The Forum serves as a dynamic space for exchange and strategic alliances on specific topics shared by a number of Catholic-inspired organisations that have intergovernmental status or that are working on subjects related to the political agendas of intergovernmental institutions.

“In these times of rapid change,” remarked Forum Working Group Chairman and ICMC Secretary General, Johan Ketelers, in his welcoming address, “there is a growing need to develop new ways of collaboration. The appalling human realities we see in our every day work remind us of how much there is to be done, and of how much new or enhanced collaborative models are needed.”

The Forum represents the first time that such a collaborative effort of this size has been made at the political level. It aims to strengthen policy activities of the participating organizations and enhance the impact of a collective voice in intergovernmental debates—particularly in promoting the central value of the human person, common good, greater solidarity and subsidiarity.

The Forum of Catholic-inspired NGOs does not aim to interfere with possible operational choices of the various organizations, nor invest in organising operational collaboration, which is already secured by a number of existing platforms.

“It is about new dynamics that we will build together,” remarked Ketelers, “dynamics that call for commitment, transparency, expertise and conviction. It is a process that invites political commitment on the basis of our expertise and action, our faith and existing intergovernmental policy agendas.”

Going forward, the thematically grouped Catholic-inspired organizations will be working to achieve a number of goals established at Rome Forum, including the development of collaborative means for achieving greater cohesion, and making better use of available resources.

ICMC joins international Catholic-inspired organizations gathered in Rome for Forum meeting (1.92 MB)