ARIGATOU INTERNATIONAL to CONVENE the GNRC SIXTH FORUM IN ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tokyo, Japan: March 15, 2024 – Arigatou International will convene the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Sixth Forum from November 19 – 21, 2024. The Forum, to be hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will bring together children, youth, religious leaders, policymakers, governmental, intergovernmental, and multilateral organizations, and grassroots child rights workers to discuss and recommend proposals for action on some of the most critical issues facing children globally.
The GNRC, an initiative of Arigatou International, is the world’s largest interfaith network of individuals and organizations dedicated to securing the rights and well-being of children. The Sixth Forum takes place as an unprecedented number of children around the world face infringement of their basic rights on multiple fronts. With one in five children currently living or fleeing from a conflict zone, and an estimated 774 million children suffering the compounding effects of poverty and climate change, the theme of the Forum will center aroundinterfaith cooperation to build a hopeful world for, and with children.
Calling on all faith leaders and faith communities, Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, President of Arigatou International and Convenor of the GNRC said, “It is the moral responsibility of people of all faiths to protect the lives of children and ensure their safe and sound development.”(Read full message)
“This year’s forum emphasizes harnessing the influence of religion for the safety and wellbeing of children. Our aim is not only to stimulate dialogue with faith leaders and children, but also to underscore the vital role of family and the wider community in safeguarding children” Mrs. Dana Humaid, Chief Executive of the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities said.
Since its inauguration almost 25 years ago, GNRC programs have impacted approximately 100 million people globally. Of this number, at least 40 million people were reached through programs and interventions in response to the 10 Panama Commitments to End Violence Against Children that was launched at the Fifth Forum in 2017.
“The child is calling! As people of conscience, we must respond to, and answer this call. The Sixth Forum will demonstrate that it is indeed possible to build a safe, secure, and sustainable world when children, youth, and adults from diverse backgrounds and traditions work together,” Mr. Kul Gautam, Chair of the GNRC Sixth Forum International Organizing Committee, and former UNICEF Deputy Executive Director said.
The event will also be streamed via the GNRC’s various media channels.
About Arigatou International and the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC):
Arigatou International works with people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to promote children’s rights and well-being. GNRC, a global-scale interfaith network of organizations and individuals specifically dedicated to securing the rights and wellbeing of children, was established in 2000 by Arigatou International.
Every five years, Arigatou International convenes a GNRC global forum, bringing together members, faith and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders, governments, intergovernmental organizations, young people, and children to advance the work of the Network.
About the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC):
The IAFSC was established to empower faith leaders to work for the safety and security of our communities, tackling issues such as child sexual abuse, extremism, radicalization, and human trafficking.
IAFSC facilitates the building of bridges between key stakeholders including faith communities, NGOs, and experts in various domains. Its current areas of focus are ‘Child Dignity in the Digital World’ and ‘Hate in our Communities’. The Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities has been a partner of Arigatou International and a member of the GNRC since 2018.
Arigatou International
For more information, please contact:
Email: tokyo@arigatouinternational.org | gnrcsixthforum@arigatouinternational.org
Facebook: Arigatou International
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ARIGATOU INTERNATIONAL to CONVENE the GNRC SIXTH FORUM IN ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tokyo, Japan: March 15, 2024 – Arigatou International will convene the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Sixth Forum from November 19 – 21, 2024. The Forum, to be hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will bring together children, youth, religious leaders, policymakers, governmental, intergovernmental, and multilateral organizations, and grassroots child rights workers to discuss and recommend proposals for action on some of the most critical issues facing children globally.
The GNRC, an initiative of Arigatou International, is the world’s largest interfaith network of individuals and organizations dedicated to securing the rights and well-being of children. The Sixth Forum takes place as an unprecedented number of children around the world face infringement of their basic rights on multiple fronts. With one in five children currently living or fleeing from a conflict zone, and an estimated 774 million children suffering the compounding effects of poverty and climate change, the theme of the Forum will center aroundinterfaith cooperation to build a hopeful world for, and with children.
Calling on all faith leaders and faith communities, Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, President of Arigatou International and Convenor of the GNRC said, “It is the moral responsibility of people of all faiths to protect the lives of children and ensure their safe and sound development.” (Full message link)
“With the Forum focusing on harnessing the power of religion for the safety and wellbeing of children, our goal will be to encourage and facilitate faith leaders and engage authentic involvement of children,” Mrs. Dana Humaid, President and Chief Executive of the IAFSC said.
Since its inauguration almost 25 years ago, GNRC programs have impacted approximately 100 million people globally. Of this number, at least 40 million people were reached through programs and interventions in response to the 10 Panama Commitments to End Violence Against Children that was launched at the Fifth Forum in 2017.
