Prioritizing IRF in Democratic Systems

How can democratic nations make a concrete commitment to promoting and protecting religious freedom globally? This was the question posed at the IRF Summit plenary session I moderated, focused on "Prioritizing International Religious Freedom Commitment of Global Democracies."

Below are my opening remarks, along with the thoughtful discussion that followed. I celebrated how the IRF movement has grown into a multifaith effort, while expressing concern with how governments here and in Europe are pulling back from advancing religious freedom and related human rights. Speaking to myself as much as to the audience, I stressed that we cannot be satisfied with rising and falling with public opinion or political tides. We need to redouble our efforts, grounded in a principled, nonpartisan approach, to advocate for religious freedom for all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLcb48XgYU