Alyssa Hutzli, Associate Program Manager at the Geneva Institute for Multilateralism Human Rights and Faith (GIMHRF), participated in the panel “Religion as a Force for Peace, Human Dignity, and Human Flourishing,” held on 13 October at the Palais des Nations, highlighting the vital contribution of faith-based actors to peacebuilding, human rights, and social cohesion.
Moving beyond theoretical discussions, the panel brought together practical experiences and grassroots initiatives from Africa and Asia, including youth engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, community mediation in West Africa, inclusive education, and interfaith peacebuilding.
Discussions emphasized the unique role of religious communities as trusted local actors, particularly in crisis response, child protection, education, and conflict prevention. Speakers also highlighted the importance of empowering young people and fostering cooperation across religious and cultural boundaries.
A central message emerged: sustainable peace cannot be imposed from above; it must be built through trust, local ownership, and collective action. Grassroots interfaith initiatives can generate meaningful change, influence public policies, and strengthen the protection of fundamental rights.
Through its participation, GIMHRF reaffirmed the importance of translating interfaith dialogue into concrete action, placing human dignity, inclusive cooperation, and lasting peace at the heart of international engagement.