“The child is calling! As people of conscience, we must respond to, and answer this call. The Sixth Forum will demonstrate that it is indeed possible to build a safe, secure, and sustainable world when children, youth, and adults from diverse backgrounds and traditions work together,” Mr. Kul Gautam, Chair of the GNRC Sixth Forum International Organizing Committee, and former UNICEF Deputy Executive Director said.
About 600 participants, including 100 children, are expected to attend the GNRC Sixth Forum in person. The event will also be streamed via the GNRC’s various media channels.
— END —
About Arigatou International and the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC):
Arigatou International works with people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to promote children’s rights and well-being. GNRC, a global-scale interfaith network of organizations and individuals specifically dedicated to securing the rights and wellbeing of children, was established in 2000 by Arigatou International.
Every five years, Arigatou International convenes a GNRC global forum, bringing together members, faith and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders, governments, intergovernmental organizations, young people, and children to advance the work of the Network.
About the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC):
The IAFSC was established to empower faith leaders to work for the safety and security of our communities, tackling issues such as child sexual abuse, extremism, radicalization, and human trafficking.
IAFSC facilitates the building of bridges between key stakeholders including faith communities, NGOs, and experts in various domains. Its current areas of focus are ‘Child Dignity in the Digital World’ and ‘Hate in our Communities’. The Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities has been a partner of Arigatou International and a member of the GNRC since 2018.
For more information, please contact:
Arigatou International
Email: tokyo@arigatouinternational.org | gnrcsixthforum@arigatouinternational.org
Facebook: Arigatou International Tokyo, Japan
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Interfaith Prayer for a Peaceful World for Children
“It is the responsibility of religious leaders and their communities to work together to change today’s world of violence and help create a peaceful environment for children.” – Rev. Keishi Miyamoto
On December 19, 2023, Arigatou International hosted a virtual Interfaith Prayer for a Peaceful World for Children, organized by Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC). The Interfaith Prayer brought together faith and spiritual leaders, faith-based organizations, children, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, to pray for children affected by ongoing conflicts and wars around the world.
The event was moderated by The Most Rev. Julio Murray, Bishop of Panama and Primate of the Anglican Church in the Central America Region. Faith and spiritual leaders, and children from eight faiths; Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Indigenous Traditions, Judaism, and Sikh, offered their prayers respectively.
The faith and religious leaders included Ms. Bani Dugal, principal Representative, Bahá’í International Community, Venerable Galkande Dhammananda Thero, Executive Director, Walpola Rahula Institute for Buddhist Studies, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary, World Council of Churches (WCC), Dr. Kezevino Aram, President, Shanti Ashram, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, Secretary General, Centre for Sustainable Conflict Resolution, and Legal Advisor, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, Ms. Ruth Kamuna, African Traditional Religion, Malawi, Rabbi David Rosen, Special Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi, UAE and Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of the Nishkam Group of Charitable Organizations.
Addressing 250 participants, Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, President, Arigatou International, and Leader of Myochikai, reiterated in his message delivered by Mr. Hironari Miyamoto, Secretary General, Myochikai, that it is the responsibility of religious leaders and their communities to work together to change today’s world of violence and help create a peaceful environment for children, and emphasized that more and more people joining together, overcoming all differences, to join in praying for peace is the beginning of the path to a peaceful world for children.
GNRC Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali expressed his trust that faith communities can restore the lost hope. He thanked GNRC members who offered their prayers and continue to act in helping affected children around the world.
During the event children’s voice from “A Call for a Peaceful World from Children” during the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children in Mumbai in November 2023 was shared; “We deserve to be in a peaceful society where our rights are safeguarded by you, the adults.”
The Interfaith Prayer concluded with a poem shared by a child representative from the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressing his sincere hope for a peaceful world for children.
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Arigatou International is deeply saddened by the loss of lives, injuries, displacement, and the profound and long-lasting impact on children and families who are experiencing violence and human rights violations in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
We urgently call for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities to avoid further escalation of the humanitarian crisis, with a primary focus on safeguarding the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the hundreds of thousands of children and their families. It is a moral imperative that humanitarian assistance and aid reach all those in need—immediately—during this extremely challenging time, to alleviate the perilous and calamitous situations children are especially facing.
We call upon the international community to pay particular attention to the rights and protection of children as recognized in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in efforts toward resolution of the conflict.
We call upon leaders and people of all faiths worldwide to unite in offering prayers for peace, with a fervent hope that the children of Israel and Palestine and their families may soon experience a life free from the devastating cycle of violence.
