Who we are
Ten World Assemblies
About Our World Assemblies
Every 5–7 years, Religions for Peace convenes a World Assembly to forge a profound moral consensus on contemporary global challenges, elect a new World Council, and advance multi-religious action across and beyond its network.
At the most recent Assembly in Lindau, Germany, over 1,000 senior religious leaders, youth, and women of faith from 125 countries were joined by 100 representatives from governments, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society groups to build multi-stakeholder partnerships for the common good.
United by a nearly 50-year legacy of peacebuilding, delegates affirmed a global alliance rooted in compassion, care, and collective action—committed to honoring religious diversity while working toward shared responsibility for peace, justice, and the well-being of all life on Earth.
The 10 World Assemblies
First World Assembly – Kyoto, Japan
Participants: 300 from 39 countries
Summary: The inaugural assembly affirmed that religious communities share a responsibility to stand for peace, human rights, and disarmament. It was a historic gathering of major religions committing to collaboration amidst growing global threats like war, inequality, and environmental degradation.
Second World Assembly – Louvain, Belgium
Participants: 400 from 53 countries
Summary: This Assembly deepened the commitment to interreligious dialogue and focused on the global economic crisis, human rights, and environmental stewardship. It emphasized the moral imperative for religions to advocate justice and peace through shared action.
Third World Assembly – Princeton, USA
Participants: 350 from 48 countries
Summary: The Assembly underscored the danger of nuclear proliferation and global inequality, calling for economic justice, disarmament, and a just world order rooted in spiritual values. It affirmed that peace is possible through global community and cooperation.
Fourth World Assembly – Nairobi, Kenya
Participants: 600 from 60 countries
Summary: In the heart of Africa, the Assembly addressed racial injustice, apartheid, militarism, and economic oppression. Youth and women’s participation stood out, and the conference called for religious accountability in building peace and healing conflict.
Fifth World Assembly – Melbourne, Australia
Participants: 650 from 61 countries
Summary: Held in a nuclear-free zone, this Assembly focused on global disarmament, justice, and the environment. It emphasized trust as the foundation of peace and advocated for the protection of the vulnerable, especially women and children.
Sixth World Assembly – Riva del Garda and Rome, Italy
Participants: Nearly 1,000 from 63 countries
Summary: Occurring in a post-Cold War world, this Assembly called for healing across religious, ethnic, and national divides. It addressed the misuse of religion in conflict, global inequality, and the urgent need for sustainable development and environmental care.
Seventh World Assembly – Amman, Jordan
Participants: Over 800 from 94 countries
Summary: Hosted under the patronage of King Abdullah II, this assembly marked a significant shift toward actionable commitments. It launched the Decade to Overcome Violence and deepened engagement with youth and women, addressing conflicts fueled by religious differences and calling for shared peacebuilding efforts.
Eighth World Assembly – Kyoto, Japan
Participants: 800+ from over 100 countries
Summary: Returning to Kyoto, where the movement began, the assembly responded to the rise of global terrorism, sectarian violence, and ecological degradation. It emphasized “shared security” and proposed practical interreligious cooperation to address violence, poverty, and environmental threats.
Ninth World Assembly – Vienna, Austria
Participants: Over 600 from 90 countries
Summary: In a world marked by growing polarization, this assembly centered on hospitality, inclusion, and interreligious solidarity. It launched the Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund and promoted inclusive citizenship, particularly in response to the plight of migrants and refugees.
Tenth World Assembly – Lindau, Germany
Participants: 900 from 125 countries
Summary: This milestone assembly brought together religious leaders, youth, and civil society partners to address urgent global challenges—from climate change to inequality—while confronting the misuse of religion in conflict. It emphasized compassion, moral courage, and shared responsibility for the Earth and future generations.
