BSIS will host a seminar to discuss the findings of the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council funded project on ‘Religion as an Invisible Actor in International Affairs: NGO’s, the UN and the EU’ on 24 October at 18h.
With the rising number of NGOs involved in many aspects of global governance, and the place of religion in public policy increasing contested, it is timely to examine the role that religious or faith-based NGOs play in the UN system. This research aims to explore the type, density and number of NGOs which perceive themselves as religious or faith-based, and explore their motivations, rationale and activities at the UN in New York and Geneva. The aim is to develop an understanding of who these groups represent, and the aims of their lobbying in shaping issues related to global governance.
In considering issues of legitimacy, power and influence, this work brings together an international team of academics as well as NGO and diplomatic consultants. As well as hosting two international colloquia to be held at Kent, one of the key outcomes of the project will be the establishment of a new Centre for the Study of Religion and Global Governance.
The 3 year project is funded by a grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of its Religion and Society Programme. The work is carried out by the following team:
Jeremy Carrette, Professor of Religion and Culture, University of Kent
Hugh Miall, Professor in International Relations, University of Kent
Evelyn Bush, Associate Professor in Sociology, Fordham University, USA
Dr Verena Beittinger-Lee, Associate Researcher, University of Kent
Dr Sophie-Helene Trigeaud, Associate Researcher, University of Kent