The Power of Religious Engagement in Global Diplomacy

Bridging Divides: The Power of Religious Engagement in Global Diplomacy

U.S. Institute of Peace: The history and legacy of religious engagement in peacebuilding

30 years of Lessons, Milestones, and Strategies for Religion and Peace

For billions of people around the world, religion is an integral part of daily life that often shapes approaches to peace and conflict. But until the 1990s, religion’s potential as a peacebuilding tool was overlooked by many policymakers and diplomats. It’s thanks to the tireless efforts of figures such as Dr. Douglas Johnston that religious engagement has now become an indispensable part of the diplomatic toolkit. For decades, they have helped bring religious leaders and communities to the table as partners in peace. And today’s global challenges — from the rise of great powers to the persistent threat of violent extremism — call us to recognize that religious engagement is more urgent than ever.

Join USIP and the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy for a conversation reflecting on the history and legacy of religious engagement in peacebuilding. The discussion will examine key accomplishments, assess global trends, and explore bold new strategies for strengthening diplomacy, security and peacemaking through religious engagement.

Speakers

Dr. Judd Birdsall

Senior Advisor, USIP, Religion and Inclusive Societies

Kirsten Evans

Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under the Trump Administration

Dr. Douglas M. Johnston

Founder and President Emeritus, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy

Palwasha Kakar

Acting Director, USIP, Religion and Inclusive Societies Program

Dr. David Little

Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School and Former Senior Scholar, Religion, Ethics, and Human Rights, USIP

Dr. Peter Mandaville

Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships under the Biden Administration

Martine Miller

Interim President, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy