Dear Friends,
We are living in a time of profound challenge and possibility. Violence, polarization, and environmental crises are reshaping communities and testing the strength of our shared commitments.
At URI, we respond not with despair, but with compassion and collaboration lived daily across our global network of interfaith activists.
Even amidst uncertainty, over 1200 URI Cooperation Circles are choosing relationships over division and action over silence. Faith leaders, youth, women, Indigenous elders, and grassroots Cooperation Circles are standing together to interrupt cycles of violence, heal trauma, protect sacred lands, and defend water and ecosystems.
Our commitment to environmental protection and to Indigenous communities is inseparable from our commitment to peace.
We are especially grateful for the leadership of Indigenous communities within URI regions in Latin America, Africa, and India, whose voices call us back to responsibility, reciprocity, and reverence for life. Their guidance strengthens our collective resolve to address the climate crisis not only as an environmental issue, but as a moral and spiritual imperative.
At the heart of this work is URI’s mission to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, end religiously motivated violence, and foster cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings. This mission guides us in moments of crisis and opportunity alike.
As we look ahead together
“As we enter the new year and amidst global tensions and uncertainty, URI is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact at the local level in multiple important ways. URI's unique approach of interfaith collaboration, combined with a focus on addressing local challenges, provides a blueprint for transformational change globally." Karen Volker, URI Executive Director
At URI, we turn compassion into action each and every day.”
To support this global network, we are working hard to build capacity and increase impact through expanded online and in-person training, a shared resource library, new volunteer Community Liaisons, and new impact measurement tools.
These efforts reflect URI’s strategic direction for the years ahead, investing in network growth and vitality, building the capacity of grassroots leaders, deepening collaboration across regions, and increasing our collective ability to prevent violence, advance healing, and protect the Earth, guided by Indigenous wisdom and local leadership.
"We see the power of interfaith cooperation clearly in moments of crisis. In November 2025, Cooperation Circles in Sri Lanka came together to provide over LKR 30 million in humanitarian support to families impacted by Cyclone Ditwah, an inclusive, coordinated response supported by Cooperation Circles in Southern India that strengthened recovery, resilience, and hope." Karen Volker.
“URI is growing at a tremendous pace. We are increasing in size and scope with new Individual Members and Cooperation Circles in an ever-increasing number of countries. The enthusiasm of these new members and the sheer numbers give me great hope and confidence that 2026 will be a transformational year for URI. This is our moment.” Eric Roux, URI Global Council Chair
Building on this momentum and looking ahead
“In 2026, the URI network will enter a period of remarkable growth not only in numbers, but in the depth and intensity of connections across regions, traditions, and generations. Cooperation Circles are linking like never before, sharing strategies and amplifying their work through stronger, more inspiring communication." Eric Roux
We anticipate a surge in programs that prevent religiously motivated violence and initiatives that restore the Earth, bringing communities together around shared responsibility.
Across the network, these efforts are translating into tangible change: lives protected, relationships strengthened, and communities empowered. With the dedication of our members, donors, and partners, 2026 will showcase the full power of interfaith cooperation to build a more connected, just, and sustainable world.
As we move forward, we invite our donors and partners to continue walking with us, investing in grassroots leadership, environmental justice, and interfaith cooperation rooted in local wisdom and global solidarity.
Thank you for being part of this living network of peacebuilders and changemakers.
In gratitude and Solidarity,
Karen Volker, URI Executive Director and Eric Roux, URI Global Council Chair
