World Health Organisation and Religions for Peace Convene on Paramount Role of Multi-faith Cooperation on COVID-19 and Vaccine Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On March 19, H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation, Prof. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace, and global faith leaders of the Religions for Peace movement, are meeting to discuss the paramount role faith institutions and multi-religious cooperation must continue to play in COVID-19 responses, and vaccine efforts, worldwide.

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, faith-based institutions have provided critical infrastructure and effective means of distributing life-saving support as first responders to the global Pandemic. Religious leaders play an important role in disseminating information and raising awareness among communities, through their unparalleled reach to billions of followers across the globe. Faith leaders have already joined myriad efforts to help promote and maintain public health measures, and provide accurate information on vaccines.

The religious leaders present – representing diverse religious institutions and faith traditions across the globe – combine collaborative multi-religious efforts spanning decades. Their work serves public health needs, through a shared commitment to human rights, peace and security and sustainable development.

Since March 2020, Religions for Peace set up a Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund serving specific COVID-related needs, through innovative multi-religious efforts, pioneered by its global network of more than 90 national and regional Interreligious Councils. As the pandemic enters new phases, equitable access to vaccines is paramount while ensuring safety and precautions are systematically maintained. Accordingly, Religions for Peace is committed to mobilising its religious leaders and partner institutions to fully support WHO’s efforts in this regard. The combined social, political, and economic capital of the world’s faith leaders and institutions, avails a multi-religious and united voices, as well as abiding and effective commitments, to securing human dignity for all, leaving no one behind.

For more information on Religions for Peace work and the meeting with WHO leadership, please contact Humanitarian Communications Officer, Mr. Tom Nocera (tnocera@rfp.org)