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Indonesia to Host PaRD Leadership Meeting, Strengthening Religious Diplomacy

Jakarta, February 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesia is set to host the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) Leadership Meeting in Jakarta from February 3 to 6, 2025, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced.

Speaking in Jakarta on Sunday, Ahmad Zayadi, Director of Islamic Religious Information at the ministry, highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to leveraging religious diplomacy on the global stage.

“Indonesia embraces an inclusive and tolerant approach to diversity. Through its participation in PaRD, the country aims to ensure that religions play a strategic role in promoting sustainable development and interfaith dialogue worldwide,” Zayadi stated.

Indonesia joined PaRD in December 2022 as the first representative of the Global South and was elected to the forum’s steering board in August 2023. As a member, Indonesia plays a key role in shaping PaRD’s policies, budgets, and programs.

PaRD serves as a global platform for government institutions, multilateral organizations, religious groups, and academicians to collaborate on integrating religion into sustainable development efforts.

Zayadi underscored that Indonesia’s participation in PaRD aligns with its commitment to religious moderation and interfaith cooperation in addressing global challenges. Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas had previously emphasized the significance of this engagement in strengthening Indonesia’s role in international religious diplomacy.

To fulfill its responsibilities within PaRD, the Indonesian Government, through the Religious Affairs Ministry, contributes to various workstreams and task forces, including those focusing on religious freedom, gender equality, health, and food security.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s representative in PaRD, Nuria Isna Asyar, revealed that the ministry is taking strategic steps to establish an Asian bloc within the forum. She noted that this initiative would further enhance Indonesia’s leadership in promoting interfaith cooperation across Asia, solidifying its position as a key player in religious diplomacy.