We firmly believe that peace can only be achieved through dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. The intergenerational cycle of violence in which historically too many lives of the children have been sacrificed must be broken. All efforts must be directed towards pursuing a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict for the better future of the children.
Arigatou International stands in unwavering solidarity with all affected children and their families and is committed to working with partners towards a peaceful future for all the children of the region.
Arigatou International
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Arigatou International is deeply saddened by the loss of lives, injuries, displacement, and the profound and long lasting impact on children and families that are experiencing violence and human rights violations in the Gaza strip and Israel.
We call to leaders and people of all faiths worldwide to unite in offering prayers for peace during the week, starting 16th October, with a fervent hope that the children of Israel and Palestine and their families may soon experience a life free from the devastating cycle of violence.
Arigatou International stands in unwavering solidarity with all affected children and their families and is committed to working with partners towards a peaceful future for all the children of the region.
Arigatou International
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Dear Family of Dr. Agnes Abuom, the Ecumenical Fraternity and the Global Community of Faith,
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Agnes Abuom, a remarkable woman whose dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the world. We at Arigatou International, extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire ecumenical community during this time of profound loss.
Dr. Abuom’s contributions to Arigatou International, as a member of our Advisory Board, were invaluable. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and peace were genuinely inspiring. Her presence and guidance will be deeply missed as we continue our mission to foster a world where the rights and well-being of every child are upheld.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Abuom exhibited extraordinary leadership, serving as the Moderator of the World Council of Churches Central Committee, among many other important roles in various ecumenical bodies and the Anglican Church. She was a beacon of wisdom, clarity, diplomacy, courage, humility, and righteousness. Her profound impact reached far beyond her local community, influencing interfaith spaces globally and shining a light on the African faith community.
Dr. Abuom’s passion for justice and her tireless efforts to promote unity and understanding among different religious traditions were a blessing to humanity. She was a true advocate for the marginalized and a symbol of hope for those who yearned for a more just and inclusive world. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
During this difficult time, know that our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Abuom’s family and the global community of faith. May you find solace in the memories you shared and in the knowledge that her profound impact on the world will forever remain.
With deepest sympathies,
Arigatou International
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Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, President, Arigatou International, contributed an essay on “The Role of Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Development Programmes in the Prevention of Violence” to the “Safe to Learn” essay collection published by the Safe to Learn initiative and End Violence Partnership. This essay collection was launched at the margins of the Transforming Education Pre-Summit. The Pre-Summit is part of the preparation for the upcoming UN Secretary General’s Transforming Education Summit. Arigatou International has long emphasized the need to include children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development as key components of the right to “quality education” enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Rev. Miyamoto’s essay details the need to include specific content addressing these facets of child development in curricula. Doing so will help give young people the skills to respond to differences with tolerance and acceptance. This, in turn, will help prevent peer-to-peer violence in schools. Read more about the essay collection and the other authors here.
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Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, President, Arigatou International, contributed an essay on “The Role of Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Development Programmes in the Prevention of Violence” to the “Safe to Learn” essay collection published by the Safe to Learn initiative and End Violence Partnership. This essay collection was launched at the margins of the Transforming Education Pre-Summit. The Pre-Summit is part of the preparation for the upcoming UN Secretary General’s Transforming Education Summit. Arigatou International has long emphasized the need to include children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development as key components of the right to “quality education” enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Rev. Miyamoto’s essay details the need to include specific content addressing these facets of child development in curricula. Doing so will help give young people the skills to respond to differences with tolerance and acceptance. This, in turn, will help prevent peer-to-peer violence in schools. Read more about the essay collection and the other authors here.
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Gravely concerned about the 7.5 million children affected by the escalation of violence and armed conflict in Ukraine, we at Arigatou International call for, and pray for, an immediate cessation of all military aggression, and for the quick provision of aid and assistance to all civilians, especially women and children and their families. We support the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect children from violence and the violation of their rights, and a return to bilateral negotiations for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Every religion values life and prohibits the taking of human lives. We therefore ask all people of faith everywhere to join us in solidarity to oppose this war in Ukraine which is causing death, pain and suffering. We pray for all decision-makers to be filled with a spirit of great wisdom and a heartfelt commitment to put an end to this armed conflict and violence.
We call in particular on all political and faith leaders to unite and for the entire human family to come together to protect the children of Ukraine. Children are our present and our future. If we fail them, we fail our world’s prospects for peace. At Arigatou International we firmly believe that together we can build peace and protect the precious children of this wondrous human village we call home.
Arigatou International
March 2, 2022
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