Joan Hernández, lecturer of the Faculty of Communication Sciences and Secretary General of Religions for Peace Europe, participated as moderator and mediator in the Second Tokyo Peace Roundtable. The meeting, which took place in the Japanese capital from 18 to 21 February, was attended by representatives of various religions, organisations and religious institutions. The main theme of the meeting was the current war conflicts and a “multi-religious” vision of peace.
More than fifteen countries coming from various contexts of ongoing conflict and war sent representatives to Tokyo, “with the aim of building trust, healing divisions and fostering forgiveness and reconciliation for more peaceful and just societies,” as Hernandez explained.
Under the umbrella of the current situation in the conflicts in the Middle East, Haiti and Ukraine, among others, the participants of the round table demonstrated their concern for the suffering experienced by the people in these territories. Special attention was paid to the most vulnerable sectors, which “are caught in the crossfire and disproportionately suffering from severe violence, displacement, and other human rights violations” according to the conference statement, published by the NGO Religions for Peace Japan.
The organisations Religions for Peace International, Religions for Peace Japan and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations convened this roundtable to ensure “a multi-religious peace”. Building on the conclusions of the First Tokyo Peace Roundtable held in September 2022, a meaningful dialogue was held, exchanging reflections and recommendations on how to address ongoing conflict and persistent barriers to multi-religious action for healing and reconciliation.
The joint statement issued after the conclusion of the meeting stated that humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected populations must be depoliticised and grounded upon the restoration of peace, security, justice, and human dignity. At the end of the manifesto, religious leaders signed offering heartfelt prayers and unwavering solidarity to those suffering the brunt of ongoing wars and violence.
