On 4 November 2025, the JISRA International Conference ‘Securing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) through an Inclusive Peacebuilding Approach’ will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Brussels, Belgium. This full-day event marks the conclusion of five years of collaboration between more than fifty civil society organisations across Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, and Nigeria, who have worked together through the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) to build peaceful and just societies where everyone can freely and safely practice their faith or belief.
A space for dialogue, reflection, and action
This full-day event will bring together peacebuilders, policymakers, academics, and representatives from civil society to explore one essential question: How can Freedom of Religion or Belief for all contribute to lasting peace?
Through inspiring panels and interactive sessions, speakers from across the JISRA network will share concrete examples of what inclusive peacebuilding looks like in practice. Topics will range from youth engagement and digital safety to the role of women and interfaith committees in preventing violent extremism, and protecting minorities and sacred sites
Confirmed speakers include:
- Nageeba Hassan Tegulwa, former co-chair of African Women of Faith
- Irfan Amali, co-founder and director of PeaceGeneration Indonesia
- Dr. Rhoda Udanyi, director of Scripture Union West Africa in Nigeria
- Jean de Dieu Dembele, National Deputy Coordinator for the Interreligious Council for Peace in Mali
- Prof. Dr. Erin Wilson, University of Groningen
- Dr. Simon Polinder, Utrecht University
- Yilma Hirpa Boru, Ethiopian Interfaith Forum for Development Dialogue and Action
- Representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Why this matters
Around the world, divisions based on belief, gender, or identity continue to fuel exclusion and violence. Over the past five years, JISRA has shown that lasting peace begins with dialogue, by bringing together religious and traditional leaders, women, and young people to challenge harmful narratives and build bridges of understanding. This conference is both a celebration and a call to action: a moment to share insights, strengthen collaboration, and shape future policies that protect Freedom of Religion or Belief for all as a cornerstone of peace.
Practical details
Date: 4 November 2025
Time: 10:00 – 17:30 CEST
Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Avenue des Olympiades 6, Brussels, Belgium
Participation: Free of charge (travel not included)
Spots are limited so secure your spot today: Register here
About JISRA
JISRA is implemented in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinated by Mensen met een Missie (lead organisation), Faith to Action Network, Search for Common Ground, and Tearfund UK & Tearfund Netherlands, with support from the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. www.jisra.org
