By Crystal Ugoeze
Stephen Osemwegie, President of Save Nigeria Group USA, has been invited to speak at the 2026 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C., a major global gathering focused on defending freedom of belief and addressing religious persecution worldwide.
In an official invitation from the Summit’s Co-Chairs—former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, and former U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair, Katrina Lantos Swett—Osemwegie was selected in recognition of Save Nigeria Group USA’s leadership in global advocacy against religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
At IRF Summit 2026, Osemwegie will serve as moderator of a high-level panel titled “Beyond the List: Sanctions, Strategy, and Solutions—Strengthening the Global Accountability Toolkit for Religious Freedom.” The session forms part of the Accountability breakout track and will examine policy tools and strategies for responding to religious persecution. He is also expected to address concerns over severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, particularly the plight of Christian communities.
The IRF Summit is one of the world’s largest platforms dedicated to international religious freedom. The 2025 edition drew more than 1,700 participants from over 80 countries, including heads of state, lawmakers, faith leaders, diplomats, and human rights advocates. Organisers say the 2026 summit is expected to be even larger, with renewed engagement from the United States government.
Speaking on the invitation, Osemwegie expressed gratitude to the Summit’s leadership for providing a global platform for persecuted communities and their advocates. He said his participation reflects a broader call to global conscience and accountability, stressing that religious freedom remains a fundamental human right that must be defended everywhere.
He also encouraged policymakers, faith leaders, civil society groups, and members of the public to attend the 2026 IRF Summit and contribute to efforts aimed at confronting religious persecution and advancing practical solutions worldwide.