Sustainable development and the essential role of interfaith contributions
I had the opportunity to participate in the 2024 G20 Interfaith Forum and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development’s (PaRD) Annual Forum on Religion and Sustainable Development in Brazil from 19-22 August, 2024 under the auspices of the Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation.
The experience was a revelation from an interfaith perspective on development-related issues. Even though not entirely surprising, the Group of Twenty’s (G20) engagements have always been acknowledged as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, playing an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
The reality is how do we achieve economic cooperation and success if we do not address the well-being of this planet and its people; how do we maintain peace and protect the environment, if sustainable development and the Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, means nothing to us.
Indeed, it dawned on me that interfaith dialogues and fora established amongst regional blocs across the globe, really have an imperative to foster the delivery of the agenda, of “leaving no one behind” and in the case of Africa, achieving “the Africa we Want”.
Agenda 2030, a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was adopted as the world’s global development agenda in 2016. The goal was to ensure that people had the right to live, lived in harmony, respected nature, and had effective governance institutions. The SDGs further remind us that we have a global commitment to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet.
One of the key imperatives in the pursuit of sustainable development is the principle of “leaving no one behind,” a commitment enshrined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This principle emphasizes the need to address the inequalities and vulnerabilities that hinder progress, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can benefit from global advancements with consideration for future unborn generations.
As we face unprecedented challenges, the need for a holistic approach to sustainable development has never been imperative.
The World Bank and partners estimates that by 2030, nearly 700 million people could be living in extreme poverty, particularly in regions severely affected by climate change1. We have a duty to ensure that no one is left behind.
This article explores the intersection of sustainable development and interfaith contributions, highlighting the ways in which religious communities can and must be involved in the global effort to safeguard the wellbeing of our planet and its people.
By embracing the strengths of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, we can build a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world for future generations.
Interfaith Contributions to Sustainable Development
The role of interfaith dialogue in our quest for sustainable development, following the G20 2024 Interfaith Forum has dawned on me and other participants, and I want to share these perspectives with you.
Indeed, different faith traditions, each with their unique teachings and values, provide us with essential wisdom in addressing the emerging global challenges. Each faith, whether it be Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Traditionalism, or any other, carries messages of stewardship, compassion, and interconnectedness.
Interfaith collaboration can indeed be a powerful catalyst for change. It allows us to break down barriers and foster understanding, galvanizing communities to take action. It inspires us to work collectively, drawing upon our diverse experiences to cultivate innovative solutions that respect both human dignity and environmental integrity.
The “Faiths for Climate Justice”2 movement, for example, unites religious leaders and communities worldwide to advocate for climate action. Whilst speaking out; they are mobilizing resources, educating the masses, and leading community-based projects that restore the environment whilst addressing social issues.
Gradually, in many parts of the world, including at the African Union level, interfaith groups are coming together to provide relief and support to the most vulnerable during climate disasters.
In Bangladesh, for instance, Muslim and Hindu communities are collaborating to build homes that are resilient to flooding3, ensuring that the most marginalized are not left to suffer alone.
Interfaith communities have always been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, environmental stewardship, and the common good.
These values are deeply embedded in the teachings of many faith traditions, making interfaith groups natural allies in the pursuit of sustainable development. Interfaith contributions, in particular, have the potential to bridge divides, foster mutual understanding, and promote a sense of shared responsibility for the planet and its people.
Over the world, social cohesion and peacebuilding has been promoted by faith groupings, whilst acknowledging the pockets of extremisms that erupt to disrupt the burgeoning commitment of faiths across the world to peacebuilding.
As we commit to fostering dialogue and cooperation among different religious and cultural groups, interfaith efforts can help to reduce tensions, prevent conflicts, and build inclusive communities. This is particularly important in regions where religious and ethnic diversity is a source of tension.
Through collaborative efforts, religious leaders and communities can work together to address common challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, while promoting the values of tolerance, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
Many religious traditions emphasize the importance of caring for the natural world, viewing the environment as a sacred trust that must be preserved for future generations – emphasising environmental stewardship. Interfaith initiatives can amplify these messages, encouraging collective action to address environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
For example, the Green Faith movement, which brings together people of various faiths to address environmental issues, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about the moral and spiritual dimensions of environmental stewardship.
Religious communities often hold significant influence over their followers and can mobilize large numbers of people to support causes aligned with their values.
A Chief once shared with me that when he made a call for the community to support the building of a wall around their cemetery, he was overwhelmed with the magnitude of the response as against a call to provide technical assistance for another venture.
The point here is that, when it comes to issues that are at the core of societal values and culture, the influence of interfaith leaders cannot be underestimated.
