WCC News: Emerging Peacemakers Forum to convene at WCC Ecumenical Institute at Bossey

The World Council of Churches (WCC), the Muslim Council of Elders, and Rose Castle Foundation will host an Emerging Peacemakers Forum on 5-14 July for 50 young men and women working in civil society and international organizations, or for influential people in their societies, at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Institute at the Chateau de Bossey. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 05 July 2023 The forum is designed to open a platform for dialogue between young people—18 to 30 years old—who are working on developing innovative and sustainable solutions and recommendations to achieve peace in societies. The forum aims to empower young men and women to launch national and regional initiatives and projects related to peacemaking and disseminating human fraternity principles. The expanding “Emerging Peacemakers Network” will serve as a platform for youth dialogue that brings together young people from all over the world. Speakers include WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay; Judge Mohammad Abdulsalem, secretary general of the Council of Muslim Elders; Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby; and many others. Workshops will explore topics such as Religion, Youth,  and Diplomacy; Navigating Challenging Conversations; Restorative Justice; to name just a few. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed joy at being one of the three partners hosting the event. “We firmly believe young people have the potential to be powerful agents of peace and social transformation,” he said. “With their energy, creativity, and passion, they can inspire positive change in their communities and beyond. Their unique perspectives and innovative ideas can help to tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time, paving the way for a brighter future.” The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam emphasized that “the Emerging Peacemakers Forum aims to shape a global youth movement capable of actively contributing to positive change and finding innovative solutions to contemporary global challenges.” Abdelsalam concluded  “Participants are encouraged to serve as shining examples in order to inspire other young people worldwide while also directing their efforts towards peacebuilding, nation-building, and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and solidarity through a range of inspiring initiatives.” Learn more about the upcoming Emerging Peacemakers Forum Emerging Peacemakers Forum: website For media: Media welcome to visit the forum and be part of the graduation 13 July 13:30-15:30 in the Ecumenical Centre. For further questions and inquiries, please email our media inbox: media@wcc-coe.org You are also most welcome to contact Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of Communication, mej@wcc-coe.org, +41 79 507 63 63. See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland