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Sarvodaya to lead South Asian and South-East Asian delegation to the 4th Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC)

Udesh Fernando

Sarvodaya will lead the South Asian and South-East Asian delegation to the 4th Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) to be held from  16th-18th June, 2012 in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.  Held every 4 years the GNRC Forum brings together its members and other stakeholders with similar vision of a world suitable for children.

The Forum comes at a time when youth are leading nonviolent transformations in various parts of Africa, demanding a better life, better governance and more access to opportunities. Fittingly, the Forum’s theme — “Ending Poverty, Enriching Children: INSPIRE. ACT. CHANGE.” — will address these concerns largely resulting from poverty.

The Forum will focus on three concrete areas perceived as main causes of poverty – corruption and poor governance, war and violence, and unequal distribution of resources. These challenges have conspired to cause a contrasting situation of unprecedented global economic growth in many parts of the world, while significant parts still remain in absolute poverty. Tragically, children still suffer disproportionately from poverty, accounting for a large share of poverty statistics. Children therefore must be at the centre in any effort or strategy to fight poverty.

The South Asian and South-East Asian inter-faith delegation includes respected religious leaders, representatives from faith based organizations and organizations working with/for children, educators, youth and children.

From India:  His Holiness. Swami Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji (India, Hinduism) – President of Religions for Peace International, Dr. Kala Acharya (India, Hinduism), Dr. Vinu Aram (India, Hinduism) , Mr.Vijay Ragavan (India,Hinduism), Master. Arun Kumar (India, Hinduism)

From Sri Lanka: Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa (Sri Lanka, Buddhism), Ven. Kumbuke Chandraloka (Sri Lanka, Buddhism), Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne (Sri Lanka, Buddhism), Mr. Suchith Abeyewickreme (Sri Lanka, Buddhism), Mr. Rajith Yashodha Vidanaarachchi (Sri Lanka, Buddhism)

Fro the other countries in the region: Dr. Chintamani Yogi (Nepal), Master. Raju Paudel (Nepal, Buddhism), Mr. Kazi Rafiqul Alam (Bangladesh, Islam), Ven. U Pu Nar Nan Da (Myanmar, Buddhism), Ms. Wati Wardani (Indonesia, Islam), Mr. David Paull (Pakistan, Christianity) Ms. Dorji Ohm (Bhutan, Buddhism), Ms. Nafia Abdulla (Maldives, Islam).

In addition the organizers have directly invited Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmed (Pakistan, Islam) as a speaker in addition to the regional delegation.