Conference Background
South Asia is one of the world’s most religiously diverse and culturally rich regions, home to Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity, and numerous indigenous traditions. Religious belief and practice are deeply interwoven with social identity, moral formation, governance, and daily life for nearly two billion people. When nurtured, this pluralism can serve as a powerful source of cooperation, resilience, and human flourishing. When strained, it can challenge peace, justice, and the inherent dignity of individuals and communities.
Across South Asia, constitutional frameworks and legal traditions affirm that all persons are born free and equal in dignity and rights, including the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Yet these commitments are experienced unevenly in practice. Political polarization, social fragmentation, economic inequality, migration, and rapid social change continue to shape how religious freedom and human dignity are understood, protected, and lived.
The 2026 Religious Freedom & Human Dignity (RFHD) Conference at Brigham Young University–Hawaii will convene judges, scholars, policymakers, religious leaders, civil society practitioners, and students to explore how sustainable pathways to peace and human flourishing can be strengthened across South Asia. The conference theme was developed collaboratively and intentionally framed to support inclusive regional dialogue, with the unifying phrase “Ek parivaar, ek maanavta," meaning "One Family. One Humanity.”
The term “South Asia” is used to ensure full regional representation without geopolitical preference, fostering a space for principled, respectful, and constructive engagement.
Grounded in RFHD’s mission and BYU–Hawaii’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in diverse global contexts, the conference will explore how religion, law, education, and civil society contribute to the development of peaceful and flourishing societies.
Conference Information
April 21-23, 2026
Heber J. Grant Building
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Our 2026 Hosts
The conference host is the Religious Freedom & Human Dignity Initiative at BYU–Hawaii. Conference co-sponsor is the International Center for Law & Religion Studies at Brigham Young University.
