Analyzing Potential Role of Advancing SDGs 16 Through Religious Moderation: Creating Social Harmony and Upholding Human Rights in the Contemporary World
Abstract
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) represent a global effort to address various issues, including social inequality and human rights. SDG 16 seeks to establish peaceful, inclusive societies with access to justice and accountable institutions. Religious moderation is a key means to achieve these goals, promoting dialogue, tolerance, and conflict reduction, while also supporting women’s empowerment, child protection, fair institutions, and countering radicalization through education. Interfaith collaboration strengthens efforts related to the environment and poverty. It fosters community participation, contributing to peaceful society in line with SDG 16. Framed within constructivism, this research examines how religious moderation, as a balanced approach that respects different faiths while practicing one’s own, can influence norms, identities, and international discourse regarding SDG 16. By analyzing interactions among religious actors, institutions, and state policies, the study assesses how religious moderation shapes societal values in support of social harmony, peace, justice, and human rights. Additionally, it highlights the role of non-state actors, like religious groups, in influencing social policies. By studying the mobilization efforts of religious organizations advocating for SDG 16, the research reveals how religious moderation promotes social harmony and human rights by using religious principles as a common basis for cooperation in today’s world. This study aims to explain how religious moderation can advance SDG 16 by fostering social harmony and upholding human rights in contemporary society. To address these questions, the research utilizes constructivism theory, SDG concepts, and the concept of religious moderation. Qualitative methods and literature studies are employed for data collection and analysis, illuminating the connection between religious moderation and SDGs. The research acknowledges challenges related to cultural variations and extremist interpretations, contextualizing the application of religious moderation in diverse societies. Ultimately, the study finds that religious moderation has the potential to promote equitable access to human rights and social inclusivity under the implementation of SDG 16. It contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how religious moderation can drive social harmony and human rights in today’s complex and dynamic world.
Keywords: constructivist, human rights, religious moderation, SDGs
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