A powerful example of how local interfaith cooperation can resonate on a global stage, the project Detect, React, Protect—jointly implemented by two URI Europe Cooperation Circles, Youth for Peace (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Sombor Education Centre (Serbia) has been featured in the Faith4SDGs Quilt Project, created by The Mary Ward Centre in Toronto, Canada.

The Faith4SDGs Quilt is a global, traveling exhibition that highlights faith-inspired initiatives advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through visual storytelling, the Quilt weaves together grassroots efforts from around the world that demonstrate how faith communities are actively contributing to peace, justice, and sustainable development.

From the Balkans to the Global Stage

The Quilt was recently exhibited in Lisbon, Portugal, during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the KAICIID International Fellows Programme (9–10 December), bringing together global interfaith leaders, practitioners, and partners.

The ribbon-cutting launch of the Faith4SDGs Quilt was attended by Emina Frljak, project coordinator of Detect, React, Protect from Youth for Peace, URI Europe Board member and a KAICIID Fellow, who proudly represented this cross-border collaboration and the work of URI Europe Cooperation Circles on an international platform.

Interfaith Cooperation in Action

Detect, React, Protect focuses on strengthening community resilience and responding to challenges related to peace, coexistence, and safety through youth engagement, education, and interfaith collaboration. The partnership between Youth for Peace and Sombor Education Centre exemplifies how cross-border cooperation among URI Europe CCs can generate meaningful local impact while also contributing to broader global conversations.

Also featured on the Faith4SDGs Quilt is Holy Drop!, an interfaith and worldview dialogue initiative implemented by the URI Cooperation Circle Faiths Without Borders. The project is part of the broader “Five Elements” program and focuses on planetary care, spiritual awareness, and ethical education through experiential and nature-based learning.

Holy Drop! highlights the sacred and symbolic significance of water across religious and spiritual traditions and promotes a holistic approach to sustainability, peacebuilding, and coexistence by integrating spirituality, ethics, and ecological thinking.

This recognition highlights the strength of the URI network: when Cooperation Circles collaborate across contexts and borders, their work not only transforms local communities but also gains visibility, legitimacy, and influence at the global level.

A Living Example of URI’s Mission

This collaboration reflects URI’s commitment to cultivating peace, preventing violence, and fostering cultures of peace, justice and healing, while demonstrating how grassroots initiatives can connect seamlessly with global platforms and partnerships.

From the Western Balkans to Canada and Portugal, Detect, React, Protect stands as a reminder that local action, rooted in cooperation and shared values, can truly create global impact.

Explore the Faith4SDGs Quilt online:
https://www.marywardcentre.ca/faith4sdgs