Faith Leaders, UNICEF, and Global Partners Convene at Parmarth Niketan for Multi-Faith Action Coordination Committee Annual Meeting
New Delhi/ Rishikesh : Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and UNICEF, together with faith leaders and institutional partners from across India, convened the Multi-Faith Action Coordination Committee (MFACC) Annual Meeting at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh to strengthen collaboration for public health, sanitation, environmental protection, and community wellbeing.
Held in the sacred city of Rishikesh, the gathering brought together diverse faith representatives, civil society organizations, and institutional stakeholders to review ongoing initiatives, expand partnerships, and chart a stronger path forward for coordinated interfaith action.
The meeting opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting in the Ganga Aarti the previous evening with the Hon’ble Mahendra Nath Pandey, Former Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises of India.
This morning with a beautiful Yagya and an interfaith prayer, representatives from the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and UNICEF welcomed participants. They reaffirmed the critical role faith communities play in inspiring positive social transformation and grassroots action.
Throughout the session, participants reviewed key achievements and activities undertaken since the previous MFACC meeting, including community outreach initiatives, awareness campaigns, trainings, and collaborative efforts related to health, hygiene, sanitation, environmental stewardship, and social harmony.
Special emphasis was placed on strengthening partnerships among faith institutions, government stakeholders, civil society organizations, and grassroots networks to address pressing social and environmental challenges through values-based leadership and collective action.
Faith leaders and participating organizations also shared reflections, feedback, and recommendations for enhancing the impact and functioning of MFACC moving forward. Discussions focused on improving coordination mechanisms, encouraging greater institutional ownership, increasing volunteer engagement, and establishing stronger follow-up structures for sustained collaboration.
The gathering further explored upcoming joint initiatives and future priority areas, with participants reaffirming their shared commitment to service, compassion, and the wellbeing of all communities.
Following the formal meeting, participants joined together for the sacred monthly Shri Ram Katha gathering and continued dialogue through individual institutional meetings and collaborative discussions at Parmarth Niketan.
Speaking on the occasion, organizers emphasized that faith communities possess a unique ability to inspire behavioral change, mobilize communities, and foster collective responsibility for humanity and the environment.
The event concluded with closing remarks, a summary of agreed action points, and renewed commitment from all participating organizations to continue working together toward a healthier, cleaner, more compassionate, and more sustainable world.
Pujya Swamiji shared, “Today the world needs not only progress in science and technology, but also progress in human consciousness, compassion, and collective responsibility. True spirituality is not limited to rituals or words — it is reflected in how we serve humanity, protect nature, preserve our sacred rivers, and care for one another. When faith inspires action rooted in love and service, it becomes a powerful force for healing our planet and uniting humanity.”
Pujya Sadhviji shared, “Faith leaders have the opportunity to truly illustrate faith in action. Faith is not only about preaching from a pulpit, but about actively working for social transformation. Through the efforts of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, we are helping plant these messages of compassion, service, responsibility, and positive action within faith leaders and communities around the world.”
Speaking during the meeting, Sadique Ahmad emphasized the essential role of faith communities and faith-based organizations in creating meaningful social and environmental change. He noted that while many important government schemes and policies already exist, effective implementation requires the active partnership of faith actors and faith-based organizations to help reach the “last mile” of communities. He further highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, stressing that faith leaders possess a unique ability to inspire behavioral change, community participation, and long-term commitment toward protecting both people and the planet.
