World of Belief

Our Founders

World of Belief was founded by a diverse group of visionaries, united by a common goal: to promote dignity, peace and understanding across all cultures and faiths.

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We came together from different backgrounds, faiths and nations with a shared conviction: that humanity is stronger when we embrace our differences and work together for the common good.

— World of Belief Founders

Waldemar Herdt

Co-Founder & Entrepreneur

Waldemar Herdt is a former member of the German Bundestag, entrepreneur and dedicated advocate for traditional values and lived faith. Born in the former Soviet Union and shaped by his Christian faith under challenging conditions, he later brought his experiences into German politics. In the Bundestag, he championed religious freedom, the protection of family structures and intercultural dialogue. Even after his parliamentary career, he continues to serve as a mediator, speaker and bridge-builder — with a clear compass, international perspective and great responsibility for the future of free societies.

„Traditional values and lived faith are the foundation of a thriving society.“

David Soares

Co-Founder & Parliamentarian

David Soares is a jurist, journalist and was for many years a member of the Brazilian National Congress. As the son of a traditional Christian family, he grew up in an environment where faith and social responsibility are closely intertwined. Politically, he distinguished himself in committees on Communication, Science and Foreign Relations, as well as a representative of Brazil in Parlasul. He brings the perspective of a Latin American bridge-builder who connects national concerns with regional and international cooperation.

„Family values and free media are pillars of a healthy democracy.“

Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky

Co-Founder & Clergyman

Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky is the Presiding Bishop of the Russian Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (ROSKhVE) and one of the most prominent voices of evangelical Christians in Russia. In the fourth generation of pastoral service, he combines theological depth with social engagement. As a member of several advisory bodies to the President of the Russian Federation and the Civic Chamber, he contributes on questions of faith, values and interreligious dialogue. His ministry encompasses more than 1,000 congregations.

„Dialogue between faiths is the path to understanding and lasting peace.“

Sheikh Dr. Fares AlSalmo AlTayy

Co-Founder & Peace Mediator

Sheikh Dr. Fares AlSalmo AlTayy is an internationally connected bridge-builder, Secretary General of the International Organization for Peace to Build Human and Homelands (IOP) and long-standing partner in peace and development processes. He combines diplomatic foresight with practical projects in crisis regions such as Iraq, Syria and Somalia. With a focus on education, reconstruction and intercultural dialogue, he initiates sustainable cooperation between governments, institutions and civil society.

„Peace arises through understanding between peoples and homelands.“

Prof. Dr. Paul Imhof

Co-Founder & Theologian

Prof. Dr. theol. Dr. phil. Paul Imhof is an internationally renowned theologian, philosopher and spiritual bridge-builder. After his ordination and intensive academic and spiritual formation — including close collaboration with Karl Rahner — he later joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church. As founder of the St. Paul Academy, retreat leader and founding rector of the German University in Armenia, he combines lived spirituality with intercultural competence. He has also produced numerous documentaries at sacred sites and is the author of a vast number of theological and philosophical books.

„Knowledge and faith together illuminate the path to human flourishing.“

Martin Imhof

Co-Founder & Leadership Expert

Martin Imhof is a founding member of WAVe and stands for responsibility, clarity and lived values. His path first led him as an officer of the Swiss Army into leadership roles, shaped by discipline and service to the common good. He subsequently worked for many years in finance and insurance, focusing on stability, foresight and sustainable decisions. As president of a private school, he is committed to values-oriented, holistic education for young people. He also serves as president of Urig Schwyz, championing cultural identity and community. In WAVe, Martin Imhof brings a calm, reliable leadership personality that honors tradition, lives responsibility and shapes the future with measure and conviction.

„Calm and reliable leadership guides organizations through challenging times.“

Sandra Bünger

Vice President & Communications Director

Sandra Bünger is a strategic initiator, journalist with international press credentials, book author and moderator. She develops media formats, advises individuals and companies on communication matters and accompanies projects that require orientation, transformation and impact. With a sure eye for potential, she recognizes early what possibilities lie in people and structures — and how sustainable developments can emerge from them. Her strength lies in making complexity understandable and opening paths that were previously invisible. Her compass — carried by faith: creating clarity, making opportunities accessible and fostering paths of peace.

„Creating clarity, making opportunities accessible and fostering paths of peace.“

Our Story

The Founding Story

World of Belief emerged from a series of conversations between leaders of various faith traditions who recognized a growing need for meaningful dialogue in an increasingly polarized world.

In 2020, these visionaries came together to establish an organization that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, focusing on the shared values that unite humanity — rather than the differences that divide us.

Today, World of Belief continues to grow steadily, guided by the principles of our founders and supported by a global community of ambassadors, partners and supporters.

Meet Our Ambassadors

Discover the people who drive our mission forward.

View Ambassadors Back to World of Belief