Religion is a universal human pursuit that influences many different cultural parameters, moral concepts, ideals, and human thinking and behaviour by providing answers to the meaning of human existence.[i] It is also an essential component of human culture because it provides a comprehensive and sympathetic understanding of human orientation.
Religious communities, including their leaders, institutions, and faith-based organizations, play a crucial role in promoting and enhancing children's wellbeing. The fundamental values enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), including a belief in the dignity of the child, are shared by all religions. Religious institutions and faith-based organizations have the networks, resources, and social mobilization capacity to reach the most vulnerable children. Religious leaders are frequently highly influential in their communities and are equipped with a moral and philosophical framework that motivates individuals to act. In addition to providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to children in need, religious beliefs, traditions, and practices can reinforce and strengthen child development priorities. Through schools, health clinics, and prayer services, religious actors around the world are bettering the lives of children. Despite a shared interest in and commitment to the welfare of children, collaboration between religious communities and so-called "secular" development actors continues to be difficult. A lack of mutual trust and comprehension can hinder cooperation for the benefit of children. Frequently, religious organizations are concerned about secular development agendas and fear being exploited by their ostensible allies. Similarly, development actors are frequently concerned about the us ...
Karam 2 - English, Español, Français, عربي interpretation International Social and Behavior Change Communication Summit info@sbccsummit.orgReligion is a universal human pursuit that influences many different cultural parameters, moral concepts, ideals, and human thinking and behaviour by providing answers to the meaning of human existence.[i] It is also an essential component of human culture because it provides a comprehensive and sympathetic understanding of human orientation.
Religious communities, including their leaders, institutions, and faith-based organizations, play a crucial role in promoting and enhancing children's wellbeing. The fundamental values enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), including a belief in the dignity of the child, are shared by all religions. Religious institutions and faith-based organizations have the networks, resources, and social mobilization capacity to reach the most vulnerable children. Religious leaders are frequently highly influential in their communities and are equipped with a moral and philosophical framework that motivates individuals to act. In addition to providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to children in need, religious beliefs, traditions, and practices can reinforce and strengthen child development priorities. Through schools, health clinics, and prayer services, religious actors around the world are bettering the lives of children. Despite a shared interest in and commitment to the welfare of children, collaboration between religious communities and so-called "secular" development actors continues to be difficult. A lack of mutual trust and comprehension can hinder cooperation for the benefit of children. Frequently, religious organizations are concerned about secular development agendas and fear being exploited by their ostensible allies. Similarly, development actors are frequently concerned about the use of religion to justify behaviors and practices that are incompatible with their development goals. Thus, the potential benefits of collaboration are frequently elusive.[ii] (Civil Society Partnerships Division of Data, Research and Policy, UNICEF, 2015)
The significance of religious beliefs in all aspects of Middle Eastern society and culture cannot be overstated. These lands are the birthplace of three of the world's major religions and numerous smaller sects that continue to exist today.
The SBCC summit is an opportunity to examine in depth how religious entities and narratives can contribute to social and behavior change in the MENA region, with a particular emphasis on social and gender norms.
Objectives:
The main objective of the interactive dialogue with high-level religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and behavioural scientists is to:
[ii] Civil Society Partnerships Division of Data, Research and Policy, UNICEF February 2015, A global mapping: UNICEF engagement with religious communities. https://jliflc.com/resources/a-global-mapping-unicef-engagement-with-religious-communities/
