Latest news with #IF20
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Bishop Sipuka urges interfaith leaders to take action for the poor at G20 Forum
President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and Chairperson of the National Church Leaders' Consultation, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka. Image: Theolin Tembo President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and Chairperson of the National Church Leaders' Consultation, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, delivered rousing remarks that left attendees giving him a standing ovation at the G20 Interfaith Forum. The IF20 forum, which convened religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges, concluded on Thursday. The IF20 event is intended to reflect and reinforce South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. 'These four days in Cape Town have shown us that we - Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, traditional African spiritualists, and all faith traditions represented here - we have all chosen to go far, together. 'We came to Cape Town under the banner, 'ubuntu in action', focusing on vulnerable communities. Ubuntu has taught us that our humanity is interconnected - I am, because you are. This week, we have discovered something profound: Ubuntu is not just a philosophy; it is a prophecy. 'It calls us beyond mere acknowledgement of our connectedness, to active responsibility for one another's dignity,' Sipuka said. Sipuka highlighted how all the various interfaiths have all heeded the same divine call 'in different sacred languages'. 'This forum has held up a mirror to our souls, as religious leaders, and what we see is both inspiring and convincing. We have confronted uncomfortable truths about ourselves as faith leaders. Too often, we claim to serve the God of the poor, while those poor view us with suspicion. Why? Because our proximity to power has sometimes made us complicit in systems that perpetuate injustice. 'It is easy for religious leaders to be co-opted by those in power, for the benefits of that, and in exchange lose our prophetic stance, to stand and be the voice for the voiceless. This sometimes results in religious leaders living in mansions, while their congregants queue for food parcels…' Sipuka said that it was important for religious leaders to model the very leadership and action that they are seeking from those they shepherd, and to put words into action. 'As we part, my wish is that we could commit to transforming our educational approaches. Let us commit to establishing an interfaith educational partnership that teaches not literacy and numeracy but social, emotional, and spiritual intelligence - true cross-cultural religious literacy. 'May our madrasas, church schools, temple institutions, and community centres become laboratories of ubuntu, places where children learn that difference is not division, but a tapestry of diversity created by the pleasure and joy of Divine design.' Sipuka added that they haven't gathered to issue another statement or calling on officials to act as 'the poor are tired of our calls, the poor are hungry for our commitment'. 'My hope is that, as interfaith leaders, we could commit ourselves to action. My wish is that every faith community represented here could take the initiative, not waiting for perfect conditions and not waiting for external funding, but beginning where we are, with what we have, for who we serve. 'Rather than setting rigid timelines that may become empty promises, let each of us return home, and begin… what matters is not the speed of our response but the sincerity of our commitment.' Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks said that he did not doubt that the discussions at the forum would have positive effects in its wake. 'In our beloved South Africa, faith communities have and continue to play a crucial role in advancing the National Development agenda. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, members of our communities have witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and love. 'They demonstrated acts of solidarity and support for the most vulnerable population at the time of their greatest need, and I think the interfaith communities in South Africa, and all over the world, must be complimented for saving many, many lives because of their direct intervention,' Hendricks said. 'The aim is to harness and deepen the partnership that exists with faith communities… In truth, South Africa is still a work in progress, and it is daily challenged to keep building bridges in spite of the various obstacles. 'In conclusion, I want to thank the IF20 for throwing their weight behind South Africa in the run-up to the G20 conference in November, and I am sure what you have decided here will help us conclude a very successful G20,' Hendricks said. Vice President of G20 Interfaith Forum Association, Katherine Marshall, closed the forum by saying that they have heard a lot about ubuntu throughout the forum, but that they should heed Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool's reminder that there is a hard edge to ubuntu, 'which is that 'I am my brother's keeper''. 'I think we all leave with a powerful sense of what we can do, and what we must do together. I started out talking about something that always echoes in my mind, NATO - No Action, Talk Only.' She also thanked all of the attendees and the organisers who assisted in pulling the IF20 event together.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
G20 Interfaith Forum: Addressing the challenges of global debt infrastructure
The 'Fishbowl Sessions' on debt/governance, moderated by Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers in the United States, Dr Mohamed Elsanousi, saw attendees crowdsource ideas on the issue of debt and global governance at the G20 Interfaith Forum. Image: Theolin Tembo Several core issues, such as food poverty, debt, governance, education and vulnerable communities, dominated the final day of the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20). The IF20 held an open dialogue on the issues. The forum convenes religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges. The IF20 event is intended to reflect and reinforce South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. The Cape Town event is intended as a catalyst for action, fostering partnerships that transcend borders, beliefs, and sectors. The 'Fishbowl Sessions' on debt/governance, moderated by Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers in the United States, Dr Mohamed Elsanousi, saw attendees crowdsource ideas on the issue of debt and global governance at the G20 Interfaith Forum. