ABU DHABI, November 21, 2024 — Leaders from the world’s largest religions and faiths, representatives from international organizations, the United Nations, and governments today adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration and a joint Plan of Action to address the unprecedented challenges children face worldwide.
The launch marked the end of the three-day Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Sixth Forum from November 19–21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The ceremony, held at the landmark Wahat al Karama, was led by UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and renowned Islamic scholar H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, among other dignitaries.
“The Abu Dhabi Declaration and Plan of Action is a strong statement of commitment by world faith leaders to improving the lives of millions of children who are experiencing hunger, abuse, and violence at historically unprecedented levels due to armed conflict, poverty, and climate change,” said Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, Arigatou International President and Convenor of the GNRC.
More than 600 persons—including faith leaders, representatives from the UN agencies and various government and non-government organizations, youth, guests, and organizers—from over 75 countries gathered in Abu Dhabi for the Forum, which was convened by Arigatou International and hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC). More than 600 participants from over 60 countries participated virtually.
Dana Humaid, President of the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, commented, “The GNRC Sixth Forum has exemplified the power of interfaith dialogue and collaboration. In the United Arab Emirates, we stand steadfast in our commitment to participating in these constructive endeavors. The inspirational Abu Dhabi Declaration marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to create a safe, sustainable, and secure future for every child. The Declaration underscores the important role that religious leaders, communities, and families must play in building a hopeful world with children.”
“There can be no more appropriate venue for the GNRC Sixth Forum than the UAE, a country that puts high value on tolerance and acceptance,” noted Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. “If we are able to rise above our differences and genuinely care for one another, I have no doubt the light of our compassion will dispel the darkness and despair we see around us,” he added.
To center children’s voices, the main Forum was preceded by a Children’s Forum from November 16–18, 2024.
“The children attending this Forum are calling on religious leaders to abide by the lofty teachings of their faiths by helping to combat harmful traditional practices perpetrated by local priests, imams, pandits, and rabbis in the name of religion,” Kul Gautam, Chair of the GNRC Sixth Forum International Organizing Committee said at the opening of the Forum. “They are also calling on the leaders of government, civil society, and the media to honor the commitments we have made in signing international conventions, human rights treaties, and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
Mr. Gautam was awarded the United Arab Emirates Community Service Award, an honor bestowed on him by His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed for his efforts in serving communities worldwide in various capacities, including while serving as UNICEF Deputy Executive Director.
Mr. Gautam was echoed by Dr. Kezevino Aram, Vice Chair of the International Organizing Committee, who said: “Answering the call of our children requires us to step up our efforts for children manifold more in our own communities and together with others. Going forward from Abu Dhabi, we resolve to combine prayer, meaningful action, cooperation, and creative visualization of a hopeful world with children.”
The Abu Dhabi Declaration covers a broad range of issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate-conscious stewardship, the vital role of families, and the dignity of the child in the digital world. Key pledges in the Declaration include:
Building a Safe World for Children
- Working to strengthen caregivers, especially families, and teachers, to ensure inclusive child protection systems, policies, and practices to prevent violence, abuse, and exploitation both offline and online.
- Supporting children’s mental and spiritual health by creating safe spaces where they can express themselves and be heard.
- Promoting dialogue across religions, cultures, and generations to prevent crimes against children and eliminate harmful norms.
Building a Secure World for Children
- Raising a new generation of interfaith leaders to counter hatred and radicalization.
- Lending a voice to diplomatic efforts and dialogue to end wars and conflicts.
- Fostering loving, inclusive communities that nurture ecosystems of peace and social cohesion.
Building a Sustainable World
- Encouraging responsible living and advocating for child-centered policies that address social and economic inequalities, climate change, and environmental preservation.
- Promoting values-based education and empowering children to be stewards of our planet.
For more information, please visit: https://www.gnrcforums.net/sixth/.
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About Arigatou International and the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC):
Arigatou International works with people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to promote children’s rights and well-being. GNRC, a global-scale interfaith network of organizations and individuals specifically dedicated to securing the rights and well-being of children, was established in 2000 by Arigatou International.
Every five years, Arigatou International convenes a GNRC global forum, bringing together members, faith and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders, governments, intergovernmental organizations, young people, and children to advance the work of the Network.
About the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC):
The IAFSC was established to empower faith leaders to work for the safety and security of our communities, tackling issues such as child sexual abuse, extremism, radicalization, and human trafficking.
IAFSC facilitates the building of bridges between key stakeholders, including faith communities, NGOs, and experts in various domains. Its current areas of focus are ‘Child Dignity in the Digital World’ and ‘Hate in our Communities’. The Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities has been a partner of Arigatou International and a member of the GNRC since 2018.
For more information, please contact:
Arigatou International
