By Marianna Richardson, Director of Communications for the G20 Interfaith Forum
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In a world where complexities and social issues often seem insurmountable, the power of contemplation and dialogue becomes a guiding light. Ernest Pyle, a WWII news correspondent, once noted that thoughts have the unique ability to bring people together, fostering harmony and understanding, even if only for a brief moment.
Embracing this philosophy, the G20 Interfaith Forum Association (IF20) has taken a significant step towards open discussion and contemplation by launching its own podcast series. Listening to the ideas and thoughts of others may increase our awareness of other sides to a complicated issue. This podcast series will shed light on the intricate tapestry of social issues the IF20 organization is trying to address and, in the process, bring about a sense of unity and understanding as individuals we interview express their points of view.
During the episodes, you will listen to sound bites from keynote speakers, interviewees, and experts discussing global, social issues. Marianna Richardson, G20 Director of Communication, and Hunter Hawkins, Communication Specialist, will provide commentary to add context to these sound bites. As a listener, you will hear the most cogent and insightful comments from IF20 events and interviews.
Episodes
Here is a preview of our first few episodes:
The G20 Interfaith Forum Purpose: Dec 01, 2023
Embark on a journey of enlightenment with the inaugural episode of the G20 Interfaith Forum Podcast, scheduled for release on December 1, 2023. In this episode, listeners will delve into the core of IF20, exploring its goals and purpose. The podcast promises to be an insightful exploration of the organization’s mission and the broader interfaith dialogue landscape.
New Delhi IF20 Event – Part 1: Dec 15, 2023
Join hosts Marianna and Hunter as they dissect the messages from the IF20 meetings held in New Delhi, India in April 2023 at the Baha’i Lotus Temple. This episode reviews key sessions, including the pre-event reception, welcoming remarks, and the round-table discussion on a variety of topics, such as ethics and technology, vulnerable communities, women empowerment, child dignity, and ending human trafficking.
New Delhi IF20 Event – Part 2: Dec 29, 2023
Part 2 of the New Delhi event covers the sessions surrounding the 4 C’s – Covid, Climate, Conflict, and Children. These four areas were the central focus of the New Delhi event. These four areas influence other social concerns such as education, social protection, and health systems, which were also discussed in New Delhi.
New Delhi Event Interviews – Part 1: Jan 12, 2024
Transitioning into the new year, Marianna and Hunter will take you through insightful interviews of the experts who joined us in New Delhi. This first part of the interview series features discussions with influential figures, such as Rachel Miner, Bani Dugal, Marco Ventura, and Mike Young. These interviews promise to provide a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted issues tackled during the IF20 event.
New Delhi Interviews – Part 2: Jan 26, 2024
As January unfolds, Marianna and Hunter continue to explore the final interviews of the New Delhi event. This episode will showcase conversations with thought leaders like Rabbi David Saperstein, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Sister Abby Avelino, and representatives from MIT Pune University, preparing readers for our upcoming series on the IF20 Pune Event. These interviews promise to offer a rich tapestry of perspectives, shedding light on the diverse aspects of the interfaith dialogue surrounding global challenges.
Conclusion
In the spirit of fostering understanding and unity, the G20 Interfaith Forum Podcast Series emerges as a beacon of enlightenment. With each episode, prepare to embark on a journey of contemplation, exploration, and discovery. This podcast series not only promises to unravel the complexities of global issues but also encourages listeners to engage in the broader conversation of interfaith dialogue – a conversation that has the potential to bridge gaps and bring harmony to a world in constant flux.
Join us as we unravel these layers of understanding, one episode at a time.
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Marianna Richardson is the Director of Communications for the G20 Interfaith Forum. She is also an adjunct professor at the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University.