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Attendees highlighted the impact of historical grievances and colonialisation, sovereign debt and local debt, how interfaith groups are custodians of community wealth and the responsibility owed to uplifting the community, as well as how the global debt infrastructure harms the African continent. The global debt system restructuring echoed a lot of the concerns raised at the African Union Conference on Debt, which took place from May 12-14, 2025. The draft declaration, which was adopted, acknowledged that public debt in Africa has increased significantly over the last decade, resulting in over 25 countries being either at high risk of debt distress or in debt distress, which has created a huge challenge as the rising debt service costs are draining vital public resources needed for development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals ('SDGs') and the AU Agenda 2063. The African Union Commission (AUC) intends to call for the reform of the global financial architecture, particularly reforming the G20 Common Framework to ensure that it delivers adequate and timely debt relief necessary for restoring and safeguarding debt sustainability. The 'Fishbowl Sessions' on debt/governance, moderated by Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers in the United States, Dr Mohamed Elsanousi. Image: Theolin Tembo During Thursday's discussion, Elsanousi highlighted how religious communities can come together to ensure funds remain recirculated within their respective community. One speaker highlighted that, 'we are not exempt from using the resources under our auspices to tend to needs we see in our communities'. Executive Director of the Christian Connections for International Health, Doug Fountain, was in attendance at the discussion, pointed out how, in the United States, there is a network of community banks that function in the same way. Elsanousi also pivoted the discussion to include the issue of corruption, noting that while South Africa has, in his view, an impressive GDP, but 'there are still problems', namely the 'impact of corruption on debt'. One of the attendees touched on how African countries 'get addicted to the debt, and finance a lot of corruption through the debt'. Another speaker questioned what debt reform is going to look like, 'we have to think (in a way) that we aren't dependent on that, but not sure how to get there'. Another individual, speaking of South Africa, said: 'We have a society where corruption is endemic… This nation has a serious problem not being addressed, and as long as there is corruption at that level, with municipalities not solvent (I am not sure how to fix that)… The problem then is when you ask to cancel the debt, the question is, where will that money go?' The issue of governance also arose with some speakers mentioning how incompetent people are being put in charge, not just in South Africa, but across the whole continent. They touched on how there is a need for leaders who govern in an ethical way, and have the correct priorities. DA MP, Andrew Bateman, who was in attendance, said that there is still a long way to go in rooting out the corruption and the impact of it, in making sure funds are spent appropriately. He also touched on how the Covid-19 pandemic played a role in the ballooning debt. 'The question is, when we do get a government that is willing to make steps of reform, will there be some kind of globally-backed initiative to make it easier for those countries, if they do meet the necessary criteria, to eradicate the corruption, to deal with mismanagement, to deal with overspending, to use funds responsibly, will that be met by globe initiatives to make it easier for those countries to get out of the situation they find themselves in. 'Right now, we spend as a nation about 22% of the tax revenue that we receive servicing the interest on our national debt - which is only expected to peak at 77% of our GDP this year, which is lower than that of developed countries, but it is not affordable for us, because the risk, and the inflation rate. 'If there were mechanisms that were in place, which state that if you do ABCD, then we will do the following to make it easier for your debt servicing costs to come down, that would make a significant difference.'
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
G20 Interfaith Forum: Why interfaith groups must collaborate with outside voices
The panel discussion on 'Crossing Bridges Among Sectors and Institutions' examined how integrated thinking is needed in the current socio-political climate. Image: Theolin Tembo Vice President of G20 Interfaith Forum Association, Katherine Marshall, had not been keeping attendees clued in with her morning recap of the G20 Interfaith Forum's activities of the prior day, but on Wednesday, she moderated a panel discussion on 'Crossing Bridges Among Sectors and Institutions'. The IF20 forum convenes religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges. The IF20 event is intended to reflect and reinforce South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. The Cape Town event is intended as a catalyst for action, fostering partnerships that transcend borders, beliefs, and sectors. The discussion examined how integrated thinking and cooperative action characterise many religious communities, while the current socio-political climate requires innovative cross-boundary work. The discussion also emphasised how interfaith groups work together to put Ubuntu in action, and not just talk about change. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Left to right: Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University, Prof Jose Casanova, Head of the AGA-APSA Secretariat at the African Union Commission, Amb. Salah Hammad, Research Fellow at Berkley Center, Georgetown, Rev. Susan Hayward, and Vice President of G20 Interfaith Forum Association, Katherine Marshall. Image: Theolin Tembo Marshall started the conversation by addressing the United States, which she called 'the elephant in the room'. Her fellow panellists included Research Fellow at Berkley Center, Georgetown Rev. Susan Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University Prof Jose Casanova, Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community Bani Dugal, Head of the AGA-APSA Secretariat at the African Union Commission Ambassador Salah Hammad, one of the founders of G20 Interfaith Forum Dr Brian Adams, and Executive Vice-Chair of Future World Foundation Sean Cleary. Hayward said many of their efforts have been crippled under the second Trump administration, but the shuttering of this particular work 'at a time when there is a turn away from human rights in the US and elsewhere' creates an opportunity for rebuilding and reimagining how to integrate the work they've done in the future. 