An interfaith gathering was held on Wednesday, 4 February, 2026, at 18:30 at Karlavagnen, Vintergatan 24, Sundbyberg, in connection with the United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week and the International Day of Human Fraternity.
The event brought together approximately 25 participants, including eight representing 5 different traditions, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Scientology, and Family Federation. The evening was jointly arranged by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), an affiliated organisation, and Universal Peace Federation (UPF).
World Interfaith Harmony Week, officially established by the UN General Assembly in 2010 and observed annually from 1–7 February, aims to promote understanding, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths, emphasizing shared values such as the love of God and love of neighbor.
The program underscored the importance of interreligious dialogue for mutual understanding, existential insight, and individuals' spiritual needs.
Mikael Schöld of the Universal Peace Federation outlined the background and purpose of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Lorenz Jolin spoke on interreligious dialogue as a path toward a more peaceful world, noting that religion is often perceived as divisive and is excluded from public discourse, which can create an existential vacuum in society. His presentation emphasized how dialogue can strengthen both personal insight and the constructive role of religion in society.
Britta Houston spoke passionately about the need for dialogue and openness and offered insight into how WFWP can play a vital role in building peace.
Dr. Peter Åkerbäck, Director of Studies at the Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, delivered the closing remarks. He reflected on the history of religious dialogue in Sweden and his long-standing efforts to foster an open, vibrant culture of interreligious cooperation, and described the February 4th gathering as a promising new start for dynamic, sustained interfaith dialogue.
Participants also shared personal experiences from interfaith encounters and reflected on the level of interest and engagement in interreligious dialogue in contemporary Swedish society.
Britta Houston from Women’s Federation for World Peace facilitated an open discussion on how dialogue can build understanding, trust, and peace.
The evening concluded with informal conversation over coffee and sandwiches, thoughtfully prepared by two women from FFWPU, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere.