At a time marked by geopolitical fragmentation, declining development aid and growing uncertainty about the future of global cooperation, what role can religions play in shaping new models of development and peacebuilding? How can interreligious collaborations and integral human development help to shape the future of global partnerships and build more peaceful and prosperous societies?

The round table entitled “Religion, Development and Peace: What Future for Global Partnerships?” is the closing session, open to the public, of the international conference “Bridging Worlds”, which is taking place for the third time. The event will bring together representatives of religious traditions, scholars and experts in international cooperation, in Castelgandolfo (Rome) to reflect on the relationship between faith, human development and peacebuilding. It will also provide an opportunity to hear the contributions of leading representatives of different religions on possible responses to global challenges, through innovative forms of international collaboration.

The event is being held by the Freedom and Prosperity Center of the Atlantic Council, in collaboration with the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue of the Focolare Movement and the Sophia University Institute.

At the two previous meetings, held in Rome in 2024 and 2025, the Freedom and Prosperity Center of the Atlantic Council led this international initiative with the aim of reshaping the global debate on religious freedom through the lens of Integral Human Development (IHD): religious freedom understood not only as protection from persecution, but also as the practical capacity of religious communities to contribute to social cohesion and fraternity among peoples. This process has given rise to an ever-growing international network, committed to fostering new forms of collaboration between religious institutions and secular organisations on issues of common concern.

The conference will be held in English, with Italian interpretation available in the room. It will be streamed in English. Those wishing to follow the event can register at the following link.

Stefania Tanesini