Former Young Women General President Addresses Iftar Dinner in New York City

A former leader of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told faith-based leaders in New York City that working together is critical to solving problems.

“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,” said Bonnie H. Cordon, currently serving as president of Southern Virginia University. She was Young Women General President from 2018 to 2023.

Her audience in New York City on March 20, 2025, consisted of faith-based organizations, UN permanent missions, consuls general, and humanitarian collaborators, as part of the Faith-Bridge Iftar for Displaced Women and Girls. Held during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, this event highlighted the role of faith-based engagement in supporting refugee women and girls worldwide. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day during Ramadan, breaking their fast at sundown with an iftar dinner, often shared with family and the broader community.

“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,” President Cordon said.

The interfaith iftar was cohosted by the Church, USA for UNHCR, Islamic Relief USA, and the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC). It provided a platform for discussions on the challenges faced by displaced women and girls, and how faith-based and diplomatic communities can collaborate to offer culturally sensitive support that empowers them with dignity and hope.

Ahmed Shehata, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, said, “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. Together, we can mobilize our collective resources to ensure that the tremendous needs of refugee populations are met, and they are able to live in a secure and dignified manner.”

H.E. Amir Farid Abu Hasan, president of the Society of Foreign Consuls (SoFC), emphasized the diplomatic community’s role in supporting diaspora populations and those facing displacement.

“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,” Hasan said. “As SoFC marks its 100th anniversary, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to humanitarian efforts that reflect the values of solidarity and support for those most in need.”

The iftar also underscored the intersection of faith-based humanitarian efforts and global policy discussions on supporting women and girls fleeing violence. It reinforced the need for cooperation and faith-inspired action to ensure that refugee women and girls are not left behind.