Introduction

The G20 Interfaith Summit at the World Peace Dome in Pune stands as a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity. By bringing together religious leaders, experts, and practitioners the summit promises to spark innovative solutions to interconnected global challenges. Through its emphasis on vulnerable communities, it seeks to empower those most affected and, in doing so, cultivate a sense of hope and optimism for a better future. As the world grapples with complex issues, the G20 Interfaith Summit serves as a powerful reminder that by working together across faiths and backgrounds, humanity can forge a path toward lasting peace and holistic development.

Student Reflections

Attending the G20 Interfaith Summit in India was a life-changing opportunity for several BYU–Hawaii students who represented the university on a global stage. “Immersed in dialogue and collaboration, I found the conference a profound exploration of the intersection between science and spirituality,” shared Sophia Gunter, who also reconnected with leaders like King Husein and Cole Durham while deepening her commitment to anti-genocide work through discussions with Rachel Miner of Bellwether International. Aaron James reflected on the richness of personal encounters, noting, “My dialogue with social entrepreneur Adhik Kadam, whose dedication to peacebuilding amidst conflict zones left a lasting impression on me.” He also emphasized how the Youth Dialogue session allowed him to explore the ethical responsibilities of technology in fostering peace: “This experience reinforced my commitment to promoting understanding and harmony in our interconnected world.”

For Prashanth Ramishetty, the summit was both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. “The invitation sparked excitement within me, offering a chance to return to my roots near Hyderabad,” he said, describing the emotional impact of visiting the World Peace Dome, where a statue of Joseph Smith Jr. stands among other global religious figures. He praised the hospitality and thoughtful logistics, saying, “The arrangements at the forum were impeccable,” and highlighted how the forum “empowered the next generation of leaders and underscored our shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.” Across the board, the students returned from India with new insights, lasting connections, and a stronger resolve to contribute to interfaith peace and global citizenship.

Conference Highlights

The G20 Interfaith Summit was an unforgettable gathering of people from all walks of life—religious leaders, students, scholars, and community builders—coming together with one shared purpose: to find common ground through faith. The first day set the tone with powerful messages about unity and peace. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Rahul V. Karad, and Vishwanath Karad spoke about the importance of religious harmony and dialogue, especially in diverse societies. Leaders from Jainism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Buddhism, and more offered prayers and reflections that reminded everyone just how much we all have in common. The day was full of hope, warmth, and a sense of purpose, proving that interfaith work is not only possible but necessary.

The conversations grew deeper in the following days, as participants tackled big issues like ethics in technology, the role of women in peacebuilding, and how faith communities can protect the most vulnerable. There were honest discussions about inequality, health care, education, and climate change, and how faith can guide real, practical solutions. From talks on India’s education policy to sessions on pandemic preparedness and protecting children, the message was clear: real change happens when we combine compassion with action. By the end of the summit, one thing stood out—when people of different beliefs come together with respect and empathy, they can do more than just talk. They can build a better world.