JWF CSW70
Journalists and Writers Foundation hosted the
JWF High-Level Reception and Ramadan Interfaith Dinner during the CSW70 Session
9 March 2026 | 6:00pm | Penthouse45 Rooftop | New York
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) hosted a significant reception event during the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) session, highlighting its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and intercultural dialogue. On the evening of March 9, 2026, at the Penthouse45 Rooftop in New York, JWF organized the JWF High-Level Reception and Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Dinner, bringing together UN ambassadors, diplomats, journalists, writers, academics, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, and youth delegates.
This special gathering celebrated the 70th session of the UN CSW and aimed to foster peaceful, inclusive societies through interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange. The event emphasized the importance of fasting traditions across religions, highlighting values of generosity, hospitality, and charity. Prominent interfaith leaders delivered remarks on fostering lasting friendships and promoting peace to prevent conflicts and wars globally. The program also featured a video message from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who praised civil society efforts in promoting dialogue and social harmony, emphasizing New York’s tradition of religious and cultural pluralism.
The evening included speeches from religious leaders actively involved in UN interfaith initiatives, such as Rev. James DiLuzio of the New York Catholic Church, Imam Dr. Shamsi Ali, Rev. Doyeon Park of the Won Buddhist community, and Mark E. Fowler of the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. They underscored the shared ethical principles of compassion, justice, and human dignity across faiths and stressed the importance of faith leaders addressing rising polarization and fostering constructive community engagement.
Father James DiLuzio paid tribute to the late Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, honorary President of the JWF, describing Gülen as a figure embodying kindness, generosity, and hope, values central to his teachings of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
In his remarks, Father DiLuzio said: “I attended the funeral of Honorable Fethullah Gülen (Peace Be Upon Him); he was a man of tremendous peace, wisdom, and inspiration. I believe that his spirit is here with us. On our evening together, how much I appreciate that, and I haven’t known anyone from the Islamic community here in New York who has been exceptionally kind and gracious and welcoming. And even in the midst of many difficulties, as you know, with the pollical dynamics from Turkey, just joyful, joyful, even in the midst of all these challenges”. The tribute was warmly received by attendees involved in interfaith initiatives inspired by Gülen’s legacy.
The evening also featured discussions about the twelve panels organized by 22 civil society organizations from nine countries as part of the UN Women’s Summit activities. These panels addressed themes such as women’s leadership, human rights, conflict prevention, education, and social resilience, underscoring the importance of international civil society collaboration in tackling global challenges.
Young students from Pioneer Academy participated by sharing their reflections on building a more peaceful and inclusive world. Their messages emphasized the vital role of dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among cultures, highlighting the responsibility of the next generation to shape a harmonious future.
The JWF and its global partners highlighted the significance of civil society diplomacy, informal, non-governmental dialogue efforts, as vital complements to official diplomatic channels. These initiatives foster exchanges across cultural, religious, and political lines, especially in times of international tension and conflict.
The Journalists and Writers Foundation affirmed its commitment to continue organizing programs that promote dialogue, education, and mutual understanding at global institutions like the United Nations. Participants concluded that even amid global uncertainty, shared human values and respectful dialogue remain essential for fostering peace and building bridges across divides.
