SID-US 1d ago

We'll close our Opening Plenary with a discussion on Religious Freedom, a fundamental human right and an important component of inclusive, stable, and prosperous societies. Around the world, governments, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and development practitioners are grappling with rising restrictions on religious expression and the persecution of minority communities. Yet religious freedom plays a critical role in promoting social cohesion, economic opportunity, and democratic governance. The United States continues to prioritize the protection of such fundamental freedoms as a central element of its engagement with partner countries. Join us for a conversation with Kent Hill, one of the founders of the Religious Freedom Institute, and David Trimble, who serves as the Institute's President. Kent is also a former USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Global Health and Bureau for Europe and Eurasia. The discussion will be moderated by Randy Tift, a longtime development professional who worked for former Representative Frank Wolf, a leading advocate for international religious freedom and the namesake of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of development, faith, and public policy, the speakers will explore why SID-US members and development practitioners should care deeply about the role of faith communities in advancing sustainable development outcomes. In many of the world's most fragile and conflict-affected settings, faith-based organizations are among the most trusted, enduring, and locally rooted institutions, often remaining engaged long after governments, donors, and international organizations have departed. The conversation will examine how faith communities contribute to humanitarian response, peacebuilding, education, health, and economic recovery, and why meaningful engagement with these actors is essential for building locally led, innovative, and sustainable models of assistance. Participants will gain insights into both the opportunities and challenges of partnering with faith communities as part of broader strategies for development and global engagement. Speaker Kent Hill, Senior Fellow for Eurasia, Middle East, and Islam, The Religious Freedom Institute David Trimble, President, Religious Freedom Institute Moderator Randy Tift, Senior Advisor, The Accord Network