MODERATOR

Noel James Debien

Editor at large, ABC Religion & Ethics Unit

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

(Australia)

Noel Debien came to Australian Broadcasting Corporation Religion Unit in 1996 and has worked across a range of programs as a researcher, producer and presenter including ABC TV 

Compass, ABC TV Hymns of Glory, People Dimensions, 2000 Today, Race Around the World and ABC Radio Life matters, The Religion Report, The Europeans and Sunday Nights on local radio. He was a specialist reporter on the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse.

He began his theological studies in 1982 at St Columban’s seminary and then St Patrick’s Manly. On the completion of the S.T.B. and the Bachelor of Theology he began teaching in secondary schools. He lectured in theology and literature at the Masaryk University in Brno, the Czech Republic, where he was also a member of the Choir of the Brno Konservatoř (Conservatorium) and continues to direct choirs. After returning to Australia, he began working with the ABC moving across media platforms within the national broadcaster including radio, TV and online.

Facing Global Challenges: Environmental and Peace Education in Interreligious Cooperation for Teacher Training

Prof. Dr. Joan Hernández Serret

Professor of Sociology

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

(Spain)

Prof. Dr. Joan Hernández Serret is a distinguished Professor of Sociology at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Spain, where he has taught since 2011. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology with Excellent Cum Laude honors from the University of Barcelona in 2020. His research interests encompass the multidimensionality of social change, specifically focusing on topics such as computerization and artificial intelligence, happiness, climate change, and intercultural and interreligious dialogue. Dr. Hernández Serret serves as the Secretary-General of Religions for Peace Europe and is the Chair of Religions for Peace Spain (GTER), where he actively contributes to fostering interfaith dialogue and social cohesion across various communities.

In addition to his teaching and research roles, Dr. Hernández Serret is involved in numerous academic programs and international projects aimed at addressing pressing social issues. He has coordinated and participated in significant research initiatives related to religious diversity, environmental sustainability, and the impact of interreligious cooperation on peacebuilding. As a published author and frequent lecturer at conferences around the world, he advocates for the crucial role of education and collaborative efforts in navigating the complexities of modern society. His ongoing work emphasizes the importance of integrating emergent technologies and promoting critical consciousness to address contemporary challenges.

Sustainability and Peace: interfaith actions in the UK

Cinde Lee

Chair, Religions for Peace United Kingdom

(U.K.)

Cinde Lee is a dedicated advocate for peace and social cohesion, drawing on her background in fine arts and classical music to promote inter-religious, inter-cultural, and inter-generational collaboration. Since joining Religions for Peace UK as a trustee in 2007, she has been committed to aligning her mission with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering individuals and communities through education, dialogue, and collaborative initiatives. In 2022, she was elected Chair, where she leads pioneering programs aimed at amplifying diverse voices, enhancing religious literacy, and raising social consciousness around pressing issues such as humanitarian response to refugees, gender equity, and mental health.

A strong proponent of youth empowerment, Cinde recognizes that young people are vital to fostering a peaceful future. Through the UK Interfaith Youth Network, she focuses on leadership development and initiatives like EcoAction, which encourages individual and community-level environmental responsibility. Additionally, her work with the UK Women of Faith Network promotes gender equality and parenting skills while showcasing inspirational women. Cinde is also instrumental in developing shared resources, including a PeaceBuilders Network, to connect peace activists and enhance collaborative efforts across Europe. Her involvement spans 20 countries under Religions for Peace Europe, where she has facilitated conflict mediation, education, and critical aid, firmly believing that the collective impact of PeaceBuilders is essential for driving change towards a better world.

The Role of Religious Communities and Education in Promoting Inclusivity and Social Cohesion: Case of Albania

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja

Professor of Sociology 

Bedër University College 

(Albania)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja is a distinguished academic in the field of sociology, currently serving as a Professor of Sociology at Bedër University College in Albania. With expertise in Sociology of Religion, Intercultural and Interfaith Communication, and Interreligious Dialogue, Dr. Kruja has held several significant administrative positions, including Director of Culture and Interfaith Dialogue at the Muslim Community of Albania from 2010 to 2016, and Vice Dean of the Humanities and Law Faculty at Bedër University from 2021 to 2022. His role as Secretary-General of the Inter-Religious Council of Albania underscores his commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse faith communities.

Dr. Kruja is an active participant in global discussions on critical issues such as Education, Freedom of Religion, Interfaith Dialogue, and Radicalism & Violent Extremism, having presented at numerous international conferences. He is also a published author, with contributions to notable academic works, including his book “Albanians Facing the Challenges of Interfaith Understanding.” His accolades include being elected as a member of the European Union External Action Service’s “Global Exchange on Religion in Society” (GERIS) in 2021 and serving as an expert on Religious Freedom at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in 2022. Furthermore, Dr. Kruja holds the position of Vice President of ENIB “Religions for Peace” in Europe, reflecting his influential role in promoting interfaith cooperation throughout the continent.

Europe for achieving a more Inclusive, Sustainable, and Peaceful Coexistence in Multifaith and Multiethnic Bulgaria

Dr. Marcel Israel

President, Religions for Peace Bulgaria

(Bulgaria)

Dr. Marcel Israel, Ph.D., is an accomplished scholar and leader in interfaith dialogue, currently serving as the President of Religions for Peace Bulgaria. Originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Dr. Israel has formal training in Industrial Controls and Telecommunications and speaks Sephardic-Ladino as his native language. 

A noted figure in the Jewish community, he previously held the position of President of the Central Religious Council of the Jewish Communities in Bulgaria and is a current Board member of Religions for Peace Europe, based in Berlin. Within this organization, he also serves as Vice-President of the Co-Committee ENIB (European National Interreligious Bodies).

With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Israel has dedicated his career to Jewish history, linguistics, and inter-religious dialogue, contributing extensively to scholarly discussions across Europe, the USA, and South America through conferences, seminars, and webinars. His commitment to fostering understanding among diverse faith communities has made a significant impact in promoting peace and cooperation.

Format

Introduction

Welcome Remarks by the JWF and Global Partners

Opening Remarks and Introduction by the moderator

Round 1: Interfaith Contributions to SDGs Achievements

(Panel Discussion Format)

Brief introduction by the moderator

Speakers’ reflections

Q & A: Interactive Discussion

Open Discussion for ideas, thoughts, and reflections

Round 2: Civil Society Best Practices and Initiatives for the SDGs

(Presentation Format)

Brief introduction by the moderator

Best Practices Presentation Session

Open Discussion and Exchange

Reporting and Reflections 

Closing Remarks

Final Remarks by the moderator

Final comments by the JWF and organizers

Reception

Light food and drinks / Networking

Participants 

Civil society delegations from our Global Partners from around the world and the United States will participate in the roundtable discussion and the workshops.