Religious institutions and beliefs play a vital role in world affairs. However, the positive contributions that faiths and religions make to social well-being and to policies which impact national and international communities is predicated on the recognition and protection of the Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief. As stated in Article 18 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching." The Committee for Freedom of Religion or Belief exists to promote this fundamental right and to advance the overarching objectives of the G20 Interfaith Forum, which advocates for global solutions to the world's most pressing challenges by collaborating with religious leaders and political representatives.