Later this November, the IIRF will be watching Indonesia where important events relevant for the cause of religious freedom are happening. The Muslim majority nation is hosting the G20, which includes a series of meetings throughout the calendar year. Along with the high profile political leaders gathering for a summit, this year the G20 hosts are also convening discussions on pandemic recovery, global health, sustainable energy and digital transformation.
Indonesia has also formalized an engagement track which focuses on religion. These engagement tracks consult non-government participants and G20 governments often take these into account for policy making. The religious engagement track to be convened in Bali has been named the R20 which is listed on the official website. The hope is to provide “a global platform through which diverse religious leaders from across the world may express their concerns and give voice to shared moral, spiritual and civilizational values.”
It is being jointly hosted by Nahdlatul Ulama and the Saudi based Muslim World league. Those interested can read more about it on Humanitarian Islam’s website, an organization founded by top leaders in Nahdlatul Ulama.
This is a promising development and provides an opportunity for G20 nations to hear directly from leaders of diverse religious communities. Following the R20, the Southeast Asia Freedom of Religion or Belief (SEAFORB) network will hold their eighth annual conference focused on issues in Southeast Asia. The IIRF will have staff at this event and will be following both these meetings and publications which may result.