Frankfurt, Germany Hosts “Peace City Gala Night”
European Religious Leaders Step Forward to Resolve Conflict Through a Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect

 

 

“Peace City Gala Night – First European Edition” Held

On December 18, 2025, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch in Germany hosted the “Peace City Gala Night – First European Edition” in Frankfurt under the theme, “The Role of Leaders in Building a Peaceful and Healthy Society Amid Crisis.” The event brought together more than 600 participants and introduced a city-based peace model that integrates municipal leadership, religious responsibility, civil society participation, youth empowerment, and international law advocacy into a unified framework. The Peace City initiative aims to connect the ideals of peace with institutional commitments and active civic engagement, encouraging practical peacebuilding within communities.

 

 

The gala served as the grand finale of three Peace City Nights held in Frankfurt. A total of 607 participants attended the event, including leaders from the fields of politics, religion, youth, NGOs, education, and media, along with representatives from various European countries.

 

 

Pan-European Religious Leaders’ Conference Brings Together Seven Religions

Prior to the gala, a Pan-European Religious Leaders’ Conference was held, bringing together representatives from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Yazidism, Judaism, and Buddhism. During the conference, 27 religious leaders signed the “European Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect,” affirming the responsibility of religion to promote reconciliation and uphold human dignity.

 

 

During the conference, Kahlon Singh, Head of the Gurdwara Gur Prakash Sahib Ji in Austria, stated:

“Discrimination does not originate from religion itself, but from ignorance and misunderstanding. When people lack knowledge about other faiths, fear and division grow. Education and understanding are the most important ways to overcome these challenges.” He emphasized that Europe is becoming increasingly multicultural and multi-religious, making it essential to create spaces where communities—and especially religious leaders—can learn from one another.

He also highlighted HWPL’s International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) as an important platform where religious leaders from different traditions can study together, respect differences, and discover shared values. He called on religious leaders across Europe to unite for peace and actively engage in interreligious cooperation.

Christian speaker Pastor Jonathan Amseln addressed the gathering, noting that more than 45,000 Christian denominations exist worldwide. While diversity itself can be meaningful, he explained that division arises when traditions take precedence over the core teaching of Jesus—loving one’s neighbor. He stressed that unity does not require uniformity, but rather intentional cooperation among leaders.

Quoting John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,” he explained that true peace is not merely a diplomatic compromise, but a peace that brings hearts together. He encouraged Christian leaders to keep their doors open and work together despite differences.

During the event, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch also highlighted the expansion of the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), which has engaged religious leaders around the world since 2023. The event further introduced ongoing initiatives that support practical peacebuilding, including: WARP Offices (World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Offices), Youth activities led by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), Peace education programs, Volunteer initiatives.

Held at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and social fragmentation, the Peace City Gala Night demonstrated that religion can serve not as a source of conflict but as a catalyst for reconciliation and peace. Through the Peace City initiative, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch continues to support efforts to position Frankfurt as a city that actively practices and promotes peace.