I.M.A.M. Participates in the 2026 Forum on Faith at New York University
New York, October 14, 2026 — The International Muslim Association of America (I.M.A.M.) participated in the 2026 Forum on Faith, held at New York University (NYU) under the theme “Faith at the Crossroads: Intelligence, Democracy & the Sacred.” Dr. Seyed Masoud Noori, I.M.A.M.'s Representative to the United Nations, attended the gathering, which brought together religious leaders, scholars, civil society representatives, and other participants to explore the role of faith in addressing pressing global challenges.
The Forum featured discussions on interfaith cooperation, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, democracy, human dignity, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Dr. Noori attended the breakout session “Faith Without Borders,” which explored opportunities for cooperation among faith communities and humanitarian organizations in responding to global challenges.
In conversations during the Forum, Dr. Noori emphasized the growing responsibility of religious leaders in a world facing profound moral, political, and environmental challenges. He expressed concern about the influence of technology billionaires and techno-nationalist interests in fueling geopolitical conflicts associated with the expansion of fossil fuel extraction. He also criticized approaches to technological and economic development that prioritize profit, power, and unrestricted consumption over human dignity, environmental responsibility, and the well-being of future generations.
He stressed that nature should not be regarded merely as a resource available for excessive and irresponsible exploitation, but as a divine trust entrusted to humanity, carrying obligations toward God, future generations, and the wider community of life.
Dr. Noori also drew attention to the imbalance between rights and responsibilities in contemporary public discourse. While affirming the fundamental importance of human rights and freedoms, he argued that a one-sided emphasis on individual entitlements, without corresponding attention to human duties and obligations, risks weakening the ethical foundations of society. He questioned prevailing economic and cultural models that celebrate ever-increasing production and consumption while giving insufficient attention to moderation, restraint, and responsible stewardship.
Addressing political challenges, he expressed concern about populist politicians who exploit public suffering and secure electoral victories through misleading promises. He contrasted short-term political calculations with the broader moral responsibilities of religious leadership, emphasizing that religious leaders must look beyond immediate political interests and consider human welfare and the common good across generations.
He further highlighted the ethical challenges posed by technological development, particularly artificial intelligence. While recognizing the potential of technology to advance human welfare, he warned that its misuse could undermine human dignity and deepen existing inequalities. Technological progress, he emphasized, must remain accountable to ethical principles and serve humanity rather than reduce human beings to instruments of economic or political power.
Against this background, Dr. Noori called for more active, creative, and sustained cooperation among religious leaders and faith-based organizations. Such cooperation, he suggested, should promote spirituality while maintaining a balanced emphasis on human rights, freedoms, responsibilities, and obligations toward God, fellow human beings, future generations, and the natural world.
He underscored that, unlike politicians whose attention is often focused on winning the next election, religious leaders have a responsibility to consider the common good within a moral horizon extending beyond the immediate present—from eternity past to eternity future. He also emphasized that the challenges facing humanity today demand more than additional declarations; they require genuine commitment, meaningful cooperation, and effective action.
I.M.A.M.'s participation in the Forum reflects its continuing commitment to interfaith dialogue, human dignity, environmental stewardship, and cooperation among religious communities in addressing shared global challenges. The organization recognizes the importance of translating ethical principles into meaningful collaboration and practical initiatives that advance justice, peace, and the common good.