In November 2016, Arigatou International - Prayer and Action co-hosted a panel discussion "How Prayer Can Help Build a Better World for Children" followed by a multi-faith prayer service for children. During the program, "Buddy Bench" was presented to the Noah Webster Micro Society Magnet School in Hartford. The delivery of the bench was made on 11 May 2017. 

Speakers from six faith traditions gave inspiring perspectives on the topic “How Prayer Can Build a Better World for Children” on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Hartford Seminary. The program was co-sponsored with Arigatou International – Prayer and Action for Children, which “seeks to bring together people of religion and goodwill to safeguard the integrity, rights and dignity of children and promote their well-being.”

The Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General is pleased to announce the addition of two new members, Mr. Kul Gautam and Ms. Brenda Killen, to the Every Woman Every Child Independent Accountability Panel (IAP).

On November 17th, Arigatou International- Prayer and Action held a discussion with leading child rights experts and religious leaders on the topic of violence against children, to commemorate the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, which coincides with the Universal Children’s Day (November 20). The Forum on Religious Ideals and Leadership, held in New York, brought together varying voices to address the growing issue of violence against children. Click here for more information on the event and here to view additional activities that occurred worldwide.

Today, on the International Day of Peace, I would like to add my voice to the worldwide chorus of people longing for peace in these troubled times. ...Read more

Anantanand Rambachan

Professor of Religion, Saint Olaf College

The recent PEW Research Center findings on America's religious landscape revealed that approximately 56 million Americans are religiously unaffiliated and belong to the category of religious "nones". There are more " nones" than Catholics or mainline Protestants and the "nones" are second only to evangelical Protestants. "Nones" are comparatively younger and more educated.

In addition,the PEW survey estimated that the number of Hindus rose from 0.3 percent of the population in 2007 to 0.7 percent in 2014. 77 percent of Hindus in the U.S. are college graduates. Good questions have been raised by Murali Balaji about the challenges of gathering accurate numerical data for American Hindus. He suggests that the actual numbers may be higher. 

A massive earthquake has devastated children and families in Nepal, claiming the lives of nearly 4,000 people according to the latest count. Over 6,500 people are reported to be injured during and in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Special Event Organized on the Occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week by the President of the United Nations General Assembly and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations | Friday, February 6, 2015

This year’s two Nobel Peace Prize winners have already benefitted thousands of Nepali children and will inspire them.

The barbaric attack and killing of innocent school children in Peshawar this week is a poignant reminder of the relevance of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Kailash Satyarthi of India and Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan, and their tireless advocacy and activism in support of children’s right to quality basic education, and against hazardous child labour. Their work and example is a source of pride and inspiration to the children of Nepal, thousands of whom have already benefitted from their initiatives.

In the spring of 2014, the kidnapping of close to 300 Nigerian schoolgirls ignited a wave of attention and outrage that spread throughout the world. Now, months later, most of the girls are still missing and much of the world has turned its focus to other issues. The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children offers an opportunity to remember the girls and their families and maintain hope for their safe release.