The Peace-Technology-Development (PDT) initiative fosters interfaith action to promote appropriate technology to accomplish the Strategic Development Goals (SGDs).
PDT is a collaborative endeavor of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, the Love In Lights and the International Exhibition on Smart Technology for Sustainable Development & Procurement (STS&P).
The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations cover a broad range of social and economic development issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment and social justice.
The PDT initiative addresses two important missing aspects critical for accomplishing the goals that are not specifically spelled out: interfaith action and procuring appropriate technology to accomplish the goals.
Faith and technology are a powerful, but under-utilized pairing. For instance, much of the aid work throughout the world is directed or carried out by faith-based groups. Many employ technologies to help communities develop ranging from drilling wells to helping communities become self sufficient in both electricity and knowhow.
The PDT initiative helps faith communities directly engage with companies and agencies producing and procuring technology that aids development. In the process, not only are more appropriate forms of technology developed and procured, but also we directly address SDG 16, building peace. As we help faith groups work together to solve problems at the local level, this increases interfaith understanding and creates a climate where societies and governments will better see the value of protecting freedom of religion or belief, as defines in the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
Main PDT initiatives
International Exhibition on Smart Technology for Sustainable Development & Procurement (STS&P)
STS&P is a yearly exhibition that helps the connect technology developers with the real needs of communities. It is the world’s only platform helping the United Nations focus on developing technologies as tools for implementing SDGs.
STS&P brings together new industries and markets that are changing the demand for labor and capital in ways that help technology be in the service or people rather than people serving technology. The uptake and deployment of smart technology for sustainable development will be facilitated greatly by an efficient international market for appropriate technology for the SDGs that meet the real human need for holistic, integral human development.
Global Business & Peace Awards and Symposium
In support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, the Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards recognize business leaders – current or past CEOs – who have demonstrated leadership in championing interfaith understanding and peace. The Awards are presented by the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation (RFBF) in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact Business for Peace (B4P) platform, the Global Compact Network Korea, and the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The inaugural Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards were held in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, Sept. 6, a day before the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Paralympic Games. The next awards will be given in Seoul, Korea, ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics.
SDG-16: Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Love In Lights
Love In Lights is devoted to providing villages lacking electricity with the appropriate technology to improve the quality of life of families around the world. Further, it strengthens the competencies of the beneficiaries through implementing income-generating projects and character education programs.
Love In Lights is designed to develop sustainable communities in which residents and the environment live in harmony, and community members work together to achieve common goals.