Rev. Chloe Breyer, ICNY’s executive director, will be presenting “Holy Sites – Making Memorials after Destruction in a Religiously Diverse World” at a U.N. Policy Consultation gathering on Thursday, Feb. 27 at UN Plaza.
The consultation, entitled “Safeguarding Holy Sites” is taking place within the framework of an international, multi-faith initiative which has resulted in the creation of a Universal Code of Conduct on Holy Sites. The overarching goal of the meeting is to deepen the awareness and understanding of policymakers regarding the significant role that religion plays in world affairs, and the reciprocal role that policymakers can play in supporting interreligious interests and cooperation to promote peace. Its specific objective is that US and international policymakers have a greater understanding of the need for systematic cooperation among political, interreligious and other relevant bodies for the better protection of holy sites worldwide.
The Universal Code working group is promoting the advancement of a UN resolution on holy sites in the spirit of the Universal Code in the belief that political support for interreligious cooperation regarding the greater protection of holy sites is an essential component in preventing sacred places from becoming pawns in times of conflict.
This consultation will bring together US policymakers, UN mission representatives and other UN bodies, academics and NGO leaders for informal discussions and constructive dialogue on the subject.
A full schedule of the consultation can be accessed here.
