Global Leaders to Convene in Panama for Faith and Freedom Summit IV

Panama City, Panama – In a world where religious freedoms are increasingly under threat, the Faith and Freedom Summit IV is set to provide a crucial platform for dialogue and action. Scheduled for September 24-25, 2024, co-organized together with the Latin American Parliament in Panama City, this summit promises to be a pivotal event for scholars, human rights advocates, religious leaders, and politicians committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) globally.

A Gathering of Global Thought-Leaders

The Faith and Freedom Summit IV aims to bring together high-level thought-leaders to highlight the importance of FoRB and to develop actionable policies to promote greater respect for religious diversity. This year’s theme, “Practicing What We Preach,” underscores the summit’s commitment to turning words into actions.

Distinguished Speakers and Interactive Sessions

The summit will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including, but not only:

• Mr. Elias Castillo, Executive Secretary of the Latin American Parliament
• Mr. Ruben Farje, Representative to Panama of the Organization of American States
• Dr. Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on FoRB at the United Nations
• Mrs. Maricarmen Plata, Secretary for Access to Rights and Equity at the Organization of American States
• Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, Co-President of Religions for Peace
• Mrs. Preeta Bansal, Global Council Chairperson of the United Religions Initiative

Renowned individuals in the field along with experts will lead conversations and interactive sessions to evaluate aspects that require enhancements in safeguarding religious freedom on a global scale. Participants will be able to gain insights from professionals and exchange personal anecdotes promoting a cooperative atmosphere, with the goal of influencing forthcoming regulations.

Networking and Collaboration

One of the goals of the summit is to provide a platform, for sharing successful strategies and cultivating long term connections. Attendees will have plenty of chances to engage with individuals and groups strengthening their capacity to advance their respective endeavors and undertakings.

Event Details

• Dates: September 24-25, 2024
• Location: Latin American Parliament, Panama City, Panama
• Registration: Register Here

Accommodations

For those traveling from afar, the Radisson Panama Canal is the closest hotel to the Latin American Parliament facilities. Early booking is recommended to ensure convenient access to the event.

An Invitation to Join the Movement

The Faith and Freedom Summit IV goes beyond being a conference; it serves as a rallying cry. Regardless of whether you’re an academic a champion of rights a spiritual guide or a public servant your involvement is crucial in the battle against religious bias. This gathering provides a chance to join forces with a worldwide initiative committed to turning freedom of religion and belief into a tangible possibility, for all individuals.

For more information and to register, visit the Faith and Freedom Summit IV website.

Together, let’s practice what we preach and make freedom of religion or belief a reality for everyone, leaving no one behind.

List of speakers in alphabetical order, and growing:

• Jonathan Ammons, International Public Affairs Director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Amy Andrus, Associate Director at the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, BYU
• Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President of UN ECOSOC consultative status foundation MEJORA and president of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
• Preeta Bansal, Global Council Chairperson of the United Religions Initiative
• Cristian Badillo, General Director of Fundación Conciencia Nacional
• Francisco Blanco, Rector of Santa María La Antigua Catholic University in Panama
• Maritza Cedeño, President of the National Bar Association of Panama
• Alfonso Celotto, Constitutional Lawyer at the University of Roma Tre
• Manuel Corral, Private Secretary to Mexican Catholic Cardinal Carlos Aguiar for Institutional Relations
• Carmen Dominguez, President of the Latin America Consortium of Religious Freedom
• Willy Fautre, Founder and Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers
• Jan Figel, Founder of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology
• Thomas Schirrmacher, Co-President of Religions for Peace
• Felipe Gomez, Coordinator of COMPAS Central America
• Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on FoRB at the United Nations
• Yosef Garmon, President of the Humanitarian Coalition of Israel
• Gustavo Guillerme, President of the World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue
• Giselle Lima, Co-Chair of the Panama International Religious Freedom Roundtable
• Pedro Mena, Head of Religious Affairs for the State of Mexico
• Olivia McDuff, Public Affairs Officer at the Church of Scientology International
• Gregory Mitchell, Founder and Chair of the IRF Secretariat
• Dennis Petri, International Director of the International Institute for Religious Freedom
• Maricarmen Plata, Secretary for Access to Rights and Equity at the Organization of American States
• Fernando Roig, Director of the Joint Master Red Global Consortium (Erasmus Mundus International)
• Eric Roux, Co-chair of the FoRB Roundtable Brussels-EU
• Francisco Sanchez, Secretary of Worship for the Republic of Argentina
• Scott Stearman, Vice Chair of the Parliament of World Religions
• David Trimble, Interim President of the Religious Freedom Institute
• Andrea De Vita, Director of the Religious Freedom, Beliefs, and Worship Chair at Universidad del Salvador
• Brooke Zaugg, Vice President of the Faith & Media Initiative