Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain made an insightful contribution at the GSN London Conference in 2024
On 18 June 2024, the Global Sustainability Network (GSN) held its annual conference in London and brought together religious leaders, academics, activists, and experts to address the pervasive issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain was represented by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and Dr Petre Breazu from the University of Cambridge, who is a member of the Patriarchal Taskforce on Modern Slavery.
Archbishop Nikitas was a distinguished speaker on the panel Developing the Contribution of Faith Leaders and Faith Communities, where he emphasized the critical role of religious leadership in combating these grave injustices. The panel, featuring Archbishop Nikitas and Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, marked a significant moment as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration against Modern Slavery at the Vatican—a foundational event for the GSN. Archbishop Nikitas brought a wealth of experience and spiritual leadership to the discussion as he emphasised the moral imperative and transformative power that faith communities can wield in the fight against exploitation.
In his address, Archbishop Nikitas stressed the importance of unity among different faiths in addressing modern slavery and advocated for a holistic approach that combines spiritual guidance with practical action. This involves not only supporting victims but also educating communities to recognize and prevent trafficking and exploitation. The session concluded with a call to action, encouraging faith communities to deepen their engagement and collaborate more effectively with other sectors, including government, business, and civil society. Archbishop Nikitas’ insights provided a powerful reminder of the potential for faith leaders to be catalysts for change, inspiring hope and mobilising efforts towards a world free from slavery and human trafficking.
Source: Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain
