Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Press Release

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation appointed as Co-chair of UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development’s (IATF) Multi-faith Advisory Council (MFAC)

December, 2021- Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) appointed as co-chair of UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development’s (IATF) Multi-faith Advisory Council (MFAC) with effect from 1 January 2022 for a period of two years.

BTCF Chief Executive Officer Ms. Debra Boudreaux commented “It is a privilege for Tzu Chi Foundation to be co-chair of MFAC. The values found in Buddhism can often contribute to the solutions of today’s global issues. We will continue to work towards these issues of climate change, food insecurity, food systems, environment and biodiversity, refugees, faith, women empowerment and more. As Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of BTCF, says “Just as the tiny light of a firefly can emit a bright radiance, our small actions can inspire great love which will illuminate a path of beauty and goodness in the world.””

Tzu Chi was honored to be one of the 17 founding members, representing Buddhism on the establishment of MFAC on 21st September 2018 in New York, US. MFAC plays a role and contributes to the increasing participation for faith-based organizations (FBOs) to the different thematic areas of the UN’s mandate. Tzu Chi has always and will continue to advocate for and work towards all 17 sustainable development goals (SDG), with a focus on humanitarian aid, climate change, youth, women empowerment, through collaborative and compassionate actions.



About IATF

Founded in 2010, the UN Interagency Task Force on Religion and Development (IATF) supports the work of the United Nations entities towards the shared objective of learned, strategic and sustained engagement with key partners in the faith-based world, to support respective and collective efforts to realize international development goals. It aims to foster knowledge exchange on the intersections of religion and faith-based actors with the UN system’s mandate in fields that include development, human rights and peace and security. The IATF currently includes more than 20 different UN agencies and gave birth to the Multi-Faith Advisory Council (MFAC).





MFAC, an informal and voluntary entity that consists of more than 40 religious leaders and heads of faith-based organizations (FBOs), was established in 2018. The MFAC serves as a unique space for convening faith-based partners as advisors to the United Nations, in their human rights, peace and security, and sustainable development efforts.





Reference:

Dear MFAC members,

Please find below a message from the IATF Co-Chairs on the appointment of the new MFAC Co-Chairs:

MESSAGE TO THE MULTI-FAITH ADVISORY COUNCIL FROM THE INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE ON RELIGION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: APPOINTMENT OF MFAC CO-CHAIRS
Dear MFAC members,
We hope that this message finds you well. We take the opportunity to wish you very happy holidays and a prosperous new year.

Upon receiving the nominations of the new MFAC co-Chairs, the IATF has decided to appoint the following co-Chairs for a period of two years starting 1 January 2022.

n Bhumi Global

n Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation

n The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers

n World YWCA

The IATF warmly welcomes the new co-Chairs and looks forward to a fruitful engagement with them to continue strengthening our collaboration and common goals.

The IATF reiterates its appreciation for the engagement and collegiality of the outgoing co-Chairs and counts on working with them as active members of MFAC.

The IATF co-Chairs and secretariat will meet with the outgoing and incoming MFAC co-Chairs in early January to ensure a smooth transition.

Best regards,

IATF co-Chairs and secretariat