Since 2023, 4 February has been celebrated as International Human Fraternity Day, an event proclaimed by the United Nations with the aim of promoting mutual understanding, respect and cooperation between the different cultures and religions of the world. In a global context marked by tensions, conflicts and common challenges, human fraternity is today an essential value for the construction of more just, inclusive and supportive societies.
This year, the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to the principles that underpin this commemoration. Since its creation, the Foundation has been a benchmark in the promotion of intercultural dialogue. facilitating the coming together of communities and fostering mutual understanding through innovative initiatives.
Human fraternity and cultural diplomacy
Cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in promoting human fraternity, facilitating the exchange of ideas and values between civilisations. In this sense, the Fundación Tres Culturas has promoted numerous projects which, through art, education and dialogue, have served to build bridges and strengthen international cooperation. Events such as the Tres Festival, Voices of the Mediterranean, the al-Andalus Chair and the Tres Culturas Choir are examples of how culture becomes an instrument of peace, knowledge and development.
Academic and informative activities have also been promoted in collaboration with universities and institutions of reference, such as the International Congress 'The Almoravid and Almohad Civilisation in the Maghreb and al-Andalus', where the importance of the shared historical legacy as a basis for present and future cooperation between Andalusians and Moroccans has been highlighted.
The economic impact of these initiatives is also significant. Cultural diplomacy not only contributes to social cohesion, but also energises sectors such as tourism, education and the creative industries, generating sustainable growth opportunities for the communities involved.
Commitment to inter-religious dialogue
Interreligious dialogue is also one of the Foundation's lines of action. Since its creation, it has worked to foster understanding between the main religious traditions of the Mediterranean, promoting meetings and joint reflections on shared values that can contribute to world peace.
One of the latest projects developed in this area is 'The Soul of Cultures', an initiative developed in collaboration with the Kadiriya Brotherhood of Essaouira that brings together Muslim, Christian and Jewish brotherhoods in an exercise of coexistence and dialogue. This project, a pioneer of its kind, has enabled closer ties between communities in Morocco and Spain, demonstrating that religion, far from being an element of division, can become a unifying factor.
Also noteworthy is the project "Ramadan between cultures. This initiative, unique in its kind in Andalusia due to its conceptualisation and design, aims to raise awareness among the local population of Seville of the reality and symbolism of the celebration of Ramadan within the Muslim community, and offers the Muslim communities of Andalusia, made up mostly of people of Moroccan origin, a space in which to share in community one of the main festivals of the religious cycle of Islam.
The sessions of the "Ramadan between cultures" programme are held every year at the headquarters of the Fundación Tres Culturas in Seville, where the traditional breaking of the fast or iftar is organised, to which authorities and representatives of the three main Abrahamic religions - Christians, Jews and Muslims - as well as leaders of the main associations and collectives of the autonomous community are invited.
Education and awareness-raising: keys to a future of coexistence
Education is a fundamental tool for building a culture of peace. The Three Cultures Foundation has developed educational programmes that seek to train new generations in values of respect, diversity and dialogue. The 'Passport to Interculturality' project, aimed at kindergarten and primary school children, which the Fundación Tres Culturas has been running since 2018, is an example of how early awareness-raising can contribute to the elimination of prejudices and stereotypes.
In this regard, the Three Cultures Foundation will develop a strategic collaboration with the Scholas Citizenship programme, promoted by His Holiness Pope Francis. This initiative has been a beacon of hope for thousands of young people around the world. Its focus on holistic education and universal human values has transformed lives and communities, inspiring new generations to commit to building a more humane and caring world.
This partnership will give Fundación Tres Culturas the opportunity to multiply our efforts and achieve an even greater impact on the lives of people, especially those who need it most. Through this partnership, we will work together to provide spaces of encounter and training where young people can learn, reflect and act in favour of peace, justice and solidarity.
Building a future based on human brotherhood
At a historic moment when polarisation and intolerance seem to be gaining ground, the message of the International Day of Human Fraternity takes on a special relevance. The Three Cultures Foundation, on its 25th anniversary, reaffirms its commitment to the principles of fraternity, solidarity and dialogue.
Through its programmes and activities, the Foundation continues to demonstrate that diversity is not a barrier, but an opportunity. The celebration of this day reminds us that, beyond our differences, we share a common destiny and that only through cooperation and mutual respect can we build a more just and peaceful world for future generations.
Photo: United Nations/DN
Alpaca doors for the General Assembly building. Each door has four bas-relief panels symbolising fraternity (inset), peace, justice and truth.