Ailih Weeldreyer, MTS ’24, is a QUNO NY Programme Assistant. She was selected to speak with President of the UN General Assembly. During the discussion, Weeldreyer asked about religion, interfaith dialogue, and just peacebuilding at the United Nations.
On 12 February 2025, QUNO NY staff attended the annual Civil Society Townhall with the President of the General Assembly. Under the theme “Unity in Diversity for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere,” President of the 79th General Assembly, Philémon Yang of Cameroon, engaged with members of civil society on their role in implementing the Pact for the Future. Ailih Weeldreyer, QUNO NY Programme Assistant, was selected amongst civil society applicants to engage with the President of the GA. On behalf of the Friends World Committee for Consultation, Ailih asked the President of the GA the following question: What role can faith-based civil society play in promoting cooperation amongst member states as a step toward strengthening efforts to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies for sustainable development?
In response, President Yang expressed appreciation for faith-based civil society as trust-builders. He stated, “Through inter-faith dialogue and collaboration, they can help build bridges among nations and cultures, highlighting shared values and principles such as justice, non-violence, human dignity, reconciliation and forgiveness.” President Yang emphasized the importance of faith leaders in peace and reconciliation processes in Rwanda and Colombia as moments when cooperation amongst disparate groups led to more peaceful societies.
Member state cooperation is a high priority of the UN at present. Recent high-level negotiation processes – like the Summit of the Future – and crisis responses – like attempted Gaza ceasefire resolutions in the Security Council – have been obstructed and diminished by states prioritizing national over global interests. Such experiences also serve to weaken trust within the UN system. The strength of the United Nations lies in its role as a forum where people from all over the world and from all aspects of society can discuss and contribute to solving the world’s greatest challenges.
Read more at QUNO.org. Quakers United Nations Office (QUNO) is a non-governmental organisation representing the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) at the United Nations in Geneva and New York City
– Source: RELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE (RPL), Harvard Divinity School
