SDGs ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 2024
24 September 2024 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | New York
ROUND 1: INTERFAITH CONTRIBUTIONS TO SDGs ACHIEVEMENTS
As part of the SDGs Conference 2024, the Journalists and Writers Foundation, in partnership with 56 Global Partners from 30 countries, organized the SDGs Roundtable Discussion focused on key issues that promote and safeguard sustainable peace and development. This interdisciplinary event brought together 12 interfaith and civil society leaders from 9 countries, convening a global audience committed to the UN Pact for the Future and the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The discussions began by reading written messages from prominent religious leaders, highlighting the significance of interfaith collaboration in the pursuit of the SDGs, particularly in fostering inclusive and peaceful societies. Written messages from prominent religious leaders, His Holiness Dalai Lama, Honorable Fethullah Gulen, and Reverend Charissa Suli, emphasized the potential for faith communities in addressing global challenges with a commitment to justice, compassion, and the dignity of every individual. Collectively, these religious leaders underscored the vital role that faith plays in promoting global peace, justice, and sustainability, aligning the religious teachings with the core aspirations of the SDGs.
Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, President Emeritus of the Buddhist Council of New York, conveyed a written message from His Holiness Dalai Lama, highlighting: “If we look at the UN’s SDGs, we can see that fundamentally they all have to do with bringing happiness to every human being on this earth. The UN has rightly outlined that this can be achieved through ending poverty and other deprivations, improving health, reducing inequality, or protecting the environment. The interfaith community can help in promoting awareness of rights and dispelling ignorance among people. We can encourage opportunities for all to develop themselves through the cultivation of altruism, of love, of compassion, and the elimination of anger, selfishness, and greed.”
Hayrunnisa Kalac, Project Manager of the Alliance for Shared Values, delivered Mr. Fethullah Gulen’s written message, which highlighted the following points: “Our world faces many challenges: climate change, social injustice, and rising inequalities. In these challenging times, this conference represents a significant opportunity for people of diverse faiths to unite for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. I see it as a collective effort and an active prayer by its participants to cultivate altruism, love, and the spirit of selflessness while striving to uproot anger and greed from our hearts and societies, and I applaud all who contributed to it.”
Zehra Ozdemir, JWF Youth Representative and Intern delivered the written message by Reverend Charissa Suli, President of Uniting Church in Australia, highlighting: “We are heartened to see interfaith partnerships recognized as essential to achieving the SDGs. Faith communities, with their deep roots in society and their moral and spiritual guidance, have an extraordinary ability to inspire collective action, bridge divides, and foster reconciliation. It is through dialogue and collaboration across religious and cultural boundaries that we can address the systemic inequalities and environmental crises that threaten our common home. The Uniting Church is particularly proud of the many ways in which faith-based initiatives contribute to practical solutions in education, health, peacebuilding, or environmental sustainability.”
in his opening remarks, Mr. Mehmet Kilic, President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, warmly welcomed the international audience to the SDGs Roundtable Discussion and said: “This event aims to bring together various stakeholders not just for the exchange of ideas, but to collectively pave the way towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful future—a vision we believe can be achieved through interfaith collaboration and our principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind!’” Mr. Kilic emphasized that “encouraging dialogue and fostering mutual understanding among diverse faith traditions is crucial in tackling the challenges our world faces today.”
Roundtable 1 focused on exploring how interfaith initiatives can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel addressed vital themes, including poverty alleviation, health and wellness, education, and the promotion of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. The roundtable was facilitated by Mr. Noel James Debian, Senior Specialist Producer and Presenter at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In his opening remarks, Mr. Debian emphasized the importance of impartiality in public broadcasting and shared insights into Australia’s religious diversity and the media’s role in fostering social cohesion. He highlighted several best practices from Australia, noting the increasing diversity among Parliament Members from various faith backgrounds, which enhances diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, Mr. Debian asserted that it is the responsibility of journalists to accurately and impartially represent different communities in the Australian media landscape.
The first panelist, Cinde Lee, Chair of Religions for Peace UK, presented an overview of the evolving religious landscape in the United Kingdom, noting a decline in the Anglican population alongside the increasing visibility of other faith communities. She explained the interconnection between the established religion of England and the state, highlighting the presence of bishops in the House of Lords, while also stressing the growing impact of non-Christian faiths. Ms. Lee discussed the vital role of interfaith dialogue in addressing urgent global challenges such as poverty, health, education, and justice, illustrating how Religions for Peace UK promotes collaboration to foster peace and unity among diverse faith groups.
