Bridging Divides: The Power of Religious Engagement in Global Diplomacy

For billions of people around the world, religion is an integral part of daily life that often shapes approaches to peace and conflict. But until the 1990s, religion’s potential as a peacebuilding tool was overlooked by many policymakers and diplomats. It’s thanks to the tireless efforts of figures such as Dr. Douglas Johnston that religious engagement has now become an indispensable part of the diplomatic toolkit. For decades, they have helped bring religious leaders and communities to the table as partners in peace. And today’s global challenges — from the rise of great powers to the persistent threat of violent extremism — call us to recognize that religious engagement is more urgent than ever.

Join USIP and the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy for a conversation reflecting on the history and legacy of religious engagement in peacebuilding. The discussion will examine key accomplishments, assess global trends, and explore bold new strategies for strengthening diplomacy, security and peacemaking through religious engagement.

Watch live here on Youtube, or RSVP to attend in person here: https://www.usip.org/events/bridging-...

Speakers:

Kirsten Evans
Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under the Trump Administration

Douglas M. Johnston, Ph.D.
Founder and President Emeritus, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy

Palwasha Kakar
Acting Director, USIP, Religion and Inclusive Societies Program

David Little, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School and Former Senior Scholar, Religion, Ethics, and Human Rights, USIP

Peter Mandaville, Ph.D.
Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships under the Biden Administration

Martine Miller
Interim President, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy


0:00-Michael Phelan, Vice President, Center of Thematic Excellence, USIP, opening remarks

6:10- Douglas M Johnston, Founder and President Emeritus, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy, Keynote remarks

34:48-Palwasha Dakar, Acting Director, USIP, Religion and Inclusive Societies Program, introductory remarks

43:33- Dr. David Little, Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School and Former Senior Scholar, Religion, Ethics and Human Rights, USIP

1:00:27- Kirsten Evans, Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under the Trump Administration

1:09:21- Dr. Peter Mandaville, Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships under the Biden Administration

1:22:11- Martine Miller, Interim President, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy

1:34:44-Douglas M Johnston

1:35:41- Final thoughts from panelists

1:40:49 Palwasha Dakar, closing remarks






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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP: https://www.usip.org/about