efforts ofindividuals, organizations, and institutions, this legacy continues to inspire and guide
people as they work towards a more peaceful, just, and equitable world. The current global problem is multidimensional. It is having a rapid economic, political, social, and religious impact on the world, resulting in confusion, hatred, and violence. As a result, religious
dialogue is critical to avoiding the hazards of civil unrest and violence.