GNRC Coordinators
The work of the GNRC is facilitated through the efforts of a team of GNRC Coordinators, each of whom has stepped forward to offer his or her experience with children's issues, passion for the well-being of children, and coordination skills to assist GNRC members in developing initiatives in an important world region. The individuals currently serving in this capacity are (in alphabetical order by family name):


Ms. Razia Sultan Ismail Abbasi - Central Asia and the Caucasus, International Convenor and Founding Charter Member, Women's Coalition for Peace and Development with Dignity

Dr. Mustafa Ali - Africa, Secretary General, African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL—Religions for Peace), and Africa Representative of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP)

Dr. V.S. Ariyaratne - South Asia, Executive Director, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Sri Lanka

Ms. Marta Palma - Europe, Advisor on Children's Issues to the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches

Ms. Mercedes Roman - Latin America and the Caribbean, Former Associate/Representative for UN Issues, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Rev. Archimandrite Prof. Dr. Qais Sadiq - Arab States, President, Ecumenical Studies Center, Jordan

Ms. Dorit Shippin - Israel

Special appreciation is also due to two former GNRC Coordinators, who played very important roles in the initial phases of developing regional initiatives for the GNRC, and remain actively involved as GNRC members:

  • Sr. Jean Pruitt - East and Southern Africa, M.M., Founder, Dogodogo Street Children's Trust, Tanzania
  • Mr. Fady Yarak - Arab States, Executive Director, Rene Moawad Foundation, Lebanon

The GNRC Coordinators take the initiative to organize and promote regional GNRC activities, and, with the support of the Arigatou Foundation, strive to develop the GNRC on both the regional and global levels. They work in consultation with other GNRC members in their regions to set the course for regional programs, and they coordinate related tasks, including drawing up and implementing annual activity plans. In doing so, they strive to create opportunities for collaboration among the GNRC regions and also engage in advocacy in various global forums related to the concerns of the GNRC. They promote initiatives using Learning to Live Together: An Intercultural and Interfaith Programme for Ethics Education, and have been instrumental in launching and organizing the annual celebrations of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children. The Arigatou Foundation convenes periodic meetings of the GNRC Coordinators to facilitate their work as a close-knit team. Go to News to read about their latest activities.