Religions for Peace Europe Highlights Regional Contributions at the 2026 International Council Meeting in Mauritius
Mauritius, 23–25 June 2026 – Religions for Peace Europe is participating in the 2026 International Council Meeting held in Mauritius under the theme “Forging Pathways for Shared Sacred Flourishing.” The meeting brought together global, regional, and national leaders of Religions for Peace to reflect on today’s interconnected challenges and to strengthen multi-religious cooperation for peace, human dignity, and the well-being of humanity.
Representing Europe during the session “Religions in Action: Regional Perspectives,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja, President of Religions for Peace Europe, delivered remarks on the Regional Context of Europe. In his address, he emphasized that Europe stands at a critical crossroads, facing multiple and interconnected challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, migration, social polarization, hate speech, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Christian hostility, climate change, environmental degradation, and new ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence.
Dr. Kruja underlined that these challenges also represent an opportunity for faith communities to build bridges of trust, defend human dignity, and inspire hope. Referring to the renewal of Religions for Peace Europe since the 10th World Assembly in Lindau, he highlighted the adoption of the new Statute and Standing Rules, the consolidation of governance structures, and the growing recognition of RfP Europe as a credible partner in European and international platforms.
A special moment of the gathering was the presence and keynote address of H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, during the opening programme of the International Council Meeting.
Following Dr. Kruja’s intervention, Rev. Dr. Maria Leppäkari, Secretary General of Religions for Peace Europe, presented an overview of the region’s main achievements and activities. Her presentation highlighted the strengthening of cooperation among religious leaders, women, youth, and national interreligious councils; the registration of the RfP Europe office in Berlin; and the establishment of a permanent platform for interreligious dialogue at the Council of Europe.
The presentation also showcased the active engagement of the European National Interreligious Bodies, with interreligious councils and partner structures in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It further highlighted the work of the European Council of Religious Leaders, the European Women of Faith Network, and the European Interfaith Youth Network, including initiatives on peacebuilding, migration, countering hate speech, environmental responsibility, women’s leadership, and youth interfaith digital storytelling.
Among the key milestones presented were Religions for Peace Europe’s engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Conference, the OSCE/ODIHR Conference, the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, the Boao Forum for Asia, the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate at the Vatican, and several major interfaith gatherings in Rome, Frankfurt, Athens, Helsinki, Tirana, and other European contexts.
The European contribution to the programme also included the participation of several distinguished leaders and speakers from the region, among them H.E. Metropolitan Emmanuel, Bishop Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg, Rabbi Dr. Izhak Dayan, Prof. Dr. Joan Hernández-Serret, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Naurath, Prof. Dr. Mark Owen, Dr. Luigi De Salvia, Ms. Emina Frljak, and Rev. Laura Huovinen.
Religions for Peace Europe reaffirmed its commitment to transforming faith into action, dialogue into cooperation, and diversity into a source of peace and strength. Guided by the six strategic priorities of Religions for Peace and inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, RfP Europe remains dedicated to building more peaceful, just, inclusive, and sustainable societies across Europe and beyond.
Peace through Action!
ace through Action!