Ms. Lee elaborated on the operational model of Religions for Peace UK, which emphasizes both global and national initiatives to encourage interfaith collaboration. The organization conducts periodic World Conferences, including a recent gathering that attracted over 900 participants from 90 chapters worldwide to discuss pressing global issues and align their efforts with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She outlined their three-step approach: “catalyze, convene, and collaborate,” which is designed to spark interest among faith communities, unify various projects and events, and actively promote collaboration among different faith groups to foster dialogue and collective action. The overarching aim is to cultivate mutual understanding and cooperation, encouraging individuals to look beyond labels and engage meaningfully with one another.
Cinde Lee also emphasized that their programs are tailored to the specific needs of faith communities while aligning with the global SDGs. Recently, they launched an online platform that provides resources and encourages wider engagement, making their initiatives accessible to those unable to participate in-person. This platform invites faith communities to propose their initiatives, with Religions for Peace UK offering support and funding.
Additionally, their initiatives focus on bridging generational divides and fostering collaboration between professionals and volunteers, as well as among younger and older individuals. This platform seeks to bring together people who may not ordinarily interact, thereby enhancing interfaith collaboration and contributing to sustainable peacebuilding. Ms. Lee shared insights into Religions for Peace UK’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In partnership with organizations like SAER Child UK, they have funded rescue missions to bring orphans with complex medical needs and their guardians to the UK. Cinde Lee concluded her remarks by reaffirming Religions for Peace UK’s commitment to supporting the SDGs through these diverse initiatives and inviting all to collaborate in achieving these shared goals.
Proceeding with the roundtable, moderator Noel James Debian noted the importance of interfaith education in the United Kingdom, emphasizing that religious studies in schools promote literacy about various faiths. He remarked on the significance of understanding and identifying commonalities among different religions, which aids in facilitating productive dialogue. Drawing on his experience as a former head of religion, he highlighted how UK textbooks effectively foster interfaith literacy.
Next panelist was Prof. Dr. Joan Hernández Serret, Professor of Sociology from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Spain, whose scholarly work centers on interfaith dialogue and its relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Spain’s religious landscape is characterized by a diverse composition that includes Catholics, atheists, and a minority of Muslims, Protestants, Buddhists, and Hindus, which adds layers of complexity to interfaith discussions. Prof. Dr. Serret, reflected on his upbringing in a mixed-faith household, with a Catholic mother and a Protestant father. He focused on how interfaith initiatives can cultivate harmonious societies by promoting understanding and peace among diverse groups.
He presented three pivotal concepts, interreligious dialogue, SDGs, and societal harmony, emphasizing the necessity of mapping interfaith dialogue’s contributions to achieving the SDGs. Prof. Dr. Serret shared findings from a 2019 study examining the relationship between interreligious organizations and their efforts toward the SDGs, analyzing over 1,400 international organizations. The study concluded that interfaith dialogue significantly contributes to all SDGs, particularly highlighting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which aligns closely with the mission of fostering peace and inclusivity.
While acknowledging that certain SDGs, such as those concerning clean energy and life below water, receive less attention, he underscored the broad and essential role of interfaith dialogue across all dimensions. Prof. Dr. Serret stressed that the responsibility for promoting interreligious dialogue lies with society as a whole, including governments, universities, and NGOs, not solely within religious communities. He mentioned an ongoing project under the Erasmus+ initiative involving five universities from Europe and Malaysia. This project highlights the importance of both interreligious dialogue and intercultural engagement, recognizing that these conversations are crucial for addressing global challenges. The aim is to establish a network that enhances both religious and cultural understanding, along with the development of educational resources and materials for teachers and the broader community to facilitate these dialogues.
Prof. Dr. Serret concluded by emphasizing the significance of understanding the 17 Global Goals in setting societal priorities. He asserted that education plays a vital role in transforming societies and that interreligious dialogue is instrumental in promoting peace. Universities can significantly contribute to the SDGs through initiatives like Erasmus+ by fostering cross-cultural cooperation and sustainability.
The moderator then provided historical context regarding the Catholic Church’s approach to interfaith dialogue. He noted that before 1965, the Church primarily focused on promoting Catholicism; however, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration, Nostra Aetate, acknowledged the necessity of engaging in dialogue with other faith traditions, including Islam and Buddhism. The Pope’s recent declarations reflect the Church’s commitment to addressing environmental issues, resonating with the urgent need for collective action among various faiths to tackle global challenges.
Associate Professor Dr. Genti Kruja from Bedër University College gave a brief overview of Albania’s religious landscape, noting the presence of a significant Muslim and Christian population, alongside a smaller percentage identifying as atheist or agnostic. Notably, Albania does not have an official state religion, promoting equality and coexistence among its diverse religious communities. The 2016 law addressing the restitution of religious properties seized during the communist era remains relevant, as religious institutions require resources to effectively contribute to the SDGs.
Professor Dr. Genti Kruja presented a historical overview of interfaith harmony in Albania, showcasing images from various periods that depict religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity coexisting and participating in national events. These images exemplify a longstanding tradition of mutual respect and collaboration among different religious communities. He highlighted historical instances, such as during the pre-communist era when religious leaders actively collaborated to address societal challenges. The Muslim and Christian communities worked together to provide support during World War II, often risking their lives to protect one another.
In addressing contemporary interfaith relations, Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja discussed the emerging role of youth in fostering understanding among diverse religious backgrounds. He shared insights into his research on the Albanian Youth Forum, which connects youth representatives from various faith traditions. This initiative encourages young people to engage in interfaith dialogue, highlighting the importance of building relationships and understanding differences among diverse communities. By fostering collaboration and encouraging civic engagement, the forum aims to bridge divides and promote peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Marcel Israel, Board Member of Religions for Peace Bulgaria, shed light on Bulgaria’s rich religious diversity, encompassing substantial Muslim, Orthodox Christian, Protestant, and Jewish communities. He highlighted Bulgaria’s historical context during World War II, where civil society took commendable steps to protect the Jewish population from deportation to concentration camps. This act of solidarity exemplifies the potential of interfaith cooperation in times of crisis.
Dr. Israel discussed the efforts of the Bulgarian Forum for Interfaith Dialogue and Partnership, established in 2018, which aims to foster interfaith coexistence and combat xenophobia. He emphasized the importance of their annual “Harmony in Diversity” conference, held in December to align with the UN Declaration of Human Rights, where various aspects of religious and cultural diversity are thoroughly discussed. Through its initiatives, the NGO seeks to address urgent societal issues such as hate speech and discrimination, working diligently to cultivate a more inclusive environment in Bulgaria.
The discussion highlighted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interfaith dialogue, noting how the shift to online worship and discussions has prompted conversations about the role of religion in fostering resilience during crises. Dr. Israel underscored the pressing necessity for interfaith dialogue in addressing the rise of misinformation, particularly in light of recent events that have heightened tensions among different communities. He also introduced a project aimed at providing professional training for teachers in Turkish-speaking secondary schools, which included an extended course on world religions. This initiative has facilitated interfaith and inter-ethnic dialogue, promoting friendships among different faith communities in Bulgaria.
The panel then transitioned into a Q&A session, where Cinde Lee responded to a question regarding recent riots in the UK. She stressed the importance of understanding community fears and addressing misinformation surrounding these events. Commenting on the government’s initial responses, she advocated for an approach that emphasizes listening to the concerns of demonstrators, suggesting that this could bridge divides. Rather than dismissing these sentiments as purely negative, she encouraged open dialogue to clarify misconceptions and promote coexistence over mere tolerance.
One participant raised concerns about the challenge of ensuring religious literacy among journalists, noting that a lack of understanding can lead to misrepresentation and exacerbate conflicts. The panel recognized the significant influence of social media in the spread of misinformation and contemplated the potential role of governments in regulating these platforms to counteract false narratives. A participant from Switzerland echoed the need for civil society and government to take responsibility for fostering integration and dialogue among cultures, particularly in light of rising anti-immigrant sentiments. This sentiment was reinforced by all panelists who argued for proactive measures to create cohesive societies through community engagement and support.
Participants discussed the challenges posed by misinformation and fake news, especially regarding their detrimental effects on interfaith dialogue. One speaker advocated for a focused effort on youth education and engagement, arguing that fostering understanding among younger generations is often more attainable than attempting to alter the entrenched views of older individuals.
In closing, Mr. Noel James Debian expressed appreciation for the insightful contributions of all panelists, emphasizing the unique perspectives they brought to the discussion. He noted that the round of experts from Albania, Spain, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom highlighted the importance of continuous interfaith dialogue across various cultures and the role of public knowledge and educational exchanges in fostering mutual understanding. As the panel discussion concluded, it became clear that promoting understanding, respect, and accurate information is essential for reducing fear and hatred in society. The conversation also emphasized the changing dynamics between journalists and interfaith dialogue, particularly regarding the need for religious literacy.
