Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

IRF Builders Forum Brings Global Leaders to Washington, D.C. to Advance Religious Freedom Through Cooperative Engagement

By: PRLog
Inaugural International Religious Freedom Builders Forum at Catholic University of America

WASHINGTON - June 26, 2025 - PRLog -- The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat hosted the IRF Builders Forum last month in Washington, D.C., drawing religious freedom leaders from across the Majority World—Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America—for a strategic global convening focused on cooperative engagement and long-term impact.

At the center of this initiative is Greg Mitchell, Founder and CEO of the IRF Secretariat and Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable, who has spent decades advancing religious freedom through civic dialogue and inclusive partnerships.

"The builders approach isn't just about advocating for change—it's about building it from the ground up through local partnerships, mutual respect, and strategic engagement," said Mitchell during his keynote address.

Participants presented case studies that showcased successful collaboration with governments and civil society to address religious restrictions while building trust and security. The Builders Forum highlighted:
  • Multi-faith roundtables and regional infrastructure that foster dialogue
  • Cross-cultural religious literacy (CCRL) as a practical peacebuilding tool
  • Covenantal pluralism as a path to sustainable social cohesion
IRF Builders Awards were presented to global leaders of religious freedom including Pam Prior, Former Senior Official US State Department.

The event is part of a seven-city global initiative that includes past and upcoming forums in Berlin, Prague, Jerusalem, Latin America, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. These convenings are designed to build a culture of philanthropy and a community of practice for advancing religious freedom through multi-sector co-creation.

IRF Secretariat operates in over 20 countries and serves as a key facilitator of civil society and government partnerships. Under Mitchell's leadership, the Secretariat is equipping local "builders" with the tools to turn advocacy into action and vision into viable policy partnerships.

Mitchell, a recognized thought leader in religious freedom and civil society engagement, emphasized the need for inclusive strategies that prioritize mutual responsibility and grassroots empowerment. Under his leadership, IRF Secretariat continues to serve as a global platform for advancing religious freedom through civic dialogue, shared responsibility, and peacebuilding partnerships.

"Freedom of religion or belief is not only a human right—it's a foundation for societal stability and security," Mitchell stated. "By coming together across sectors and faiths, we can build stronger, more peaceful communities around the world."

The event was co-convened by the IRF Secretariat, Templeton Religion Trust, and Love Your Neighbor Community, with significant co-sponsorship from a broad coalition of organizations including the  Global Peace Foundation.

Contact
Sharyn Runyon
IRF Secretariat
***@irfsecretariat.org

Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)

IRF Secretariat Logo Greg Mitchell delivers the keynote address Greg Mitchell awards Pam Prior


Source: IRF Secretariat

Read Full Story - IRF Builders Forum Brings Global Leaders to Washington, D.C. to Advance Religious Freedom Through Cooperative Engagement | More news from this source

Press release distribution by PRLog
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.