Jerusalem, Israel - UPF will hold an Interfaith Consultation for Peace and Development in the Middle East in Jerusalem from August 25 to 28. High-level religious leaders, scholars, and  interfaith activists from throughout the world will be in attendance, including people of faith who hold positions in government, the media, the private sector, and civil society.

A special segment of the program will be dedicated to building upon and honoring the spirit of the 2012 celebration at the United Nations of the World Interfaith Harmony Week that had as its theme, “Common Ground for the Common Good.” A wide range of interfaith organizations and faith-based organizations, along with diplomats and UN officials, participated in support of the initiative taken up by the Office of the President of the General Assembly.

There is a growing awareness among people throughout the world of the urgent need for interfaith cooperation if we are to successfully resolve  many of the critical issues of our time, including the problems that we face in the Middle East. This consultation will consider the ways in which interfaith cooperation can contribute to peace and development in the region, as well as globally. Topics to be considered will include:

• Peace in the Middle East and the Role of Interfaith Cooperation
• Islam, Politics, and the Arab Spring
• Current Developments in Israel and Palestine and the Prospects for Peace
• The United Nations and Prospects for Peace in the Middle East
• Expanding Awareness of the UN’s World Interfaith Harmony Week
• Best Practices in Global Interfaith: Exploring Models of Success

Find the schedule here