Religions for Peace International Youth Committee’s Reflections on the 9th Parliament of the World’s Religions
The Religions for Peace International Youth Committee were pleased to attend the Parliament of the World’s Religions, held in Chicago, USA, from 14-18 August 2023. Under the theme, “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” the event featured religious leaders, academics, lay people, and civil society experts – all who encouraged dialogue and action on how people of all faiths and beliefs can work together in defending freedom and human rights.
Introduction
The Parliament of the World’s Religions was created as the key interfaith forum to facilitate discussions and cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities and foster engagement with each other to achieve a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Precisely 130 years ago, the first-ever Parliament was held in Chicago as well, gathering representatives of 10 different world religions, with an attendance of more than 4,000 people. This year, it’s 9th gathering, received more than 7,000 people coming from 95+ countries and 210+ traditions.
Religions for Peace was represented at Parliament in the multiple sessions, by numerous members, including members of the International Youth Committee (IYC) who also staffed the booth, several of our religious leaders, as well as many women who are part of our movement.
Religions for Peace Activities at Parliament
The Religions for Peace IYC members held three sessions during Parliament, including a panel discussion and two workshops, both addressed gender-based violence, while the panel discussion consisted of the IYC sharing their experience and knowledge as young peacebuilders in their regions.
IYC members present at Parliament and representing almost all of the regions where Religions for Peace is active included, Ms. Emina Frljak from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Dr. Renz Argao from the Philippines, Ms. Fatima Hallal from Turkey, Ms. Lyka Mtambo from Malawi, Ms. Ligia Elena Matamoros from Costa Rica, and Bhikkhu Vasu Bandu originally from Mexico, now living in the United States. The first workshop entitled, “Gender-Based Violence: A Human Rights Issue” facilitated by Ms. Emina Frljak, Ms. Fatima Hallal, Ms. Ligia Elena Matamoros, Ms. Lyka Mtambo, and Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu, focused explicitly on how gender-based violence (GBV) is exacerbated by religious patriarchy, political climates, and social conditions that affect women and the girl child worldwide. IYC members presented and articulated the dire needs of women and the girl child in various regions worldwide.
The second workshop entitled, “The Role of Multi-Religious Youth Engagement to Promote the Human Rights of Women and the Girl-Child,” was facilitated by Ms. Emina Frljak, Ms. Fatima Hallal and Ms. Ligia Elena Matamoros. Building on themes from Session 1, IYC Members facilitated Session 2 by addressing GBV issues and suggested tangible actions that participants could bring back to and implement in their own communities. The objective was to empower participants to work within their own cultural and religious contexts that enable them to continue the work they are already doing in their own communities, but with better tools and ideas that were brought forth by these two sessions.
The panel discussion entitled, “Youth and Interfaith Peacebuilding – Practices and Examples from Around the World,” gathered all six International Youth Committee representatives at Parliament. Each panelist shared examples of their interfaith peacebuilding work in their respective contexts and regions in a fireside chat format with a personal and interactive discussion that allowed the audience to gain insights into personal stories and thoughts on various topics.
On 17 August, together with the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, Religions for Peace co-hosted the award ceremony, “The Pen and the Sword.” During the ceremony, partners bestowed the Lifetime Service Award for Multi-Religious Peacebuilding to Ms. Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Chair of the Religions for Peace UK Women of Faith Networkand an interfaith consultant, educator, and advocate for women’s rights and issues. She is also a member of the Religion for Peace Standing Commission on Advancing Gender Equality.
IYC Members’ Reflections
Ms. Lyka Mtambo noted, “It was a great experience to see religions, faith traditions, and cultures blend and gather in one environment for the common good to defend freedoms and human rights. I am grateful that through the International Youth Committee workshops and panel discussion, we had the platform to share our work and our stories.” Ms. Mtambo also highlighted that the many Parliament sessions she attended offered insights into the challenges and solutions that humanity and the Earth face—reinforcing her belief that faith communities can change the world when they work together.
Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu noted, “It is essential that we, as young people, participate actively at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, which is a call to conscience and action, as we defend freedom and human rights. I have been inspired by our friends from all diverse religions collaborating for peace.”
Dr. Renz Argao shared that, “The participation of the youth during the Parliament of the World’s Religions is important because youth have so much to share and contribute on the various topics and discussions in the convening. While it is an opportunity for the youth to learn, it is more importantly a platform for the youth to showcase their own work and contributions in interfaith work.” He further added that he hopes to see more youth spaces in future convenings of the Parliament and other interfaith gatherings.
