In an era characterized by complex, interconnected crises—often termed polycrises—the necessity for collaboration is more pressing than ever. The rise of multistakeholder partnerships, emphasized since the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, reflects this urgent need. The 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, “Partnerships for the Goals,” underscores the importance of strengthening partnerships to ensure that no one is left behind. This mandate includes fostering more systematic and long-term collaboration with religious actors, a group often underestimated in secularized political discourses.
Religion’s Enduring Significance
Despite the secularization narrative prevalent in many developed countries, recent surveys reveal that approximately 80% of the global population identifies with a religion (Pew Research Center 2022; Ipsos 2023; PaRD 2024). Even in economically advanced nations like the United Arab Emirates, India, and Indonesia, religion remains a significant aspect of life for most people. This reality highlights the crucial role of religious actors in global affairs.
The Positive Role of Religious Actors
Religious actors have a dual impact on society: they can either contribute to injustice and conflict or serve as agents of transformation and positive change. Many religious organizations play pivotal roles in humanitarian relief, peacebuilding, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development. The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) exemplifies how harnessing the positive potential of religious actors can advance the SDGs.
PaRD: A Model of Inclusive Collaboration
Established in 2016, PaRD began with a small group of members driven by the conviction that embracing the positive contributions of spiritual, religious, faith, and Indigenous communities is essential for meeting the 2030 Agenda’s targets. Since then, PaRD has expanded to include over 170 members. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is the primary funder, though other members also contribute significantly in kind.
PaRD’s approach emphasizes genuine and inclusive collaboration, ensuring that no single entity, including major funders, dictates the agenda. Instead, decision-making occurs through a consensus-driven process involving the Steering Board, which represents all key constituencies. This method prioritizes compelling arguments and collaborative input over financial influence.
PaRD’s Strategic Areas
PaRD focuses on several critical areas aligned with the SDGs:
- Food Security (SDG 2)
- Health (SDG 3)
- Gender Equality and Empowerment (SDG 5)
- Environment, Water, and Climate Action (SDGs 6, 13, 14, 15)
- Sustaining Peace (SDG 16)
- Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB)
Additionally, PaRD addresses emerging issues like AI and online safety, reflecting its adaptability and responsiveness to global challenges. The partnership’s broad membership, which includes over 120 faith organizations from diverse traditions across more than 40 countries, illustrates its commitment to inclusivity and diverse expertise.
The Multifaceted Role of Religious Actors
Religious, spiritual, and Indigenous leaders hold significant responsibilities in fostering respect, inclusivity, and human rights. They inspire resilience, volunteerism, and selfless service, often filling gaps where state and market actors fall short. Frank Schwabe, the German Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, emphasizes the importance of faith organizations in addressing educational and health needs and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Religious leaders are also tasked with promoting values that encourage a harmonious relationship with nature and a more conscious, humble life. These values align closely with the core objectives of the SDGs, including dignity, environmental protection, and peace.
Impactful Contributions of Religious Actors
Religious actors have made notable contributions to peacebuilding, health, and environmental protection:
- Peacebuilding: Faith actors played crucial roles in mediating the 2016 peace agreement in Colombia and the 2019 peace agreement in the Central African Republic. The lay community Sant’Egidio led a peace initiative in South Sudan in 2021.
- Health: During the COVID-19 pandemic, religious volunteers provided essential support and countered misinformation. For example, Sikhs in the UK facilitated critical aid to India, demonstrating the vital role of faith-based organizations in health crises.
- Environment and Climate Protection: At COP28, PaRD highlighted the contributions of religious and Indigenous actors to climate action. They advocated for transformative shifts in thinking and practices essential for protecting the environment.
Moving Forward
As Professor Katherine Marshall observes, PaRD’s vision is to evolve into a comprehensive network of networks, enriching the development and international cooperation landscape. In a multipolar world with escalating crises, collaboration between religious and secular actors becomes increasingly vital. By drawing on shared values and fostering paradigm shifts from linear to circular models, PaRD and its partners strive to advance sustainable development and safeguard our planet.
In conclusion, religious and spiritual actors, alongside secular partners, are crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges of our time. Through inclusive collaboration and leveraging shared values, they can significantly contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
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