Religious leaders representing 30 countries gathered at Madison Square Garden in New York on 30 August to unveil a landmark declaration pledging to confront hatred, protect persecuted communities, and ensure that artificial intelligence serves human dignity rather than undermines it. The 'Universal Oneness' summit drew more than 200 religious representatives, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, who attended alongside delegates from several major world faiths.

The Declaration and Its Five Commitments

The call to action was finalised after negotiations held earlier on Saturday, with participants endorsing five core commitments. These include examining their own communities' teachings and practices, speaking out when individuals are targeted, and actively building relationships across religious and cultural boundaries.

The declaration stated: 'We will reject the use of religion to justify hatred, humiliation, dehumanisation or violence and teach that deep conviction can coexist with respect for those who believe differently.' It was candid about religion's dual legacy — its capacity to heal and reconcile, as well as its historical misuse to divide and justify violence.

Why This Summit, Why Now

The gathering came against a backdrop of escalating armed conflicts, mass displacement, and deepening societal mistrust worldwide. Organisers noted that hatred now travels rapidly across borders through digital platforms, making coordinated interfaith action more urgent than ever. 'No government, institution, or technology can carry responsibility for the moment alone,' the declaration read, while affirming that religious leaders bear a responsibility that is 'uniquely' theirs.

Notably, the declaration also addressed emerging technologies, calling on participants to 'insist that human progress remain in the service of human beings and that technology strengthen rather than diminish dignity, truth, freedom and human connection.' The explicit reference to artificial intelligence marks a rare instance of a major interfaith document directly engaging with tech governance.

Symbolism and Concrete Action

Beyond declarations, each participating leader was asked to undertake at least one concrete initiative — whether bringing together communities that rarely interact, confronting hatred, creating opportunities for young people, or serving alongside another religious group. The declaration was direct: 'Our cooperation should be visible not only in what we say together, but in what we do together.'

In a symbolic gesture, participants tied rakhis on one another, with organisers extending the tradition beyond family bonds to friends, neighbours, and communities as a mark of mutual responsibility and care.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Presence

Mohan Bhagwat has led the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its Sarsanghchalak since 2009. The RSS, founded in 1925, is currently marking its centenary year and operates organisations and affiliates across several countries. His attendance at a global interfaith summit in New York is significant given the RSS's traditionally India-centric focus and its centenary context.

What the Declaration Stands For

The summit's central message was that unity does not demand conformity. 'Unity does not require conformity. Conviction does not require contempt,' the declaration affirmed. Leaders also committed to proactively bringing young people from different religious and cultural backgrounds together — before disputes or tragedies arise — on the premise that 'the person we know is harder to hate.'

With the declaration now public, attention shifts to whether the commitments translate into verifiable action on the ground across the 30 participating nations.