Geneva, June 25, 2025 — In a significant step for the international protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), the NGO Committee on FoRB for UN Geneva has elected a new Bureau during a meeting held today at the United Nations’ Geneva headquarters. The event drew a diverse group of civil society leaders and was graced by the attendance of the First Vice President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO).
Who Are the New Bureau?
The newly elected Bureau, who will serve a three-year term, brings together expertise from a range of global faith and advocacy communities:
- President: Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President of Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, la Cultura y la Sociedad (founded by the Church of Scientology)
- Vice-President: Jonas Fiebrantz, Advocacy Officer for Alliance Defending Freedom International
- Secretary: Stefano Bosco,Director of Public and International Affairs of Latter-Day Saints Charities (founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Their election follows the Committee’s rigorous bylaws, which ensure broad participation and transparency among NGOs accredited to the United Nations.
“Our strength lies in our diversity and our shared commitment to protect Freedom of Religion or Belief for all. By coming together as a community of NGOs, we amplify our impact and demonstrate that respect and understanding can overcome any barrier. Let us be the voice for those who cannot speak and the shield for those who are vulnerable.”
— Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President NGO Committee on FoRB
What Is the NGO Committee on FoRB?
For those unfamiliar, the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief (Geneva) is a coalition of non-governmental organizations working together to promote and defend FoRB worldwide, specially through the UN mechanisms headquartered in Geneva, like the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review, and the broad number of permanent missions to the UN. The Committee reports regularly to CoNGO, a leading international network of NGOs in consultative relationship with the United Nations, which is the umbrella organization for dozens of Substantive NGO Committees.
The Committee’s mission is to foster collaboration between NGOs and the United Nations, especially the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other relevant agencies, to ensure that the right to FoRB—enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—is upheld globally. An important part of its work is also to support the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, providing civil society perspectives, expertise, and advocacy to advance the Rapporteur’s efforts. Through regular meetings, working groups, and joint advocacy, the Committee strengthens the voice of civil society in Geneva and beyond.
The current membership and observer list of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for UN Geneva includes a broad spectrum of religious and belief communities: Protestant, Evangelical, Catholic, Latter-day Saint, Seventh-day Adventist, Unificationist, Orthodox, Baha’i, Scientologist, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Humanist, and secular traditions, as well as interfaith and multifaith movements. This diversity underscores the Committee’s commitment to inclusive cooperation and dialogue across religious, spiritual, and philosophical lines.
What Is CoNGO?
Founded in 1948, CoNGO (Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations) is an independent international membership association. CoNGO acts as a bridge between NGOs and the UN system, enabling civil society to participate in shaping global policy on human rights, development, health, and more. With nearly 40 substantive committees worldwide, CoNGO helps NGOs collaborate, consult, and advocate effectively at the United Nations.
A Vision for the Future
The presence of the First Vice President of CoNGO at today’s meeting highlights the importance of the NGO Committee on FoRB’s work within the broader UN ecosystem. The newly elected Bureau is expected to lead with energy and vision, focusing on increasing and strengthening cooperation among NGOs, supporting victims of FoRB violations, and ensuring that the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief remains a priority at the United Nations.
The Committee’s next steps include exploring the convening of working groups, engaging with UN officials, and expanding its network of NGOs committed to FoRB. As global challenges to FoRB persist, the new Committee’s Bureau signals renewed momentum for advocacy and partnership at the heart of international diplomacy.
