Jamaican Baptists to Advocate for Racial Justice as 18th UN Sustainable Development Goal

Jamaican Baptists are set to participate in a United Nations initiative aimed at promoting racial justice as a new sustainable development goal. Reverend Dr Devon Dick of Boulevard Baptist Church and Reverend Dr Stephen Jennings of Mona Baptist Church will represent Jamaica on the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) delegation. The group will advocate for the recognition of racial justice as the 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) during a UN event from April 14 to 15, 2025.

The BWA’s campaign, themed “The Missing SDG: A Call to Restorative Racial Justice,” highlights a perceived gap in the UN’s Agenda 2030. While the global framework includes 17 SDGs, none explicitly address racial justice. The BWA argues that this omission reflects a failure to confront persistent racial discrimination, prejudice, and xenophobia worldwide.

Reverend Dick emphasized that the push for an 18th SDG is timely and necessary. He stated that as people of faith, the BWA is committed to advocating for justice and equity. The campaign is grounded in the BWA’s statement, “Restorative Racial Justice: A Call to Live in Flourishing Freedom,” which serves as the foundation for its advocacy efforts.

The BWA’s initiative comes as the global community prepares for significant discussions on development and human rights. The organization’s participation in the UN underscores its commitment to addressing racial injustice on a global scale. The campaign seeks to align faith-based advocacy with international development goals, emphasizing the need for restorative justice in global policy.

The Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) supported the BWA’s efforts, noting the importance of addressing racial justice within the context of global development. The JBU’s press statement highlighted the BWA’s role in advocating for a more just world, emphasizing the need for systemic change and equitable treatment for all people.

As the BWA delegation prepares for its UN engagement, the focus remains on the urgent need for racial justice to be recognized as a critical component of global development. The campaign reflects a growing movement among faith-based organizations to influence international policy and promote equity, justice, and human dignity.

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