By Sandile Makasi, South Africa Local Organizing Committee
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Overview
The G20 Interfaith Forum Association (IF20) convened this side event during the G20 Social Summit to underscore the indispensable role of religious communities in addressing global challenges and advancing G20 priorities. Building on the IF20 2025 Forum’s 2025 experience and findings in South Africa, the side event was themed “Pathways for Partnership with Religious Communities,” and sought to highlight the value of partnerships between faith actors and public institutions in addressing the challenges that are facing communities across the world.
The event featured an interactive panel moderated by Prof. W. Cole Durham Jr. (President, IF20) and Prof. L. David Mosoma (Chair, IF20 Local Organizing Committee). Using an interview format, panelists shared experiences and strategies rather than formal presentations, ensuring dynamic dialogue and audience engagement.
In his welcoming message, Prof. Cole Durham commented:
“It is one thing to measure success by how many sentences we get into the G20 Leader’s Declaration document, but far more significant is coming together and finding ways to work together across denominational lines and government lines to implement the things we care about so much.”
Key Speakers & Themes
- Sylvia Pheto reflected on the journey of the IF20’s 2025 in South Africa and the various insights and contributions by interfaith leaders.
- Pastor Bert Pretorius highlighted the role of faith actors in addressing poverty and food insecurity, emphasizing why governments should engage faith and interfaith groups in policymaking and strategic partnerships to end hunger.
- Eric LeCompte spoke on IF20’s priority of economic and financial action, outlining the impact of debt injustice, its effects on nations, and pathways for partnering with interfaith communities to advance debt justice and long-term sustainability.
- Kevin Hyland OBE addressed the scourge of human trafficking, sharing ways governments can collaborate with interfaith communities to protect human dignity and eradicate trafficking.
- Michael Swain Reflected on the benefits of religious literacy and education initiatives that build bridges of understanding, strengthen social cohesion, and foster lasting peace.
- Professor Cole Durham in his concluding remarks emphasized the critical services faith actors provide globally, including disaster prevention, preparedness, and response, and stressed the importance of including these voices in policy discussions to strengthen resilience.
Overall, the side event highlighted the critical role that faith actors play in doing good every day. They provide essential services in health and education, support the destitute, work to prevent conflicts and build peace, seek to protect our environment, and offer hope and meaning to countless lives. Their insight, experience, and commitment to human dignity can contribute significantly to policy development and implementation.
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Sandile Makasi is Vice-Chair of the IF20 South Africa Local Organizing Committee.