Former leader of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bonnie H. Cordon, told faith-based leaders in New York City that working together is critical to solving problems.
“It has never been more important than right now that we find ways to reach across our differences to lift and support and build together,” Cordon said.
Cordon is currently serving as president of Southern Virginia University and was previously Young Women General President from 2018-2023.
She spoke to faith-based organizations, UN permanent missions, consuls general and humanitarian collaborators on March 20 as part of the Faith-Bridge Iftar for Displaced Women and Girls. This event was held during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, highlighting the role of faith-based engagement in supporting refugee women and girls worldwide.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. They break their fast at sundown with an iftar dinner that is often shared with family and the broader community.
“We were honored to participate in this interfaith iftar, and we look forward to continuing our work with faith-based and diplomatic collaborators in support of displaced women and girls,” Cordon said.
The interfaith iftar was cohosted by the Church, USA for UNHCR, Islamic Relief USA and the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC).
This event served as a platform for attendees to discuss the challenges faced by displaced women and girls, including how faith-based and diplomatic communities can collaborate to offer culturally sensitive support.
“In a time of great uncertainty for refugees all over the world, it is a blessing and privilege to collaborate with those who are steadfast and committed to these vulnerable communities. We know that no one chooses to be a refugee, and it is our faith-based duty to protect them. Together, we can mobilize our collective resources to ensure that the tremendous needs of refugee populations are met, and they are able to live in a secure and dignified manner,” said Ahmed Shehata, CEO of Islamic Relief USA.
“Consulates serve as a bridge between governments and their people abroad, ensuring that the needs of diaspora communities — including those who have been displaced — are met with compassion and action,” said H.E. Amir Farid Abu Hasan, president of the Society of Foreign Consuls (SoFC).
“As SoFC marks its 100th anniversary, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to humanitarian efforts that reflect the values of solidarity and support for those most in need,” Hasan said.
The iftar reinforced the need for cooperation and faith-inspired action to offer support for refugee women and girls and put emphasis on faith-based humanitarian efforts and global policy discussions for women and girls fleeing violence.
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