Under the theme "The Future is Upon Us: What Now?" the event, which is one of the yearly highlights of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Office to the United Nations, will focus on amplifying the impact of these groups in addressing urgent challenges such as climate change, human rights violations, and economic inequities.
Since its inception in 2016, the symposium has provided a key platform for dialogue between faith-based actors, the United Nations, member states, and civil society. Past editions have addressed critical issues, including migration, gender equality, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
The 2025 event builds on this tradition, highlighting how faith-based organizations, particularly those working at the grassroots level, can contribute to the global governance frameworks that shape policy and action on pressing issues.
The symposium’s 2025 focus is underscored by significant global milestones, such as the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the 25th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and the 2025 UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review. With multilateral cooperation at a crossroads, this gathering will examine how faith and civil society actors can drive sustainable peace, justice, and development.
Key discussions will center on the role of faith-based actors in climate action and peacebuilding; strengthening partnerships between the UN, member states, and civil society; the shrinking space for civil society participation and the importance of reversing this trend; and addressing the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The symposium aims to foster inclusive global governance by showcasing the essential contributions of faith communities to international policies and actions.
In addition to the WCC, the event is organized by ACT Alliance, Islamic Relief USA, General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Soka Gakkai International, and United Religions Initiative, in partnership with the UN Interagency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development.
Registration for online participation at the 11th Annual Symposium will open in early 2025.
Learn more about the work of the WCC at the Ecumenical Office to the United Nations in New York