Religious Engagement in Global Affairs

09.06.2022 – 10.06.2022

Facing the major current challenges, international institutions progressively realized the important role of religious actors and communities in the global affairs of development and peace, and hence recognized the contribution they can bring for the good not only of their followers, but for the whole humanity. Consequently, “Religious Engagement” progressively became a key concept in political and religious studies and affairs, meaning the approach adopted by public, political and international institutions towards religious actors and communities, and vice-versa, to collaborate for the common good of humanity.

This approach of “religious engagement in global affairs” was adopted by global multifaith organizations such as Religions for Peace, International development Institutions such as the World Bank, and UN agencies and programs for Human Rights, Refugees, Environment, etc., in addition to the multilateral policy platforms such as the G20 interfaith Forum.

This new role of religions in the public sphere raises several theological questions. What are the principles, limits, and risks of this approach? Does interreligious engagement for common causes represent a result or a new form of interfaith dialogue? What are the reciprocal expectations on the part of international and religious organizations? What are the potentialities, challenges and needed resources for this multi-stakeholders collaboration?

The academic discussion we are aiming for, and the proceedings which will be published for the benefit of academic and public knowledge in this field, wish to contribute to the conceptual and practical development of interreligious engagement for the good of humanity.

The conference is organized in partnership with the European Academy on Religion and Society (EARS), and with the support of La Réforme Progressive.