Greetings of peace from Berlin, Germany.
This is to inform you that I took part in the official launching of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development held on February 17, 2016 at the Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
I am happy to inform you that URI added its voice in welcoming the establishment of International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development as it is an idea whose time has come.
During the launching I expressed the strong interest of URI, as an NGO with Consultative Statue with UN Economic and Social Council and as an interfaith network organization with members from 95 countries, to join International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development.
On the occasion of the launching I met with Mr. Thomas Silberhorn, Member of the Germany Parliament and Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mr. Eric Postel, USAID Associate Administrator, and many other government officials, representative of international organizations and faith-based organizations, and expressed the commitment of URI members to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world at large.
Taking into consideration that religiously affiliated organizations have been a long time implementing partners with the wide array of government, multilateral development and humanitarian institutions, International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development brings together bilateral donors and multilateral development partners who seek to most effectively engage religious and related organization to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
This international partnership initiative is also developed in recognition of:
- Religious values and religious leaders influence thoughts and action of billions people around the world
- Religious actors are local providers of essential services such as health care and education and
- Religious leaders advocate for good governance and accountability.
Religious organizations, faith-based and community initiatives, foundations, academia and other networks can become associate partners as a close collaboration with all stake holders is key for the achievement of the purpose of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development.
By building on existing initiatives and networks, International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development will contribute towards a more coherent and effective international agenda on religion and development.
International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development has a strong focus on results and implements concrete activities in the following areas of cooperation:
- Knowledge Sharing/Learning Exchange
- Network/Dialogue
- Capacity Building
- Policy Advice
International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development is going to be supported by an international secretariat located at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Bonn and Berlin, Germany. The secretariat provides analytical competency for policy formulation and dialogue around issues of religion and development and coordinates the implementation of the agreed upon activities.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
In peace and gratitude,
Mussie Hailu
URI African Continental Coordinator & URI Representative at the African Union Commission and UN office in Africa
