International affairs have very direct intersections with religion. In 2015, several Christian organizations that work with the United Nations decided to address these intersections through an Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs.

The thematic focus in 2016 will be on religion, violence and extremism.

The symposium is organized by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists and the World Council of Churches.

It is co-sponsored by the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force for Engagement with Faith-based Organizations.

The full-day programme of presentations and question-and-answer sessions involves high-ranking representatives of the United Nations and of faith-based organizations that are engaged in international affairs.