This influence can be harnessed to advocate for policies that promote sustainable development and social justice.
For instance, religious leaders can play a key role in raising awareness about the SDGs and encouraging their communities to take action and by working with policymakers, religious groups can also contribute to the development of policies that are more inclusive and reflective of the needs of marginalized communities.
Agenda 2030 and the AU’s Agenda 20263 – Interfaith Role
From the African perspective, we draw the synergies and alignments between the SDGs and our Agenda 2063; “the African we Want” and we cannot stray far from the growing relevance of interfaith fora in advancing peace, and the wellbeing of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.
The African Union Interfaith Dialogue Steering Committee (AUIFDSC) joining hands with other Interfaith Dialogue Forum of partner continental and regional groupings have been committed to ensuring that Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 are delivered within a continuum of appreciation of their linkages at all development and governance levels.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 share a common vision of fostering inclusive growth, eradicating poverty, and ensuring sustainable development across the African continent.
Both frameworks emphasize the importance of economic transformation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability as fundamental pillars for achieving long-term prosperity. For example, SDG 1 focuses on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, aligning closely with Agenda 2063’s aspiration to eradicate poverty by 2030.
In a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between global and continental development initiatives, it is evident that Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) aligns closely with Agenda 2063. SDG 9 emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and innovation, all of which are foundational to fostering economic growth and development.
This alignment is particularly significant for Africa, where Agenda 2063 articulates a vision for transforming the continent’s economies through the establishment of modern infrastructure and the diversification of economic activities, all driven by innovative practices.
The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) serves as a practical framework for realizing these aspirations. By prioritizing the development of robust infrastructure, PIDA not only facilitates industrialization but also enhances the continent’s capacity for innovation.
The synergies between SDG 9 and Agenda 2063 highlight a shared commitment to uplift Africa’s economies and improve the overall quality of life for all Africans.
As we examine these initiatives, it becomes clear that fostering resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization is critical in addressing the unique challenges faced by the continent.
The integration of innovative solutions will be essential in driving this transformation, ensuring that Africa not only meets its current needs but also positions itself for future growth.
Ultimately, the collaborative efforts represented by these frameworks hold the promise of a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa, underscoring the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure and innovation.
Challenges: Imperative for Interfaith Contributions
The potential for interfaith contributions to sustainable development is undeniably significant; however, several challenges must be navigated to fully harness this potential.
One of the primary challenges lies in the rich diversity of religious beliefs and practices, which can sometimes result in tensions or misunderstandings among different groups.
Nevertheless, this diversity also creates a valuable opportunity for interfaith dialogue and cooperation. By encouraging the sharing of various perspectives, we can foster innovative solutions to shared challenges, ultimately enriching the dialogue surrounding sustainable development.
Another critical challenge is the necessity for enhanced coordination and collaboration among religious groups, governments, and other stakeholders.
While numerous interfaith initiatives are already making a positive impact in their communities, their efforts could be further amplified through stronger partnerships and more strategic engagement with the overarching sustainable development agenda.
By working together, these diverse entities can leverage their unique strengths and resources, driving forward initiatives that benefit all.
Call to Action
Today, I want to take a moment to invite each and every one of you—whether you are a world leader, a community organizer, or just someone who cares about making a difference—to get on board with this call for interfaith collaboration in your own circles.
Let us use our platforms to lift up the voices of those who often get overlooked. It’s all about sparking conversations that respect our differences while celebrating our shared mission: creating a world where everyone can thrive, no matter their background or beliefs.
In Ghana, we surely do have probably a good head-start amongst our peers. The religious and faith harmony exhibited in the country has been one of the strongest anchors of the peace and stability we enjoy.
Touted as the preferred investor destination has been because of positive interfaith relationships and dialogues.
Especially, in this election year, I call on all faiths to leverage their appreciation of the role we play in development to advocate for peaceful elections and a sustained ability to transform the lives of our people through the implementation of the SDGs and the achievement of the African We Want (Agenda 2063).
We have got to hold ourselves accountable to being inclusive and sustainable. This means making sure the voices of indigenous communities, marginalized groups, and women are part of our decision-making processes. It’s about investing in education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods that empower both individuals and communities. Together, we can make a real impact! Let us do this!
Writer: Chief Dr. Zakaria, Doliwura of Kusawgu Traditional Area, Savannah Region
The writer recently represented Ghana through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MCRA) as the AU Chairperson of Interfaith Dialogue Forum Steering Committee (AU-IFDF) at the 2024 G20 Interfaith Forum and PaRD Annual Forum on Religion and Sustainable Development.