History of PaRD
The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) was founded in 2016 as a response to the growing recognition that religious and faith-based actors are essential partners in achieving the 2030 Agenda. With over 80% of the world’s population identifying with a religion, their values, networks, and institutions hold immense potential to foster positive change. Religion influences worldviews, inspires action, and sustains communities in times of crisis. PaRD emerged from the “Partners for Change” conference in Berlin, convened by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), where policymakers, academics, and religious leaders affirmed the need for structured, long-term collaboration. PaRD seeks to institutionalize this cooperation across sectors, with governmental entities, multilateral organisations, academic institutions, faith-based and civil society actors, by integrating ethical and spiritual perspectives into development, peacebuilding, and humanitarian efforts. What began as a visionary dialogue has since evolved into a dynamic and growing partnership. Below, you can explore the key milestones that have shaped PaRD’s journey since its founding.
Launch of PaRD in Berlin, Germany
PaRD was officially launched as a global multi-stakeholder partnership on February 17, 2016, at the BMZ “Partners for Change” conference in Berlin. The event brought together a diverse array of religious leaders and other civil society actors, as well as representatives from government entities, multilateral organisations, and academic institutions from all around the world. The event was marked by a very positive spirit and a shared conviction that the Sustainable Development Goals can only be achieved with – and not without – the active engagement of religious actors. A highlight of the conference was the launch of the book "Voices from Religions on Sustainable Development".
First Annual Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria
PaRD held its inaugural Annual Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together government entities, intergovernmental organisations, and faith-based civil society organisations to strengthen collaboration on sustainable development. The gathering marked a significant milestone in fostering dialogue and partnership across sectors. During the meeting, 14 new partners were officially welcomed, and members agreed to engage in joint work on peace and security, gender equality, health, and human rights.
Second Annual Meeting in Wilton Park, UK
At its second Annual Meeting, PaRD reaffirmed commitment to the 2030 Agenda with 70 participants from 19 members and 60 partners. Focusing on Peace, Gender Equality, and Health, members agreed to create a more inclusive governance structure and boost joint advocacy, including for the G20 Summit. The meeting strengthened collaboration among diverse stakeholders and emphasized shared responsibility for sustainable development.
3rd General Assembly of Members in Geneva, Switzerland
Over 75 representatives met at the Ecumenical Institute near Lake Geneva to approve PaRD’s governance structure and joint vision. Key outcomes included introducing a unified membership model (governmental, intergovernmental, and CSOs/FBOs), establishing a Steering Group with three co-chairs, and confirming work-stream leadership. Members set priorities for joint advocacy, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
4th General Assembly of Members in Copenhagen, Denmark
Over 150 representatives from 105 PaRD members and observers met in Copenhagen, hosted by the Danish Government and faith-based actors. They reviewed progress on Health, Gender Equality, and Sustaining Peace work-streams and launched a new group on Environment, Water, and Climate Action. The meeting featured a keynote on civil society space, interactive panels, and a presentation on EU member states’ cooperation with faith-based organisations.
Virtual 5th Annual Forum and General Assembly of Members
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PaRD held its Annual Forum and General Assembly online with over 80 participants. Members approved a new strategic plan focused on digital collaboration and inclusive partnerships, strengthened advocacy efforts, and enhanced knowledge sharing during crises. A digital platform was launched to support ongoing engagement, and upcoming regional consultations were announced to broaden participation and deepen member involvement.
6th Annual Forum and General Assembly of Members in Stellenbosch, South Africa
PaRD’s Annual Forum gathered 100+ members in a hybrid format under the theme “Shared Future, Shared Path”. It highlighted key challenges for the Global South like vaccine equity, food security, and climate change. Members approved a five-year strategy "Becoming More Together" focusing on health, gender equality, climate action, and peace. A new Steering Group and three co-chairs were elected to lead this strengthened collaboration.
7th Annual Forum and General Assembly of Members in Bali, Indonesia
The 2022 PaRD Annual Forum in Indonesia gathered over 160 participants from 35 countries and seven religions. Under the theme “Faith and Partnerships in Addressing the Climate Crisis” it emphasized multi-stakeholder engagement, gender-transformative approaches, and youth participation. Six recommendations were adopted, highlighting youth as change agents, promoting interfaith collaboration, and ensuring freedom of religion to empower faith actors.
8th Annual Forum and General Assembly of members in Berlin, Germany
PaRD’s 2023 Annual Forum in Berlin, themed “Multiplex Collaborations in a Multipolar World ”, gathered around 100 participants to discuss SDG progress and the 2024 action plans on climate, gender, health, peace, localisation, and FoRB. The forum stressed multi-stakeholder partnerships amid rising violence and democratic erosion. High-level speakers, including the UN FoRB Rapporteur and German officials, highlighted religious and Indigenous actors’ vital roles in human rights, cohesion, and peace.
First Faith Pavilion at a COP28 in Dubai
The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, marked a historic point in the climate change narrative by hosting the first-ever Faith Pavilion, inaugurated by Pope Francis and other religious leaders. Situated at the heart of COP28 in the blue zone, the Faith Pavilion hosted more than 320 speakers from 55 countries in 65 sessions facilitated by 70 organisations.
G20 Interfaith and PaRD 9th Annual Forum in Brasília, Brazil
The 2024 Annual Forum in Brasília, held with the G20 Interfaith Forum, gathered 300+ participants from over 60 countries under the theme “Leave No One Behind: The Well-Being of the Planet and Its People". It tackled climate action, food security, peacebuilding, inequality, and AI, with strong Indigenous participation. High-level speakers included Mary Robinson and Brazil’s environment and human rights ministers. PaRD co-organized 30 sessions, promoting ethical-spiritual dialogue and fostering cooperation on Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.