The Regional Consultation is a high-level interfaith gathering bringing together religious leaders, academics, and representatives from international organizations in Bogotá from August 26-28, 2025. The event aims to explore how spiritual values can contribute to integral human flourishing, establish strategic partnerships between faith communities and development organizations, and align religious initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over three days, participants will address regional challenges from a shared spiritual perspective and work on the 2026-2030 strategic planning for the Latin American and Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders.

Speakers:

• Excmo. Mons. Lizardo Estrada - Auxiliary Bishop of Cuzco and Secretary General of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM)
• Emmo. Sr. Cardenal Raymundo Damasceno Assis - Archbishop Emeritus of Aparecida, Moderator of the Latin American and Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders and Co-President of Religions for Peace
• Sr. Claudio Epelman - Executive Director of the Latin American Jewish Congress (CJL), Vice-Moderator of the Latin American and Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders and Co-President of Religions for Peace
• Rev. Juan Cruz - President, Latin Evangelical Alliance (AEL)
• Rev. Izani Bruch - Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH), Evangelical Chaplain of La Moneda and Representative of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
• Jeque Ahmad Tayel - President of the Islamic Benevolent Association of Bogotá and Representative of the Islamic Organization for Latin America and the Caribbean (OIPALC)
• Dr. Francis Kuria - Secretary General of Religions for Peace
• Dr. William Vendley - Secretary General Emeritus of Religions for Peace and Vice President for World Religions and Spirituality at the Fetzer Institute
• Sr. Jonathan Lever - Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Fetzer Institute
• Sr. Luis Mora - Resident Representative in Colombia of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• Sr. Roberto Valent - Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO)
• Sra. Romina Kasman - Education Sector Specialist of the San José Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• Sr. Markel Méndez - Social and Behavior Change Specialist of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
• Dr. Eduardo Wills-Herrera - Professor at the School of Management of the Universidad de los Andes
• Dr. h. c. Hernando Chindoy - President of Wuasikamas - Guardians of the Earth
• Dra. Emilce Cuda - Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (CAL)
• Sr. Benjamín Laniado - Co-founder of CADENA
• Dr. Juan Camilo Cárdenas - Director of the SDG Center for Latin America and the Caribbean (CODS) at Universidad de los Andes
• Sra. Sandra Hernández - Executive Director of RedEAmérica
• Sra. Gabriela Mulder - Co-Moderator of the Latin American Council of Churches Network (CLAI Network) and Co-Coordinator of the Latin American and Caribbean Women of Faith Network
• Sra. Ligia Matamoros - Co-Coordinator of the Youth Network of Latin America and the Caribbean of Religions for Peace
• Sra. Laura Vargas - Co-Coordinator of the Latin American and Caribbean Women of Faith Network and Executive Secretary of the Interfaith Council of Peru - Religions for Peace
• Sr. Elías Szczytnicki - Regional Secretary General of Religions for Peace Latin America and the Caribbean
• Sr. Guillermo Estrugo - Director of Communication and Publications of the Northwest South America Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Dr. h. c. Humberto Shikiya - Vice President of the Regional Ecumenical Center for Advisory and Service (CREAS)
• Hipodiácono Andrés Quevedo - Professor at the Faculty of Theology of Santo Tomás University