GNRC Forums

First Forum Prayer Session.First Forum Prayer Session.
First Forum Interfaith Prayer.First Forum Interfaith Prayer.
First Forum Opening.First Forum Opening.
Second Forum.Second Forum.
second forum group.second forum group.
third forum group.third forum group.
third forum opening.third forum opening.
third forum prayer.third forum prayer.
4th forum.4th forum.
4th forum.4th forum.
4th forum.4th forum.
4th forum.4th forum.
4th forum..4th forum..
GNRC fifth forum.GNRC fifth forum.
fifth forum.fifth forum.
fifth forum.fifth forum.
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About the GNRC Forums

Since the first forum in May 2000, when religious leaders, grassroots workers, and young people from around the world came together in Tokyo, Japan to inaugurate the GNRC, members and partners, like UNICEF and UNESCO, have continued to gather every four to five years. At the forums, which are supported by Arigatou International, GNRC members and partners take stock of the Network’s progress, share best practices, and chart the future course for global, regional, and national initiatives.

In each of the second, third and fourth GNRC global forums, a new global initiative emerged, growing to take on a life of its own with the continued support of GNRC members and Arigatou International. They are:

The initiatives together seek to fulfill the three commitments made by Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto, President of the Arigatou Foundation, when he spoke on behalf of the GNRC at the United Nations Special Session on Children in 2002.

At the GNRC 5th Global Forum, held in Panama City in 2017, over 500 participants unanimously adopted the Panama Declaration on Ending Violence Against Children, making 10 specific commitments to end all forms of violence against children.

May2000

The First Forum of the GNRC

Brought together 297 men and women representing 7 major religions and 33 countries and regions to share their experiences and exchange views on how to address the various challenges facing children. Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto, President of the Arigatou Foundation, opened the forum with the GNRC Inauguration Address. The participants went on to adopt the landmark GNRC Statement with four Study Group Reports and issued it to the world as their pledge to the future of children.

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May2004

The Second Forum of the GNRC

Held in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum brought together 359 people, including 38 children and young people, from 68 countries and 7 major religions for in-depth discussions on practical actions to be taken in each world region. At the Second Forum, the GNRC formally announced the establishment of the Interfaith Council on Ethics Education for Children and signed a program cooperation agreement with UNICEF to cooperate on a major joint study on, “The Child in World Religions.”

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May2008

The Third Forum of the GNRC

Held in Hiroshima, Japan, the Forum brought together 353 religious leaders and others from around the globe, including 42 children and young people. Participants came from 63 countries and 8 world regions, representing the Baha’i faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and many other religious and spiritual traditions. Also present were top United Nations officials, including Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, UN Deputy Secretary General, and Ms. Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF.

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June2012

The Fourth Forum of the GNRC

Held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, it brought together about 470 participants, including religious leaders from around the world and United Nations officials and government leaders, including President Jakaya M. Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania, to address the theme: “Ending Poverty. Enriching Children: Inspire. Act. Change.” Young people had a central role in the forum, with about 40 youth attending the two-day pre-meeting and inspiring the participants throughout the Forum with their unique perspectives.

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May2017

The Fifth Forum of the GNRC

Challenged by the global epidemic of violence against children, leaders and members of the world’s religious and spiritual traditions, girls and boys, women and men, from 70 countries, together with representatives of governments, the United Nations, and international and grassroots organizations, met in Panama City, Panama.The Fifth Forum saw the launch of the Panama Declaration of Ending Violence Against Children. The Panama Commitments aim to promote and eradicate any form of violence against children.

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