Bridging Faith and Development: In the picturesque city of Lisbon, from February 27th to 29th, 2024, the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID, a key player in fostering global interreligious and intercultural dialogue, proudly hosted the annual governance meeting of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) as the co-chair of its Steering Board, on behalf of the multilateral organizations’ constituency. The 2024 Spring Leadership Meeting of PaRD, not only set the tone for the year's collaborative efforts but also was a testament to the collective resolve to harness the potential of religious and faith-based organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the heart of the discussions was the willful spirit of cooperation and shared vision among the close to 170 members of PaRD. The meeting, primarily an internal leadership gathering, was a vibrant forum for the Steering Board members, co-leads of workstreams, and task forces to deliberate on PaRD's Operational Plan for 2024, budget and financial planning, and the identification of key engagements and initiatives in the coming year.

“As an international actor, KAICIID has embarked on the journey to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 which have inspired multi-stakeholder partnerships. An example of such a transformative partnership is our work with PaRD which started in 2016.  KAICIID is currently a co-chair of the Steering Board, on behalf of the multilateral organizations’ constituency and is actively contributing in different Workstreams with a focus on Women Empowerment, Climate and Peacebuilding.” Said, Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, Secretary General of KAICIID.

Mr Khushwant Singh, Head of Secretariat at PaRD, added by saying, “The PaRD leadership meeting is an annual tradition which reflects the inclusive nature of our partnership. A tradition, where we discuss collegially and strategically amongst the Steering Board, the Leads of the Workstreams and Taskforces our key priorities for the current year. I thank our long-standing member KAICIID for hosting this fruitful meeting in wonderful Lisbon”.

The meeting's agenda was comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics from financial planning to strategic decision-making regarding PaRD's Annual Forum. The diverse representation on the Steering Board, including members from governments, multilateral entities, academia, and civil society, particularly religious and faith-based actors, underscored the multifaceted approach PaRD takes towards development challenges. One of the highlights of the meeting was the focus on thematic workstreams such as Gender Equality and Empowerment and SDG16 where KAICIID has a co-leading role, Health, and Water, Environment, and Climate Action (WECARE). These workstreams are pivotal in directing the partnership's energy and resources towards critical areas of the SDGs. The co-leads and task forces discussed their annual work programs, setting the stage for a year of concerted action and mutual support.

KAICIID hosted a reception, coinciding with the Leadership Meeting, where attendees engaged with influential stakeholders in Lisbon, including members of PaRD's Steering Board, diplomats, and religious leaders. This gathering served as a significant platform for attendees to gain insights into KAICIID's collaborations with external entities like PaRD and to connect with local stakeholders keen on the Centre's initiatives.

Looking ahead, the leadership meeting laid a solid foundation for PaRD’s activities in 2024, including the much-anticipated Annual Forum to be held in conjunction with the G20 Interfaith Forum event in Brazil from August 19^th to 22^nd. This upcoming forum represents a significant opportunity for PaRD to further its mission on a global stage, engaging with an even broader spectrum of stakeholders, including those from Latin America, in the pursuit of a just world and a sustainable planet.

The PaRD leadership has collectively determined the priority themes for 2024, which will guide the partnership’s collaborative efforts throughout the year, focusing on crisis response and preparedness, with particular attention to addressing hunger, pandemics, and conflict.

This thematic framework underscores the importance of strategic religious engagement and emphasizes the critical role of local engagement in effective crisis response and preparedness initiatives. Furthermore, it will inform collaborative efforts across PaRD's Workstreams and Taskforces, fostering synergies among cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, well-being and health, environmental protection, climate action, and FoRB. It will also serve as a guideline for defining priorities and concrete activities in the framework of policy processes, including the Annual Forum.

By prioritizing these themes and emphasizing collaboration and strategic engagement, PaRD aims to enhance its impact and effectiveness in addressing pressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

As the participants left Lisbon, they carried with them not just the plans and commitments for the year ahead but also the enduring spirit of collaboration that defined the 2024 Spring Leadership Meeting. The path forward is clear, with faith and sustainable development intertwined in a shared journey towards a better future for all.

For more information about the event and the ongoing efforts of KAICIID and PaRD, visit:

• The International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID: https://www.kaiciid.org/
• The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development - PaRD: https://www.partner-religion-development.org/