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SDGs ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 2026

22 September 2026 | 10:00am – 2:00pm EST | New York

As a part of the SDGs Conference 2026, the Journalists and Writers Foundation, in partnership with its 56 NGOs from 30 countries, is organizing the SDGs Roundtable Discussion 2026 to discuss critical issues to promote and protect sustainable peace and development. This side-event aims to create a platform for multiple stakeholders, including experts, practitioners, including civil society and youth leaders to raise awareness on social problems and exchange ideas on possible solutions to social, economic, and environmental issues.

Round 1: From Common Ground to the Common Good: Faith Communities Working Together

In today’s interconnected world, the collaboration among diverse faith communities is more vital than ever in promoting sustainable peace, social cohesion, and inclusive development. Interfaith dialogue serves as a powerful platform for building understanding, breaking down barriers, and fostering collective action toward shared goals. Faith-based initiatives can play a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for a shared future. 

This roundtable aims to explore how faith communities can work together to create more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful societies. The speakers will focus on how interfaith collaboration can empower marginalized voices, elevate women’s participation in leadership, nurture the next generation of interfaith leaders, and harness emerging technologies like AI to enhance dialogue and cooperation. By emphasizing mutual understanding and collective effort, faith communities can significantly contribute to building a more equitable, cohesive, and sustainable future for all.

Key areas for discussion include:

  • Empowering Marginalized Voices and Faith Communities: Strategies for amplifying underrepresented groups and fostering inclusive participation within interfaith initiatives.  
  • Amplifying Women’s Voices in Interfaith Leadership: Promoting gender equality and empowering women to take active roles in faith-based dialogue and decision-making processes.  
  • Fostering the Next Generation of Interfaith Leaders: Nurturing young leaders to sustain and expand interfaith efforts in diverse communities.  
  • The Impact of AI and Technology on Interfaith Dialogue: Exploring how digital tools and artificial intelligence can enhance communication, understanding, and collaboration across faith boundaries.

Through interfaith and intercultural dialogue, shared learning, and collective action, this roundtable seeks to strengthen the capacity of faith communities to work together effectively, contributing to the SDGs and fostering lasting peace and social harmony for future generations.

Round 2: Global Youth Voices on AI, Democracy, and Human-Rights Based Digitalization

As digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) become increasingly integrated into daily life, their implications for democracy, human rights, and social cohesion are profound. Young people, as both digital natives and active participants in societal change, are uniquely positioned to shape and influence the future of digitalization. Engaging youth voices in discussions around AI and digital governance is essential to ensure that technological advancements promote social good, uphold democratic values, and protect human rights.

This youth panel aims to provide a platform for young leaders and innovators to share insights, experiences, and innovative solutions related to AI and digitalization. The session will focus on empowering youth participation in governance, exploring AI’s role in addressing societal challenges, and fostering responsible digital citizenship.

Key areas for discussion include:

    • AI for Social Good: Exploring the potential of AI to address global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and inequality; showcasing youth-led projects and initiatives leveraging AI for positive social impact.
  • Youth Participation in Governance and Decision-Making: Discussing avenues for young people to influence policy and digital governance; highlighting youth-led advocacy and platforms that facilitate engagement with policymakers.
  • Impact of AI on Democratic Processes and Civic Engagement: Analyzing how AI influences electoral processes, public discourse, and civic participation; addressing challenges such as algorithmic bias, censorship, and digital manipulation.
  • Innovative Approaches to Combat Misinformation and Enhance Media Literacy: Sharing strategies and tools developed by youth to combat misinformation; promoting media literacy education to empower young people to critically evaluate information.
  • Youth Initiatives to Reduce Polarization, Hatred, and Hostility: Presenting innovative projects aimed at fostering inclusivity, dialogue, and understanding in pluralistic societies; discussing the role of digital platforms and community engagement in building social cohesion.
  • Youth and Digital Tools for Peacebuilding: Discussing the role of digital platforms and social media in mobilizing youth for peacebuilding efforts; Exploring how digital platforms and strategies amplify youth voices in conflict prevention and reconciliation processes.

This youth panel will serve as a dynamic forum for young people to express their visions, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions that leverage AI for democracy, human rights, and social cohesion. By elevating youth voices, we aim to foster a more inclusive and responsible digital future aligned with the principles of human rights and democratic

Date & Time

Date: September 22, 2026 – Tuesday

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm EST

Venue: Manhattan, New York

Format

10am – 10:30am

Introduction

Welcome Remarks by the organizers

Keynote Speech

10:30am – 12:00pm

Round 1: From Common Ground to the Common Good: Faith Communities Working Together

(Panel Format for 90 minutes)

Brief introduction by the moderator

Speakers’ presentations and reflections

Q & A: Interactive Discussion

Closing

12:00pm – 12:30pm

BREAK Session 

Light food and drinks / Networking

12:30pm – 2:00pm

Round 2: Global Youth Voices on AI, Democracy, and Human-Rights Based Digitalization

(Panel Format for 90 minutes)

Brief introduction by the moderator

Speakers’ presentations and reflections

Q & A: Interactive Discussion

Closing

Closing Remarks

Final Remarks by the moderator and organizers

Reception

Light food and drinks / Networking

Participants 

Interfaith, civil society and youth leaders, including policymakers, academics, journalists, and practitioners worldwide will participate in the roundtable discussions and the workshops.