Ms. Charlotte Long, MDiv and Programmes Intern with Religions for Peace added, “As an organiser of religious community programming, I feel strongly that it is our absolute task as religious persons to understand and respond to injustices, and human rights’ violations. The theme of this year’s Parliament brought together spiritual leaders, youth, wise women, scholars and advocates in order to best map out how to do just that.”
Ms. Fatima Hallal offered her insights by stating, “Participating in this year’s Parliament of World Religions has been an immensely enlightening experience that fills me with profound gratitude. As a young attendee, I felt a profound sense of privilege being among the few of my generation present. The overwhelming spirit of benevolence displayed by diverse faith traditions was truly humbling, as they generously shared their perspectives and wisdom. This platform not only amplified the urgency of these concerns but also highlighted the potency of collaborative solutions. Beyond the thematic discussions, Parliament provided a crucial arena for networking, allowing me to forge meaningful connections and cultivate relationships that I deeply cherish and will carry forward. What left an indelible mark on me was not just the exchange of ideas, but also witnessing the remarkable endeavors undertaken by faith communities globally. Particularly inspiring were their boundary-defying initiatives aimed at tackling humanitarian crises and preserving our planet, initiatives that seamlessly transcend ethnic, national, and geographical borders.”
Ms. Ligia Elena Matamoros noted that, “El parlamento de las Religiones del mundo ha sido un espacio muy importante para mí, aprendí sobre la belleza del don del servicio que se ofrece desde el corazón y con una sonrisa en el rostro y también experimenté la importancia de establecer relaciones fuertes que ayudan a superar barreras, incluso las del idioma. En tiempos en que el mundo a menudo parece dividido, un espacio como el del Parlamento de las Religiones del Mundo nos recuerda que, con amor, respeto mutuo y comprensión, somos capaces de lograr grandes cosas.
Me hizo muy feliz que el parlamento fuera una oportunidad de encuentro intergeneracional y jóvenes de distintos países, culturas y espiritualidades también lograran ser parte. He vuelto a casa con el corazón lleno de esperanza, la participación joven es una chispa que ilumina el camino hacia un mejor presente y futuro, su energía, compromiso y perspectivas son invaluables y debemos continuar fomentando su participación en espacios como este, su voz no solo debe ser escuchada, sino que debe ser activamente involucrada en la búsqueda de caminos que permitan abordar los problemas globales.
(Translated: The Parliament of the World’s Religions has been a very important space for me. I learned about the beauty of the gift of service offered from the heart and with a smile on the face, and I also experienced the importance of building strong relationships that help overcome barriers, including language barriers. In times when the world often seems divided, a space like the Parliament of the World’s Religions reminds us that with love, mutual respect and understanding, we are capable of achieving great things.
I was very pleased that the Parliament provided an opportunity for intergenerational meetings, and young people from different countries, cultures, and spiritual backgrounds were also able to be part of it. I have returned home with a heart full of hope. Youth participation is a spark that lights the way to a better present and future. Their energy, commitment, and perspectives are invaluable, and we must continue to encourage their participation in spaces like this. Their voice should not only be heard but actively engaged in finding paths to address global issues.)
Finally, Ms. Emina Frljak shared, “Being at Parliament and sharing the space with all so many people made me realize how important it is to connect with each other, support each other, and forge partnerships that will defend human rights and freedoms. We are living in a highly polarized world, a world where violence is becoming normalized, and coming together, working together, and supporting each other is needed more than ever. Places and gatherings like Parliament are beacons of hope. The interfaith movement is that ray of hope that when people come together, they can shift things for the better. Sharing the space with my fellow colleagues from the IYC and other youth, gave me the strength to continue my peacebuilding and interfaith journey, despite all the difficulties I am encountering on my way.”
In conclusion, the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee is deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 9th Parliament of the World’s Religions. As they reflect on the insightful discussions, inspiring sessions, and the connections made during this event, they are reminded of the power of faith and indigenous communities coming together to defend freedom and human rights. It is clear that the call to conscience and action resonates not only with seasoned leaders and elders, but also with passionate and dedicated youth who are eager to contribute their voices and efforts toward a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The memories of this Parliament, the exchange of ideas, and the bonds formed will continue to guide in the shared mission to create positive change in our communities and beyond.