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La huitième conférence mondiale des religions pour la paix

Other children nearby, a girl clasps her hand in prayer in an 'anganwadi' (courtyard garden), a local early childhood development centre, in a village in the Udaipur region of north-western Rajasthan.

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Religious leaders from countries around the globe gathered in Japan for the Eighth World Assembly for Religions for Peace (26-29 August), a one-week summit of the world's religious communities that opened with a Youth Forum in Hiroshima and ends with the main assembly in Kyoto. The event hopes to promote greater understanding, peace and reconciliation through dialogue.

Under this year's theme, 'Confronting Violence and Advancing Shared Security', the assembly will address issues such as transforming conflict, building peace and advancing sustainable development. During the conference, young leaders representing diverse traditions will discuss the unique role of religious youth in preventing violence.

UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman is attending the event to underline the agency's recognition of religious communities as solid partners for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Delegates attending the Religions for Peace meetings in Japan include representatives of the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Shinto, Zoroastrian and indigenous spiritual traditions.

Press Releases and Statements

28 August 2006 - Eighth World Assembly of Religions for Peace endorses declaration on violence against children

26 August 2006 - UNICEF calls on religious leaders to work together for peace and development

21 August 2006 - Religions for Peace Youth Assembly opens in Japan to promote non-violence

21 August 2006 - Youth Leadership Profile - Ishmael Beah

18 October 2004 - Religious and traditional leaders from across Africa rally for child survival

15 July 2004 - South Asian religious leaders establish multi-faith Council to address HIV/AIDS

23 June 2004 - Experts gather on Capitol Hill to discuss how faith-based groups can better support children and young people affected by AIDS

13 May 2004 - UNICEF launches guide on partnering with religious groups to advance immunization

Reports and Publications

Study of the Response by Faith-Based Organizations to Orphans and Vulnerable Children

What Religious Leaders can do about HIV and AIDS