Globethics and IPU promote ethical leadership for peace
As part of our continued collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Globethics played a meaningful role in the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future, held from 19–21 June 2025 at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome. Jointly organised by the IPU and the Italian Parliament, with the support of Religions for Peace, the conference brought together more than 600 members of parliament, civil society and faith leaders, and youth from 95 countries and 16 religious traditions to affirm the value of interfaith dialogue in an increasingly polarised world.
As an international foundation committed to ethical leadership and responsible governance, Globethics contributed to the conference in multiple capacities:
Closed-door dialogue on coexistence and leadership
In collaboration with IPU and Wilton Park, Globethics co-organised a high-level Closed Dialogue on Persevering in Dialogue: Coexistence, Peace and the Role of Responsible Leadership, which brought together 30 senior religious leaders and policymakers. The closed-door setting enabled frank and constructive discussions on how faith-based and political leadership can work together to counter narratives of dehumanisation and rebuild trust.
Presidential contribution to the general debate
Dr Dietrich Werner, President of Globethics, addressed the General Debate on “Parliamentarians in Dialogue with Religion and Belief,” offering a stirring call for universal ethical leadership. He emphasised that, “despite the deep divides... religious leaders are expected to defend the universal values of human dignity, fraternity, justice and peace.” He further warned against the erosion of multilateralism and called for urgent, multi-stakeholder action to preserve the international order:
“Let us restore our world to a shape which does not shame us once we have to give and pass it on to our children and grandchildren,” he urged. Read his full address here.
Moderating and reporting on ethical leadership panel
Dr Fadi Daou, Executive Director of Globethics, moderated Panel 2: Promoting Ethical Leadership at All Levels, Investing in Education for Peace and presented its key outcomes during the closing ceremony. The panel featured leaders from UNESCO, Egypt’s Fatwa Secretariat, and peace educators from around the world. The session underscored the importance of education and integrity in building a new generation of leaders equipped to foster peace and trust.
Inspiring encounters: A meeting with Pope Leo XIV
The delegation from Globethics also participated in the special audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. In his address, the Pope echoed many of the conference's central themes:
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights… can contribute greatly to placing the human person, in their inviolable integrity, at the foundation of the quest for truth, thus restoring dignity to those who do not feel respected in their inmost being and in the dictates of their conscience.”
This emphasis on dignity, rights, and conscience deeply resonates with Globethics' mission and ongoing work.
The Rome Communiqué and shared commitments
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Rome Communiqué, reaffirming the vital role of parliamentarians and religious leaders in countering hate, defending human rights, and fostering ethical leadership. One of its most compelling action points, mirroring the core work of Globethics, was the commitment to:
“Foster ethical leadership rooted in justice, compassion, integrity, humility and the common good, ensuring transparency, accountability, responsible governance and service to the public.”
Looking ahead: Towards Geneva in October
Globethics and the IPU reaffirmed their commitment to continue joint efforts to combat narratives of hate and strengthen ethical, inclusive governance. This collaboration will continue toward the Global Ethics Forum (GEF) and the IPU General Assembly to be held in Geneva in October 2025. These events will serve as the next milestones in engaging faith leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike in the shared responsibility of building peace.
You might also be interested in...
Global Ethics Forum 2025
Global Ethics Forum 2024 Ethical Leadership for a Re-envisioned Future
Higher education's role in peacebuilding
Reflections from the Aurora Conference exploring the transformative role of education in fostering peace, responsible governance, and ethical leadership.
Resilience amid war: Insights from the Ukrainian crisis
During a three-day international consultation in Warsaw, representatives from major European churches convened to reflect on the ethical challenges of fostering peace.