{"id":8589,"date":"2024-11-24T20:00:41","date_gmt":"2024-11-24T20:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gnrcforums.net\/sixth\/?p=8589"},"modified":"2024-11-25T18:29:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T18:29:22","slug":"global-inter-faith-forum-adopts-ground-breaking-declaration-to-build-a-safe-secure-sustainable-world-for-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gnrcforums.net\/sixth\/global-inter-faith-forum-adopts-ground-breaking-declaration-to-build-a-safe-secure-sustainable-world-for-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Inter-Faith Forum Adopts Ground-Breaking Declaration to Build a Safe, Secure, Sustainable World for Children"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ABU DHABI, November 21, 2024 \u2014 Leaders from the world\u2019s largest religions and faiths, representatives from international organizations, the United Nations, and governments today adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration<\/strong><\/a> and a joint Plan of Action to address the unprecedented challenges children face worldwide. <\/p>

The launch marked the end of the three-day Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Sixth Forum<\/a> from November 19\u201321, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The ceremony, held at the landmark Wahat al Karama, was led by UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and renowned Islamic scholar H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, among other dignitaries.<\/p>

\u201cThe Abu Dhabi Declaration<\/a> and Plan of Action is a strong statement of commitment by world faith leaders to improving the lives of millions of children who are experiencing hunger, abuse, and violence at historically unprecedented levels due to armed conflict, poverty, and climate change,\u201d said Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, Arigatou International President and Convenor of the GNRC.<\/p>

More than 600 persons\u2014including faith leaders, representatives from the UN agencies and various government and non-government organizations, youth, guests, and organizers\u2014from over 75 countries gathered in Abu Dhabi for the Forum, which was convened by Arigatou International<\/a> and hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC)<\/a>.\u00a0More than 600 participants from over 60 countries participated virtually.<\/p>

Dana Humaid, President of the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, commented, \u201cThe GNRC Sixth Forum has exemplified the power of interfaith dialogue and collaboration. In the United Arab Emirates, we stand steadfast in our commitment to participating in these constructive endeavors. The inspirational Abu Dhabi Declaration marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to create a safe, sustainable, and secure future for every child. The Declaration underscores the important role that religious leaders, communities, and families must play in building a hopeful world with children.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThere can be no more appropriate venue for the GNRC Sixth Forum than the UAE, a country that puts high value on tolerance and acceptance,” noted Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. “If we are able to rise above our differences and genuinely care for one another, I have no doubt the light of our compassion will dispel the darkness and despair we see around us,\u201d he added.<\/p>

To center children’s voices, the main Forum was preceded by a Children\u2019s Forum from November 16\u201318, 2024.<\/p>

\u201cThe children attending this Forum are calling on religious leaders to abide by the lofty teachings of their faiths by helping to combat harmful traditional practices perpetrated by local priests, imams, pandits, and rabbis in the name of religion,” Kul Gautam, Chair of the GNRC Sixth Forum International Organizing Committee said at the opening of the Forum. “They are also calling on the leaders of government, civil society, and the media to honor the commitments we have made in signing international conventions, human rights treaties, and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.<\/p>

Mr. Gautam was awarded the United Arab Emirates Community Service Award, an honor bestowed on him by His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed for his efforts in serving communities worldwide in various capacities, including while serving as UNICEF Deputy Executive Director.<\/p>

Mr. Gautam was echoed by Dr. Kezevino Aram, Vice Chair of the International Organizing Committee, who said: \u201cAnswering the call of our children requires us to step up our efforts for children manifold more in our own communities and together with others. Going forward from Abu Dhabi, we resolve to combine prayer, meaningful action, cooperation, and creative visualization of a hopeful world with children.\u201d<\/p>

The Abu Dhabi Declaration covers a broad range of issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate-conscious stewardship, the vital role of families, and the dignity of the child in the digital world. Key pledges in the Declaration include:<\/strong><\/p>

Building a Safe World for Children<\/strong><\/p>