AACC's General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki at GNRC Sixth Forum

The Sixth Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) began yesterday  in Abu Dhabi, under the theme "The Child is Calling: Interfaith Cooperation to Build a Hopeful World for Children." The forum, hosted by Arigatou International and the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC), brings together world leaders, religious communities, and key stakeholders to address urgent global challenges affecting children.

Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), participated as a distinguished panelist. In his address, Rev. Mwombeki highlighted the rapid increase in Africa's child population, emphasizing that many children are born into poverty, which leads to insecure lives. He urged for measures to alleviate poverty to improve the living conditions of African children.

Rev. Mwombeki also stressed the significance of integrating faith with scientific and technological advancements, advocating for ethical considerations in their application. "Faith must be the barometer of science and technology," he asserted. "It's not enough to say this thing is possible. Not everything possible is appropriate." He called on religious leaders to engage in these conversations within churches and families to promote the selective and ethical use of technology.

Furthermore, Rev. Mwombeki condemned harmful African traditions, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which persist in some regions with support from religious and political leaders. He emphasized the need to protect children from such practices, urging religious leaders to stand against them.

Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, President of Arigatou International and Convenor of the GNRC, remarked, "Despite the bleakness in the world around us, our belief in the power of faith, unity, and hope is firm. By working hand in hand, through dialogue and prayer, we can forge a safe, secure, and sustainable world for all children."

The forum, which will continue over the next two days, will address the root causes of conflict, promote peaceful coexistence, and focus on creating a sustainable world by tackling child poverty, inequality, and climate-conscious stewardship. It is expected to draw around 600 participants, including 100 children, and will culminate in adopting the Abu Dhabi Declaration and a joint Plan of Action. This declaration will outline concrete steps to transform a world in crisis into one that is safe, secure, and sustainable for children.

As the forum progresses, the GNRC urges active participation and support for these initiatives. A draft communique titled "Answering the Call of the Child" will be circulated, calling on individuals and organizations to pledge their commitment to this noble cause.

In Photo - [ AACC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki during the panel discussion]