Interfaith Buddy for Empowering Global Citizen: Case Studies from the Grassroots Communities
In alignment with the United Nations' call to action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Interfaith Buddy for Peace project aims to address the intersection of peacebuilding, education, and global citizenship in Thailand's conflict-affected regions. The SDGs emphasize not only poverty eradication and environmental sustainability but also the promotion of peace and justice—key pillars in fostering inclusive societies. This project focuses on advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering interfaith dialogue, cultural understanding, and cooperation among grassroots communities. It aims to equip young leaders, religious educators, and community figures with the knowledge and skills to promote peace, reflecting the principles of global citizenship. The initiative addresses the distinct challenges faced by conflict-affected communities in Thailand’s Deep South, especially in the Chana district of Songkhla Province, where intercommunal tensions between Muslim faith-based institutions and Buddhist-oriented schools have persisted. Through dialogue and network-building, the project cultivates strong relationships across religious and cultural divides, contributing to sustainable peace. The Interfaith Buddy for Peace initiative demonstrates how education can serve as a transformative tool, empowering individuals to actively participate in resolving local conflicts and fostering global responsibility. By bridging divides and building resilient interfaith networks, the project exemplifies the role of education in promoting justice, social cohesion, and the attainment of the SDGs.