These are the best of times and the worst of times for the children of the world.
On the whole, and on average, most children today live a longer and healthier life than their parents and grandparents.
We live in a world of great scientific breakthroughs, tremendous economic prosperity, and greater gender equality than ever before in human history.
Yet, we see humanity taking two steps forward and one step backward, particularly as it relates to the plight of children ravaged by conflict, poverty and rising inequality.
How do the world’s major religions respond to this see-saw, forward and backward movement for humanity, and especially for children?
Well, since time immemorial, the world’s major religions, at their core, have always preached peace, harmony, solidarity, kindness, brotherhood and sisterhood.
And a lot of good and great things have been achieved for the well-being of children thanks to the spiritual and ethical guidance of religions.
But sadly, it is also true that many harmful traditional practices, especially violence against women and children, and gender inequality are inflicted and perpetuated often in the name of religion.
For over two decades, Arigatou International through its Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) has sought to foster interfaith cooperation to promote the best interest of children by invoking the best precepts of the world’s major religions. This year, we are convening the GNRC Sixth Forum where discussions will center on interfaith cooperation to build a hopeful world for children.
Graciously hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Forum will focus on the themes of building a safe, secure, and sustainable world for children. With the world’s attention focused on the greatest tragedy befalling children in recent memory in neighboring Gaza, there could not be a more fitting theme or a more appropriate place for the world’s religious and secular leaders to congregate and offer their prayers and catalyze action to “Never Again” allow such devastation.
We invite you to join us as we collectively invoke the better angels of all of our faith traditions to help build a more hopeful world that is truly fit for children. The child is calling! As people of conscience, we must respond to, and answer this call.
The Sixth Forum will demonstrate that it is indeed possible to build a safe, secure, and sustainable world where children, youth, and adults from diverse backgrounds and traditions work together.
Kul C. Gautam
Chair, International Organizing Committee, GNRC Sixth Forum
Global Network of Religions for Children
