Events Calendar
Creation of the Geneva/ Swiss Chapter of the “Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD)”
World Council of Churches September 21, 2018 Geneva, Switzerland
2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). While injustices, conflict, and extremisms of all sorts still ravage the face of the earth, there has never been such a broad engagement for peace and the promotion of human dignity. The peace and security domain that used to be exclusively in the hands of political leaders is now understood to need the voices of all those who deeply care about peace, especially those of religious leaders who have a special role and responsibility to fulfill.
The Universal Peace Federation has taken the initiative to inaugurate the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) in Seoul, Korea on November 11, 2017 with 400 leaders from all parts of the world. After that, regional launchings have taken place elsewhere, most recently, the chapter for Europe in Vienna.
Geneva, Switzerland is a place with a significant history regarding the relationship between the religious and political spheres. Based on the enthusiastic response of the participants at a formal consultation that took place in Geneva at the World Council of Churches on May 31st, 2018, it was decided to prepare for a full day event on September 21st, 2018, the 37th International Day of Peace (IDP), to broaden the debates and then in consensus, jointly launch the Geneva/Swiss Chapter of IAPD.
We would like to invite you, among the people representing the fields of religion, politics, academia, NGO, International Organization’s and the private sector to join us for this very significant event. For registration, please click here.
You will find the draft program below.
Programme / Program:
09:00 Welcoming and Opening Remarks by local dignitaries
09:30 Session I: Youth perspectives: Interreligious Cooperation and Protection of Human Dignity
Young representatives of major religions develop a vision for a peaceful world. Building on a series of Model UN Interfaith Youth Council conferences that demonstrate the viability of an interreligious council within the UN system.
11:00 Session II: Peace Studies: Transforming Conflicts and Creating Lasting Peace:
Peace building involves communication. Language is critical to foster the peace process. This session will provide capacity-building tools to engage stakeholders.
14:00 Session III: Religious Leaders and Parliamentarians as Peacemakers
Lasting solutions to the critical challenges of our time call for both the skills and experience of politicians and the global vision provided by religious leaders.
16:00 Session IV: Interreligious Cooperation as a major factor for sustainable Peace in the World
How can leaders of faith-based organizations, transcending national, religious and political affiliations, cooperate to develop comprehensive strategies for peace and development?
17:30 Closing Session: Launching a chapter of IAPD in Geneva/ Switzerland
400 religious and political leaders convened in November, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea, to launch the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), followed by similar events in many nations. This session will mark the formal launch of the Geneva / Swiss Chapter.
18:00 Networking buffet