8 February 2024, New York City: Religions for Peace International and Religions for Peace Japan, with the support of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), proudly announce the convening of the second “Beyond War and Toward Reconciliation: Multi-Religious Peace Roundtables”, scheduled to take place from 19-21 February 2024, in Tokyo, Japan.
The Tokyo Peace Roundtable series serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among nations for global peace and stability. Against the backdrop of ongoing violent conflicts worldwide, the urgent need for new and renewed approaches to peacebuilding, led by multi-religious organisations and diverse religious leaders, remains vital and clear. This conference will focus on new strategies while building on past successes, emphasising the urgency of addressing global challenges and the unique role of faith actors.
Religions for Peace International and Religions for Peace Japan have set clear objectives for the Roundtable. These include identifying and assessing the specific roles that leaders from diverse faith traditions fulfill in war-torn and humanitarian contexts. The event will also evaluate various strategies employed by multi-religious platforms in reconciliation and rebuilding social cohesion efforts, with a focus on assessing the unique contributions of interreligious dialogue and action in forgiveness and reconciliation. The overarching aim is to glean valuable insights and lessons that can inform the process of effectively (re)building socially cohesive environments.
Ms. Deepika Singh, Deputy Secretary General and Director of Programmes, Religions for Peace notes that “The urgency for multi-religious action has never been more apparent. In a world grappling with complex challenges, the Tokyo Peace Roundtable provides a vital space for religious leaders to unite and discuss shared values and collective responsibility for global peace.” Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary General, Religions for Peace Japan, echoes Ms. Singh’s sentiments and says, “At the Tokyo Peace Roundtablee, we will witness the convergence of faiths and an acknowledgement that our strength lies in unity. Multi-religious collaboration is not an option but a necessity, transcending differences to forge a path toward a world where peace is the common language spoken by all.” Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC, emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue. “We are delighted to support the Roundtable as a platform for diverse religious perspectives to address global challenges. Religious leaders and faith-based organisations play an important role in cultivating mutual respect and building bridges between and among their communities. It is important now more than ever to promote spaces like this and spark collaborative action towards the shared values of peace, compassion, and unity.”
Journalists are invited to attend the Tokyo Peace Roundtable either in person in Tokyo or virtually via Zoom. Exclusive interview opportunities with key participants are available, and journalists are encouraged to set up interviews in advance. Sensitivity and respect for participants’ privacy, as some may have reservations about interviews or prefer not to disclose their identities publicly, are to be noted.