'We talk about efforts being siloed; well, all the silos are gone at the moment. Maybe it is the Christian pastor in me, but I am leaning into the hope of this being an opportunity for us… to think anew how to do development, how to do diplomacy moving forward that can be far more systems base, and more flexible, and open to approaching things in a way that isn't fixed,' Hayward said. Casanova said he is often viewed as a sociologist among theologians and as a theologian among sociologists, and that there is a need to bridge the divide. 'Secular politics at every nation in the world is broken, global governance is broken, and we have a voice. We have to use our moral voice to set the table. We cannot simply reform what we have.' Dugal said that the Ubuntu philosophy, reiterated throughout IF20, is interconnected at its core, and highlighted how grassroots levels have not seen the same connections made that are happening higher up in religious and political structures. Hammad said that while at the African Union Commission, they have come to understand that it is important to reach out to various entities regardless of their school of thought, to enrich the process, and help connect the continent. 'We have a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various institutions, but lately we realised that there is another bridge that we are yet to cross. Those are the organisations that we have partnered with; they don't fully take into consideration the participation of women and youth.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Sustainability and climate change: Key discussions at the G20 Interfaith Forum
Climate change is a leading issue for the G20, with sustainability a central priority for South Africa's G20 agenda. Wednesday's plenary at the IF20 focused on climate imperatives. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers Issues of sustainability and the roles that interfaith organisations can play in fighting and assisting to mitigate the impact of climate change took centre stage at the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) on Wednesday morning. The IF20 forum convenes religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges. The IF20 event is intended to reflect and reinforce South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability', but also highlight how Ubuntu can be used to tackle societal issues. The Cape Town event is intended as a catalyst for action, fostering partnerships that transcend borders, beliefs, and sectors. General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, started the morning's plenary on religious responsibilities and action when it comes to sustainability. Pillay explained that a sustainable society requires a level of human activity that is not affected by the never-ending variations of the global economy. He also highlighted that the unrestricted consumption by wealthy nations and sectors of society, and how their behaviour has adverse effects on those who are not. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, started the morning's plenary on religious responsibilities and action when it comes to sustainability. Image: Screenshot. 'Our prevailing financial and economic thinking and systems are unsustainable and are at the root of the climate and economic crisis that threatens life on earth. The original intention of sustainability, of shaping ecological, social and economic dimensions in the interest of the future viability of all life, communities both in the north and south…has been eroded in an era of neo-liberal economic globalisation,' Pillay said. 'Sustainability cannot be achieved without equity, and equity without sustainability.' Pillay said that Covid-19 highlighted how the issue of sustainability cannot exclude health, as the health of the planet and people matters. He added spirituality has a vital role to play in deepening sustainability. 'We need a spirituality founded on a profound understanding of our intrinsic interconnectedness in God's household of life that motivates us to serve the common good, and a spirit of solidarity that empowers us to a radical sharing with anyone who may have need. 'Here we have a lot to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters, and African, Asian, and other traditions, as we speak about ubuntu and other concepts.' What followed his address was a panel discussion which, alongside Pillay, included Executive Secretary of International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), Somboon Chungprampree, General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, Director of the CDDC Trust/EFSA Institute, Dr. Renier Koegelenberg, and Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Vatican City, Alessandra Smerilli. Morrison highlighted that climate change is not a political or scientific issue, but rather a moral and spiritual one. He said it is imperative to build trust with faith leaders and communities even before disasters strike and devastate areas, as they are often the ones called up to assist. 'We need to encourage a culture of preparedness for emergencies… It is important that we teach them to set aside a small number of things that will become handy for them when there is a disaster, such as scooping a tablespoon of rice or anything you like, and put it aside in a bottle that could be used in a disaster.'
See - Sada Elbalad
6 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
MCE Participates in G20 Interfaith Forum in South Africa
Mohamed Mandour The Muslim Council of Elders is co-organizing the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme "Ubuntu in Action: Focusing on Marginalized Communities." The Forum unites a coalition of global voices dedicated to shaping inclusive and ethical policies, bringing together religious leaders, civil society organizations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to urgent global challenges. In its address during the Forum's opening session, the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the vital role religious leaders can play in addressing today's global challenges, including conflicts, wars, and disputes. It advocated for a nuanced, multi-level understanding of relationship dynamics, encompassing both violence and peace. His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in a speech delivered by Adama Dieng, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and advisor to the Council, emphasized that the time has come to demand justice for our planet, particularly in light of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and the proliferation of wars and conflicts that have left tens of thousands dead, wounded, or displaced. This crisis, he noted, represents a profound test of our shared humanity. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid Videos & Features Story behind Trending Jessica Radcliffe Death Video News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani
