Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is poised to host virtually the annual G20 Interfaith Forum in its seventh edition from October 13 to 17.
More than 500 leaders, experts, and representatives of key world religious and global policy institutions and high-level religious dignitaries will take part in the event.
Representatives from the UN, the International Dialogue Center (KAICIID), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Muslim World League and the European Commission will also attend.
The five-day event will address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, climate change, disaster risk reduction, hate speech and racism.
The forum is based on a partnership of a host of civil society, governmental organizations, semi-governmental organizations, humanitarian, religious institutions, social initiatives and academic institutions, as well as decision-makers related to developmental organizations.
It seeks to increase awareness of the role of religious organizations in implementing the UN schedule for sustainable development 2030, which accommodates 17 objectives for sustainable development.
"More than eight in ten people identify with a religious group worldwide. In this context, religious leaders have an important role to play in strengthening cohesive and inclusive societies," said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
“As one of the leading United Nations entities in the fields of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, UNAOC supports the G20 Interfaith Forum as it provides a vital platform for religious leaders and other actors to address pressing social issues,” he added.
The forum also ensures that religious voices are integral partners in global relief efforts. These discussions contribute to the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
The G20 Interfaith Forum seeks global solutions by collaborating with religious leaders and political representatives and calls upon the world's political leaders to include religious actors in the policymaking process leading up to November's 2020 G20 Leaders' Summit in Riyadh as well as to build policy based on shared values of solidarity, coexistence and respect.
