Global Faith Leaders to Convene at UN for 12th Annual Symposium on Multilateralism

The World Council of Churches has announced that the 12th annual symposium on faith and global values will take place at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York. This hybrid event is scheduled to bring together religious leaders, multilateral organizations, and civil society actors to discuss the role of faith in international cooperation. The gathering aims to explore the promise and current challenges of multilateralism through a shared ethical lens. The symposium is organized by a coalition of groups including the Lutheran World Federation and the United Religions Initiative. These organizations are working in cooperation with the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development. The event serves as a public square for dialogue between faith-based actors and member states of the United Nations. Since its inception in 2015, the symposium has focused on connecting multi-faith ethics with global policy agendas. Early sessions prioritized human dignity and human rights as foundational topics for international discussion. Over the years, the scope has expanded to include themes such as migration, economic justice, and the prevention of violent extremism. Organizers emphasize that civil society and faith-based organizations are essential partners in effective multilateralism. By integrating grassroots perspectives with high-level policy, the symposium seeks to create more inclusive solutions to global crises. The 2026 meeting will specifically assess the current state of international cooperation and the effectiveness of existing frameworks. This year's agenda includes a focus on shared security and the role of religious actors in promoting sustainable peace. Participants will examine how faith communities can contribute to stability in regions affected by conflict and displacement. The discussions are intended to link local community practices to broader United Nations policy goals. Reflecting on the history of the event, organizers noted that the 2024 anniversary marked a recommitment to human rights. The 2025 session brought renewed attention to the influence of civil society in shaping multilateral outcomes. These milestones have helped establish the symposium as a consistent platform for policy dialogue. The event will feature limited in-person participation alongside virtual access to accommodate a global audience. This structure is designed to facilitate broader engagement from diverse religious and secular stakeholders. The organizers hope this format will encourage a wide range of voices to contribute to the ongoing conversation. Key topics for the upcoming sessions include the responsibility of religious leaders during times of war and the protection of human rights. Experts will also discuss how to foster peaceful coexistence in increasingly polarized societies. The symposium aims to produce actionable insights for policymakers and religious institutions alike. By bringing together different faith traditions, the event highlights the common ground that exists across diverse belief systems. Participants are expected to share experiences from their respective regions to illustrate the impact of faith-based initiatives. This exchange of information is intended to strengthen mutual understanding and collaborative efforts. Looking ahead, the symposium plans to continue its role as a bridge between religious communities and international governance. The organizers intend to use the findings from this year's discussions to inform future policy recommendations. This ongoing work reflects a commitment to maintaining a space for dialogue in an evolving geopolitical environment.