WASHINGTON — The IRF Summit is pleased to announce it will host its second regional conference in Asia, taking place in Tokyo, Japan on July 22, 2025. Home to 60% of the world’s population and many of the leading persecution hotspots, Asia is a critical area of focus for the international religious freedom community today. The gathering in Tokyo will build on the model of the 2023 IRF Summit gathering in Taiwan, where the government of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, made clear that international religious freedom was a foreign policy priority for its government.
Although often overshadowed by other geopolitical concerns, understanding the complex implications of religious identity in Asia is a critical first step in addressing current conflicts and preventing future ones. From the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs in China to horrific Christian persecution in North Korea and attacks on religious communities in Myanmar, a lack of concern for freedom of religion or belief has sadly become the norm in much of the region.
IRF Summit Asia will explore regional issues such as the impact of genocide and restrictions on religious freedom under authoritarian regimes, as well as the positive impact of allowing religious freedom to flourish, including increased stability and economic growth. Summit Co-Chairs Sam Brownback and Katrina Lantos Swett will be joined by other leading voices on this topic, such as former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the 40 Nation International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, Robert Rehak, from the Czech Republic and numerous others. See the most up-to-date list of confirmed speakers here.
Like the IRF Summit held annually in Washington, D.C., IRF Summit Asia will bring together a diverse global coalition of human rights organizations and faith communities focused on the protection of religious freedom and freedom of belief in the region. Partners include Global Christian Relief, Boat People SOS, Hong Kong Watch, ChinaAid, Tibet House, A Demand for Action, Washington Times Foundation, Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, Family Research Council, and Bitter Winter. More partners will be added as they confirm.
The IRF Summit remains committed to the goal of protecting and ensuring religious freedom for everyone, everywhere, all the time. By bringing the Summit’s message and unique convening power to Tokyo, the IRF Summit community can hopefully take another step towards developing a powerful global movement for the advancement of this fundamental human right.
The IRF Summit co-hosted its first regional event in Taipei, Taiwan, in September 2023. The marquee IRF Summit will take place February 3 to 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
