Representatives of more than 40 international faith-based organizations met during these two days of discussions on a range of issues including humanitarian relief, migration, maternal health and women's empowerment; it was acknowledged by the participants that partnership between faith-based organizations and UNFPA on common goals could best bring about desired results through shared training, and knowledge, and in a special way strategizing on issues such as maternal health and violence against women. Ms. Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, said that engaging with FBO in development work was a priority for her organization because of the "profound moral authoriy that religious leaders have; we are aware that religious organizations are the oldest social service providers humankind has known. To become strategic and sustainable, we needed to engage these critical service providers, given the critical personal and community-based connection between the people and the FBO centres proiding services." Two priority issues that will engage UNFPA and FBO during the next three years will be: Maternal Health and Violence Against Women. Maryknoll was part of today's meeting and will
continue to cooperate with other FBO. (Meg's update)
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