Faith-Based Leaders Call for Bold Collaboration on Global Displacement at 80th United Nations General Assembly

Contact: wr@pinkston.co

(New York, NY) September 11, 2025 – Today, World Relief, together with the National Association of Evangelicals and the World Evangelical Alliance, co-hosted a high-level side event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly titled “Faith-Based Responses to the Global Displacement Crisis.” 

With more than 123 million people displaced worldwide due to conflict, persecution and instability, the event convened UN officials, member state representatives, faith leaders, and civil society to highlight the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive solutions. 

Featured speakers included Celia K. Nabeta, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Uganda to the UN, who spoke on the realities of hosting refugees and the importance of international solidarity, and Sivanka Dhanapala, UNHCR New York Director, who underscored the magnitude of the global displacement crisis and highlighted both the unique contributions of faith actors and the urgent need for deeper collaboration across sectors. 

The panel discussion brought together diverse voices: 

• Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Evangelicals 
• Durmomo Gary, pastor and former refugee from Sudan
• Myal Greene, President & CEO, World Relief 
• Krista Kartson, Vice President of Community Building + Engagement, Welcome.US 

The conversation explored the unique role of faith-based organizations in crisis response, the intersection of religious persecution and resettlement pathways, the importance of hope in humanitarian work and the policy shifts needed to better support refugees and host communities.

“A significant number of displaced people are fleeing religious persecution. This reality underscores the urgent need for faith communities to respond with intentionality—advocating for policy change and mobilizing resources to meet the needs of people of all faiths.”  said Myal Green, president and CEO of World Relief.

Speakers further raised concerns about the funding shortfalls that are compounding the displacement crisis and putting families at greater risk. “For many families fleeing war and persecution, they are now facing a second crisis: the loss of support they were depending on to survive,” noted Sivanka Dhanapala, Director of UNHCR New York. 

The event also emphasized the contribution of faith actors to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). 

Organizers and participants called for deeper collaboration between governments, UN agencies, faith-based groups, and displaced communities as momentum builds toward the 2027 Global Refugee Forum. 

“It is not often you have a high level convening that includes personal lived experiences, statistics and policy recommendations. It was heartening to highlight, together with our partners, the important work of protection and welcome that faith communities have provided as paths to flourishing for families experiencing crisis,” said Lanre Williams-Ayedun, senior vice president of international programs at World Relief.  

The event concluded with a call to action: 

• Forge stronger partnerships between faith leaders, governments, and the UN to meet urgent needs. 
• Elevate refugee voices so those most affected can shape the policies and programs that impact their lives. 
• Stand together in solidarity to confront unprecedented displacement with courage and compassion.