The G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) offers an annual platform where a network of religiously linked institutions and initiatives engage on global agendas. The annual G20 Summits are a critical time and place where priority global issues are considered. The IF20 processes include various platforms (ministerial meetings, engagement groups) that allow different sectors and communities to present ideas and recommendations to global leaders. IF20 aims to contribute meaningful insight and recommendations that respond to and help shape the G20 and thus global policy agendas.
The IF20 builds on the vital roles that religious institutions and faiths play in world affairs, reflecting their rich diversity of institutions, ideas, and values. These include interfaith and intercultural organisations, religious leaders, scholars, development and humanitarian entities, and business and civil society actors.
The GHFP has sponsored the work of the IF20 Education Working Group.
In 2020, the GHFP supported the IF20 Education Working Group’s research, resulting in the Policy Brief on Inclusive and Caring Education.
In 2021, the GHFP directed, and co-sponsored a Global Listening Initiative to (1) ground policy inquiry in existing global proposals, and (2) understand the lived experiences of children and young people in diverse contexts and engage them in identifying actions for educational transformation.
The Global Listening Initiative has led to a number of further projects:
- Youths Dialogue with Politician at Spirit of Humanity Forum June 2021
- G20 Interfaith Forum Ministerial Session
- High-Level Dialogue with Global Leaders on Educational Transformation October 2021
- Presenting Policy Brief at G20 Global Leaders’ Forum Dec 2021
In 2022, during the IF20 Summit held in Dec in Abu Dhabi, Prof Scherto Gill facilitated a breakout session on education and the role of interfaith communities in understanding children’s learning needs and supporting public education. GHFP’s trustee, Prof Patrice Brodeur was a speaker on the this panel and he stressed the importance of integrating dialogue as both an educative process and a learners’ competence in education.
By drawing the insights from this panel discussion during IF20 2022, the GHFP has developed a policy brief on ethical education. The actionable recommendations highlight the importance of consolidating a public education ecosystem, involving multiple stakeholders, and engaging families, interfaith communities, local and international NGOs, and governments in nurturing children’s holistic well-being, enriching ethics education and strengthening teachers professional development.