The call to action of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, Defending Freedom and Human Rights, highlighted challenges faced by so many around the world and examined our shared responsibilities in response to these challenges. Those gathered recognized the interdependence of our futures and the responsibility that each person has for shaping that future through a shared commitment to interfaith dialogue, civic engagement, and democracy.

In 2024, the Parliament of the World’s Religions is building on these commitments and lessons through FOCUS24 | Faith, Democracy, and Our Common Future: Shaping A Path Forward, an initiative that commits our attention to the collective concern for human rights, freedom, and democracy expressed throughout the Parliament Convening held in Chicago this past year.

FOCUS24 is a year-long series of integrated events inspired by “The Year of Democracy” featuring leading figures in democracy, civil society, civic engagement, and mobilizing people and communities. At the core of this initiative is a commitment to working together with experts, community members, and PoWR stakeholders to develop a rich experience that prioritizes network-building, strategy mobilization, and learning.

Grounded in the Parliament’s foundational document, “Towards a Global Ethic,” FOCUS24 puts into action our shared commitments to solidarity, compassion, and respect for life by offering programs that foster collaboration and civic engagement in the many critical elections taking place around the world in 2024.