Engine or Brake? Religion as a Challenge and Opportunity for Peace and Development

Contrary to the assumption that religion will increasingly lose importance, the vast majority of the world's population still professes faith. The issue of religion is thus being taken increasingly seriously by the German Federal Government in its development policy. However, the impact of religion on development and peace seems to be mixed. For example, tensions between religious communities and violence that is apparently religiously motivated both regularly make headlines. But religion also fosters peace. Religious actors are involved in peace processes, while religious values prohibit resorting to violence. What, then, are the real challenges and opportunities here?

The event will present the research results of the GIGA showing which religious factors represent a conflict risk and which underlying conditions can contribute to peace. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has recognised religion as a central factor in development and peace, and is consequently pursuing the goal of strengthening the developmental potentials of religions via its strategy “Religions as Partners in Development Cooperation.” The “Values, Religion and Development” project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) supports the BMZ in implementing this strategy. Which strategies and policies promise success in the future then, so that religion can be an “engine” for, rather than a “brake” on, peaceful coexistence?

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Matthias Basedau is Director of the GIGA Institute for African Affairs and the leader of a number of research projects addressing themes of religion, development, peace, and conflict.

Comments: Hanno Spitzer and Dr. Berthold Weig, BMZ, Department Z31, Churches, Political Foundations, Social-Structure Promotion, Principles of Religion and Development.