As published by the renowned digital newspaper ‘Panoráma Económico Panama’, the most widely read digital news in Panama, Parlatino will host this week the 4th edition of the prestigious ‘Faith and Freedom Summit’ (see Internet). After noting the increasing violations of freedom of belief in many parts of the world, more than 40 speakers from Panama, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, the United States, France, the Netherlands, Mexico, the United Kingdom and others will address during 2 intense days the problems and good practices in protecting the right to freedom of belief in the world.
Panama City, September 22 – The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatin) in Panama City has been chosen as the venue for the International Summit “Faith and Freedom” on September 24-25, 2024. This event, under the appropriate slogan “Practicing what we preach,” will bring together for two days more than 40 prominent academics, human rights defenders, religious leaders and politicians from various regions of the world.
The event will address the promotion and defense of freedom of conscience. Ambassadors from different countries around the world have confirmed their participation, as well as the Nunciature and public and legislative agents.
The strategic partners supporting the IV Faith and Freedom Summit were Parlatino, the National Bar Association of Panama, the European Initiative of Religions, the Catholic University of Santa María La Antigua (USMA), the International Center for Legal and Religious Studies, and the international campaign ‘What is Religious Freedom?’.
The summit enjoys broad global support from international organisations, academia, civil society and religious bodies, and will feature a special message from Dr Nazila Ghaneale, current UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, who will underscore the global importance of protecting this fundamental human right.
The opening ceremony will be delivered by Elías Castillo, Executive Secretary of Parlatino; His Excellency Juan Francisco Borrell Cal, Vice Minister of the Government of the Republic of Panama; HE Mr. Rubén Farje, Representative in Panama of the Organization of American States; Ms. Maricarmen Plata, Secretary of the Organization for Access to Rights and Equity of the American States; as well as Mr. Ivan Arjona, founding member of the Coalition of NGOs Faith and Freedom Summit; and will have as mistress of ceremonies Ms. Giselle Lima, coordinator of the International Roundtable on Religious Freedom in Panama.
Initiated as a European campaign by a coalition of secular and faith-based non-governmental organisations in the European Union, the Faith and Freedom Summit has grown to an international scale with organisations from all over the world. Since its inception in 2018, it has successfully brought together actors from various regions of the world around a common goal: to join forces and resources to end discrimination and defend freedom of religion and belief, so that everyone can believe, not believe or change their beliefs anywhere in the world and at any time.
During its three previous editions, held at the European Parliament, the summit has served as a platform to foster dialogue between politicians, academics, religious figures and civil society, promote non-discrimination policies and strengthen legislative mechanisms for the protection of human rights at regional and international level.
The event program includes roundtable discussions focusing on:
– Mechanisms to promote and protect freedom of belief within nations and regions.– The role of academia in defending religious freedom.– Religions and faiths work to protect the freedom of others.– The importance of civil society participation in promoting freedom of belief.– Responsibility of the media in promoting and respecting freedom of belief.– Achieving freedom of belief for all through diplomacy.
An international call to action
The summit calls on political leaders, civil society organizations and citizens around the world to unite in defense of freedom of conscience and religion. They are invited to sign a pledge rejecting intolerance, discrimination, harassment and violence, in order to build a more equitable society that respects the diversity of beliefs.
Originally published in The European Times.
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