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Dear Friends,
September brought the United Nations General Assembly to New York, and with it, a time of connecting with many friends and partners at the International Secretariat as well as engaging in productive dialogue on this year’s theme of “restoring trust.”
This issue of Peace in Action focuses on the role of youth in international peacebuilding work. The United Nations’ Youth, Peace and Security agenda has been ongoing since 2015, and its second assessment is expected soon. Global work is still necessary to recognize young people for their potential for contributions to peace initiatives.
Within Religions for Peace, we have long been seeking new ways to meaningfully involve and create opportunities for youth leaders. As you can see below, youth leaders are acting for peace in so very many ways. Across our movement, in Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Pakistan, Israel and more, the youth play a crucial part in constantly rejuvenating and animating our work. They have the ideas, they have the energy and they have the capacity to change the dynamics of peacebuilding.
We are honored to highlight the work of these young leaders, and hope that their stories will inspire us to believe in our youth as not only the future, but also as powerful and thoughtful actors in the present.
Many events are upcoming in October, and the call for nominations remains open through the end of the month for the Women of Excellence in Multi-religious Action Awards. Please do submit nominations, and share this widely among our movement.
In peace,
Dr. Francis Kuria
Secretary General
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Youth Across Religions for Peace Rejuvenate and Redynamise Our Movement
In 2015, the United Nations formally adopted a Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda – recognizing that young people had to be leaders and partners in building sustainable peace. The second assessment of the UN’s YPS initiative is expected imminently – based on consultations with youth around the world regarding its five pillars. For Religions for Peace, youth bring energy and ideas, fresh perspectives and insights. Since our inception, youth have been instrumental in all our initiatives -- and their roles will only expand as our movement grows.
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The Future Is Already Here: Youth and Shared Sacred Flourishing
By Dr. Renz Argao and Ms. Emina Frjlak
| | The Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator of the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee have collaborated on a piece describing why young people must be at the heart of the conversation about Shared Sacred Flourishing. | | | | |
In Burkina Faso, Youth Organise and Mobilise to Build Their Country
On a recent afternoon in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, Henri Kabore accompanied 40 Burkinabe youth on a visit to the offices of the United Nations Population Fund. Kabore is a past president of the youth network, technical director of the women of faith network and reporter for the Council.
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'Including Youth Isn't Only Fair, It's the Wiser Choice: How a Palestinian Youth is Helping Advance Peace in Jerusalem
Yasmina Kassissieh will participate in the Tokyo Peace Process later this month. She shared her thoughts on the opportunity and how her unique background has allowed her to develop peacebuilding skills. "Peace is stronger when the generations that negotiate it and the generations who will live it sit at the same table," she said.
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In Nigeria, 'Who Else But Youth Can Talk to Other Youth?'
Jehoaddan Johnson is a 23-year-old member of the Nigeria Interreligious Council youth network. NIREC Youth, which comprises 60 members, brings together Christian and Muslim youth from across the country. To counter the weaponization of religion, NIREC Youth have held a variety of workshops to facilitate interreligious dialogue.
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Guided by His Faith, a Youth Leader in Venezuela Supports His Community
In 2023, Gerardo Velazquez turned a small room in his house near La Guaria, Venezuela – about 30 km north of the country’s capital, Caracas – into a small cafeteria for local children. After two earthquakes in quick succession devastated La Guaria in late June, the small cafeteria has become a lifeline.
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Your Support Is Critical to the Success of Gerardo's Initiative
Please donate to our Venezuela Appeal.
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Should We Have Faith in Technology?
Social media was once heralded as a tool that would connect people around the globe, allowing for a positive exchange of ideas and perspectives. But polarization has increased dramatically since Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms became daily habits, particularly among youth. Jivahn Moradian of the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee offers some thoughts.
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Walking and Praying for Peace: Small Steps Toward a More Peaceful World
Merylene Chitharai, Environmental & Youth Coordinator at Religions for Peace South Africa, wanted to reorient public demonstration – instead of assembling to express opposition to something, wouldn’t it be powerful to do so to express support for something else? Thus was born the first Interfaith Peace Walk & Prayer.
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Interfaith Youth Have an Important Role in Ensuring Ethical AI
The wide use of artificial intelligence exploded roughly just three years ago. At UNGA81, Atdhe Mehmeti of the Religions for Peace Youth Network in Europe outlined four priorities for ethical AI – and the actions necessary to see these priorities applied.
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In Pakistan, Modeling Collaboration and Mutual Respect to Create a Society of Love
A richly religiously diverse district in Pakistan may hold answers in promoting interreligious understanding and harmonious living. Kumail Abbas, Secretary General of the Interreligious Youth Network, shares insights regarding this model district.
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Across the Movement: September 2026
Updates on activities in Indonesia, West Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe, as well as at the global level. The Religions for Peace movement builds peace through action. Photo by Stephen Rees.
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Climate Week
This year's Climate Week NYC was at the end of September, aligning with UNGA81. Our social media featured infographics on the intertwined conflicts on climate, conflict, and debt. Learn more and see how faith communities can address this polycrisis.
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International Council Report
From June 23-25, 2026, more than 100 religious leaders of the Religions for Peace International Council gathered in Mauritius to discuss issues of global concern. This report summarizes key aspects of the discussions, which culminated with the publication of the Port Louis Declaration.
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Reclaiming the Sacred in a Materialistic World
For some time now, leaders and grassroots members of Religions for Peace have been developing a comprehensive, practical Toolkit to further the vision of Shared Sacred Flourishing. Learn more about the toolkit in Episode 3 -- the first of a two-part discussion. Episode 4 is coming soon!
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Fourth Tokyo Peace Process
Tokyo, 12-15 October
G20 Interfaith Forum
Salt Lake City, 15-17 October
Shared Sacred Flourishing in North America
Toronto, 27-28 October
World Day Interfaith Dialogue Series: Advancing the Responsibility to Protect the Rights and Dignity of the Child
Virtual, 5 November at 8am EDT - Registration to come
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