Rebuilding Trust: Faith and Ethics in the Age of Technology

Reception at World Economic Forum in New York

Event | September 2024

Held at the WEF’s New York offices during the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings, this two-day event brough together a diverse group of leaders from business, government, civil society, and faith-based institutions. The convening aimed to achieve three key objectives: 1) strengthen dialogue and partnership in a polarized world, 2) discuss values-driven solutions to global issues, and 3) accelerate strategic cooperation for rebuilding trust and promoting shared humanity.

Faith in Action: Rebuilding Trust in the Age of Intelligent Economies panel hosted by World Economic Forum (WEF) in New York City. Photo: WEF, 2024.

Reflecting on Dialogue and Trust at the Dinner Reception

The event began with a special dinner reception on Thursday 26 September, where leaders gathered to reflect on the urgent need for interfaith dialogue in an increasingly divided world. The evening was moderated with discussions that centered on the role of faith leaders in rebuilding trust during these challenging times.

Introductory remarks pointed to the alarming rise in global conflicts, with over 110 active conflicts currently gripping the world. It was emphasized that the impact of emerging threats like the rapidly advancement of technology, which brings humanity closer to the brink of nuclear catastrophe than at any point since Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Points were highlighted that connected climate change to conflict, emphasizing how environmental degradation has become a driver of violence. For instance, in Nigeria, where the population is projected to nearly double by 2050, competition for scarce resources like water, land, and food is intensifying. Meanwhile, other regions are grappling with shinking populations and aging infrastructures, presenting their own unique challenges.

Reflecting on these crises, it was stressed that the role of faith-based actors in addressing global issues are overlooked. The World Economic Forum was commended for convening such a diverse group of religious leaders, stressing the need for deepening interfaith partnerships and underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue as a beacon of hope for fostering cooperation and understanding.

Insights from the WEF’s ‘Faith in Action’ Report

The discussions at the dinner reception also connected with the findings of the World Economic Forum’s insight report that was published in January of this year, ‘Faith in Action: Religion and Spirituality in the Polycrisis.’ This report reflects on how global leaders are exploring partnerships with faith actors through eight case studies, ranging from environmental advocacy to health and resilience-building. It emphasizes the critical role of religious actors in fostering trust and developing solutions to global challenges at a time of deepening polarization and society mistrust.

The report’s exploration of partnerships with faith actors aligns with the evening’s focus on leveraging spiritual and religious values to advance solutions in areas like climate action and technology governance. Leaders at the dinner echoed this sentiment, reiterating their commitment to using their respective religious traditions to influence their communities and contribute positively to peacebuilding efforts.

Key Takeaways from the Evening’s Discussions

The dinner reception provided a platform for religious leaders to discuss how they could use their values to advance mutual respect and foster continued collaboration. Several key themes emerged from the evening’s conversations:

• Purpose and Commitment to Interfaith Collaboration: The panelists emphasized the commitment of religious leaders to continue engaging in interfaith dialogue, particularly in this polarized world. The dinner was not just a space for speeches but a chance for religious leaders to share ideas on how to use their beliefs to promote respect and peace.

• Rebuilding Trust: Religious actors among the panelists reiterated their commitment to building trust, recognizing the importance of the relationships they had built over time. Trust, they noted, was the foundation that allowed them to gather together during these turbulent times, and they expressed a desire to continue strengthening that trust.

• The Role of Technology: In an era where technology is advancing rapidly, the conversation touched on the importance of embedding ethical principles into emerging technologues. Religious leaders were encouraged to use their values and influence to ensure that technology serves the public good, especially in the realm of peacebuilding.

• Ethics in Tech Algorithms: A vital point raised during the discussions was the need for ethics to be embedded within technology algorithms, ensuring that new technologies are guided by values of humanity, justice, and peace.

Faith in Action for a Shared Future

Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted successful examples of interfaith collaboration on pressing global issues such as interfaith efforts in combatting HIV/AIDs, eradicating polio, and reducing vaccine hesitancy through the Faiths4Vaccines campaign; all in which was made possible by the collaboration of trusted partnerships and community endeavors. These examples illustrate the profound impact religious communities have had in addressing global challenges.

As the evening concluded, the assembled leaders were reminded of their unique position as faith actors; interfaith solidarity is imperative for engagement, therefore urging them to continue harnessing their values and traditions to positively influence their communities. A critical need is prioritizing the voices of women and youth, who are often at the forefront of change.

Looking Ahead

The discussion from the event will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing efforts within WEF’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings. Closing remarks reiterated the WEF’s commitment to support faith leaders to contribute their collaboration in advancing intelligent economies that serve humanity thus, working with faith actors is critical in addressing the complex global challenges we face. At a time when trust is in short supply, the role of faith in rebuilding this essential pillar of society is more important than ever. By continuing these dialogues, religious leaders and faith-based institutions can pave the way for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all. More from WEF’s impact meetings here.