The G20 Interfaith Forum offers a platform for religiously linked institutions and actors to gather and share initiatives to engage global agendas, most notably Agenda 2030. The sixth G20 Interfaith Forum was hosted in Tokyo, Japan from 7-9 June. The main focus areas for the G20 Interfaith Forum, as selected by the Japanese government, highlighted environmental action, aging societies, trade imbalances, disaster response, health and world peace. By hosting this conference, the Japanese government reinforced its capability to serve as a global leader order to collectively advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Network Advisory Group Member, Katherine Marshall, wrote a compelling piece on the significance of the Forum and how it seeks to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. She notes interfaith voice is important for the G20 because, “Faith traditions mobilize communities. Perhaps most important they help us appreciate life and take account of our responsibilities and relationships. Religious actors are often trusted, more than others. Their omnipresence means they understand and they respond to needs and to change.”
It was an pleasure to see numerous Network members attend the Forum and participate on panels. Members in attendance included: KAICIID, ICRD, USIP, UNAOC and RfP. The comprised wealth of knowledge of Network members greatly contributed to G20 policy recommendations and to further advance collaboration between actors and organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Network Executive Director, Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, participated in a panel discussion on utilizing interfaith culture and dialogue to create action.
Read Professor Marshall’s full article here
Since the first G20 Interfaith Forum was hosted in Australia in 2014, it has convened annually in the G20 host country. The Forums have discussed a variety of prevalent topics, including economic models and systems, the environment, women, families, children, work, humanitarian aid, health, education, freedom of religion or belief, global security, governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The agenda for each Forum is framed taking into account the annual G20 priorities with topics recommended by various networks of religious actors. G20 2020 is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
2 August 2019