Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet



The United Nations and faith-based organisations – ‘a clear invitation to partnership’ 

 

Lynn Green reports on a meeting hosted by Christian Aid with the Deputy General Secretary for the United Nations

 
Christian Aid Amina Mohammed 

On Monday morning I was privileged to be invited to a breakfast round table meeting hosted by Christian Aid. Our guest was Ms Amina Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary for the United Nations.

The 20 of us who gathered represented Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups together with aid and development charities. After brief introductions from Amanda Mukwashi (Chief Executive, Christian Aid) and Ms Mohammed, there was an opportunity for us to feedback to the UN about the strengths and challenges for faith-based organisations partnering with the UN to achieve the 17 Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These goals were identified through a four-year global conversation that was facilitated by the UN and launched in 2015.

The global reach and local rootedness of faith-based organisations was widely celebrated as a key strength and there was also a shared passion to address the root causes that prevent the flourishing of inclusive economies for all. As Ms Mohammed said repeatedly, ‘We want to see a world where no one is left behind.’

‘We are facing huge headwinds’, Ms Mohammed shared, with so many of the issues we face ‘running across borders.’ What is needed is a fresh ‘globalisation of solidarity’ that hopes and works for the common good of humanity.

Christian Aid breakfast meetin

I was particularly struck by the universal application of the 17 SDGs and the challenge they present to us in the UK. One participant highlighted the rise in child poverty as an example of this; another, the huge challenges of responding to climate change. There was also a common thread expressed about the erosion of trust and the need for accountability.

It was recognised that faith-based organisations and authentic leaders can be part of building trust within communities and across the global “village”. Furthermore, there was a call for governments, multi-nationals and financial institutions to be accountable for their progress against the 17 SDGs.

It was a stimulating and visionary gathering. Ms Mohammed offered a clear invitation to partnership and participation and also urged us to see that it is time for bold, courageous and ambitious action. A definite echo of what I am sensing that “the Spirit is saying to the churches” at this time.
 

Images
Top |  Amina Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary for the United Nations, alongside Amanda Mukwashi, Chief Executive, Christian Aid (Christian Aid, Twitter)
Middle | Lynn Green (left) alongside Amanda Mukwashi and Amina Mohammed (Amina Mohammed, Twitter)
 


Lynn Green is General Secretary of our Baptist Union

 

Baptist Times, 04/06/2019
    Post     Tweet
'A thank-you—from those taught, challenged, and inspired by her ministry'
The Revd Dr Karen E. Smith was surprised with the presentation of a new volume published in her honour at this year’s Baptist Historical Society Summer Conference
Calling previous members of the Joppa Group
Were you a member of the Joppa Group? Do you have historic papers about it? An invitation-based roundtable event is being co-convened to mark the 40th anniversary of the group's founding. Paul Weller explains more
Ripples of Change - a service of celebration and thankfulness
A service has been organised to mark the role Jane Day served in our Baptist family as Centenary Enabler, combining thankfulness for the progress made, as well as a time of lament for many of the findings of Project Violet. Lisa Kerry explains more
I Will...Leave a lasting legacy
The Baptist Union of Great Britain with BMS World Mission have now launched a new church resource to help those considering an ongoing blessing to support God’s mission both in the UK and overseas
Church planting: a national perspective on God at work
A report from the latest meeting of the The National Church Planting Network, which aims to spot emerging trends - and seek God’s direction together for the future of church planting in the UK
Graduation for Baptist local leaders course
The first cohort of students on a two year course designed to help Baptist church members deepen their understanding of faith and develop skills in ministry and mission has graduated
     Latest News 
    Posted: 04/06/2025
    Posted: 21/05/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast