Religions for Peace World Council Announces Dr. Francis Kuria Kagema as Secretary General
12 February 2024: The Religions for Peace World Council (Governing Board) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Francis Kuria Kagema, as its Secretary General, effective immediately. Dr. Kuria has long played a pivotal role in advancing the organisation’s mission to build bridges of understanding and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and traditions throughout Africa, and as the Secretary General, he is poised to lead the international secretariat office and guide the five regional secretariats of Religions for Peace into a new chapter of global impact for peace.
Dr. Kuria assumes the role of Secretary General from his position as the Secretary General of the African Council of Religious Leaders-Religions for Peace. He brings more than two decades of multi-religious leadership experience to support the Religions for Peace collective peace, gender equity, and sustainability efforts and to grow the size and impact of the Religions for Peace movement. Dr. Kuria previously served as head of the Religions for Peace Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK). Given his years of experience Dr. Kuria will be instrumental in the coordination of our global network, International Youth Council, and Women of Faith Network, as well as our partners and donors including the United Nations community as we work together toward peace for all.
“We are thrilled by the appointment of Dr. Kuria as our Secretary General,” said Ms. Deepika Singh, Deputy Secretary General and Director of Programmes, Religions for Peace. “His experience and deep commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting peace, and advancing social justice make him the ideal candidate to lead Religions for Peace to achieve our strategic goals toward peace, security, and sustainability.”
Dr. Kuria expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Secretary General, stating, “I am truly honored to serve as the Secretary General of global community of religious leaders under the banner of Religions for Peace. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we come together across religious lines to address the urgent issues facing our world. I look forward to working closely with International Secretariat staff, the religious leaders and their communities around the globe to promote peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
Religions for Peace is the world’s largest and most inclusive multi-religious movement. Since its establishment in 1970, Religions for Peace has emerged as a powerful force in advancing—through concrete on-the-ground work—a comprehensive vision of peace.