11th International Interfaith Conference 2026 – Day 1 Highlights

A Global Call for Gender Equality and Collective Action

The 11th International Interfaith Conference 2026, hosted by City Montessori School (CMS), commenced on 24th July 2026, bringing together distinguished faith leaders, jurists, policymakers, educators, social activists and peace advocates from India and across the world to reaffirm a shared commitment towards building a more just, peaceful and inclusive future.

Organised by CMS Rajajipuram Campus II at the World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC), CMS Kanpur Road Campus, Lucknow, the three-day conference is based on the theme “Reimagining Our World Together: Placing Gender Equality at the Heart of Humanity”. Through dialogue across faiths, education systems and institutions, the event seeks to explore how collective leadership can advance human dignity and gender equality.

A Press Conference Sets the Stage for Global Dialogue

The day’s proceedings began with a press conference featuring eminent global delegates, faith leaders and scholars.

Among those addressing the media were Justice Dr Adel Omar Sherif (First Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt and Founding Patron of the International Interfaith Harmony Conference), Dr David E. Risley (Founder of Justice Voices, God Unites and the Egypt Justice Project – USA), and Brahmarishi Dr Mohanji (Spiritual Leader and Founder of the Mohanji Foundation, Switzerland).

They were joined by respected representatives of diverse faith traditions and thought leaders, including Maharishi Bhrigu Pithadishwar Mahamandelshwar Shri Guruji Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Swami Satishacharya Ji Maharaj, Maulana Muhammad Ajazur Rahman Shaheen Qasmi, Rev. Father Sebastian Kollithanam, Swami Veer Singh Hitkari Ji Maharaj, Rev. Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Shri Shailendra Jain, Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Mahant Shri Shivrupanand Swamiji, Shri Paramjeet Singh Chandok, Shri Kamlesh Bhai Shastri, Sardar Surjit Singh Azad, Professor Anil Sarwal, Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla and Padma Shri Shyam Sunder Paliwal.

Collectively, the speakers emphasised that the highest teachings of every faith uphold compassion, justice and human dignity, making religion a powerful force for advancing gender equality, social harmony and lasting peace. They also appreciated CMS for creating an international platform dedicated to dialogue, understanding and collaborative action.