An invitation to participate in a high-level conference sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an important opportunity to promote principles of religious freedom, says Dr. John Graz, Secretary-General of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA).  The IRLA was officially invited to take part in this event by Koichiro Matsuura, director general of UNESCO. Running from September 14 to 16, the goal of the conference is to explore ways in which different religious groups can be involved in joint actions for peace and conflict prevention.

“Every opportunity should be taken to gain a greater understanding of different spiritual traditions in order to advance the ideal of freedom of worship and conscience,” says Graz, who is also public affairs and religious liberty director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide. “Such meetings play a vital role in building key relationships with individuals who can have a real impact on promoting these principles.”

The IRLA was founded in 1893 Adventist Church leaders and has developed into a non-sectarian organization dedicated to safeguarding religious civil rights around the world.  Professor Anatoly Krasikov from Moscow, president of the IRLA chapter in Russia, will represent the IRLA in Tashkent.  The conference will be convened by Matsuura and Islom Karimov, president of the Republic of Uzbekistan.