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A former leader of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged the importance of collaboration at an iftar dinner in New York City. Bonnie H. Cordon, previously the Young Women General President from 2018 to 2023 and currently serving as president of Southern Virginia University, spoke to an audience of faith-based leaders on March 20, 2025. The attendees included faith-based organizations, UN permanent missions, consuls general, and humanitarian collaborators.
The dinner, part of the Faith-Bridge Iftar for Displaced Women and Girls, took place during Ramadan, highlighting the role of faith-based engagement in aiding refugee women and girls worldwide. Muslim observances during Ramadan include fasting from dawn until dusk and breaking the fast with an iftar dinner.
Bonnie H. Cordon expressed the importance of collaboration, stating, “It has never been more important than right now that we find ways to reach across our differences to lift and support and build together.” She added, “We were honored to participate in this interfaith iftar, and we look forward to continuing our work with faith-based and diplomatic collaborators in support of displaced women and girls.”
The event was cohosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, USA for UNHCR, Islamic Relief USA, and the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC). Discussions focused on the challenges faced by displaced women and girls and the collaboration needed among faith-based and diplomatic communities to provide culturally sensitive support.
Ahmed Shehata, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, reflected on the event's significance, saying, “In a time of great uncertainty for refugees all over the world, it is a blessing and privilege to collaborate with those who are steadfast and committed to these vulnerable communities. We know that no one chooses to be a refugee, and it is our faith-based duty to protect them.”
H.E. Amir Farid Abu Hasan, president of the Society of Foreign Consuls, stressed the diplomatic community’s role in supporting diaspora and displaced communities, asserting that "Consulates serve as a bridge between governments and their people abroad, ensuring that the needs of diaspora communities — including those who have been displaced — are met with compassion and action.”
The dinner also shed light on the intersection of faith-based humanitarian efforts and global policies, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to support women and girls fleeing violence.
