Closing Remarks and Dialogue with Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance
Vidcasts
Perspectives on Cohesive Societies – Special Presentation
Special Presentation by Dr Paul Hedges and Ms Karen Armstrong OBE; FRSL, with dialogue hosted by Dr Shashi Jayakumar.
This presentation will serve to establish the broad canvas for the Conference by providing perspectives on cohesive societies as well as painting the broad strokes; highlighting the significant trends, challenges, and thinking on this subject area.
Plenary 1 – What We Believe (Faith)
Speakers
Ms Karen Armstrong OBE; FRSL Historian of World Religion
Bishop Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot President, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
Dr Veena Howard Associate Professor, Asian Religious Traditions and Coordinator of Peace and Conflict Studies Program, California State University, Fresno
Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir Deputy Mufti, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)
Dr Farish A. Noor Associate Professor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
This plenary focuses on the role of faith in inter-religious relations. Specifically, within the context of a global society with diverse religious beliefs, it examines how:
positive inter-religious relations are expressed in religious doctrine, traditions, and practices;
religious doctrine and practices influence the way faith communities relate to one another in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic society; and,
this diversity in turn enriches the interpretation and expression of faith.
Plenary 2 – Who We Are (Identity)
Speakers
Lord John Alderdice House of Lords, UK
Mr Christian Picciolini Founder, Free Radicals Project
Dr Azza Karam Senior Advisor on Culture, United Nations Population Fund and Coordinator, UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion and Development
Professor Chaiwat Satha-Anand Professor of Political Science, Thammasat University and Founder, Thai Peace Information Centre
Moderator
Professor Lily Kong
President, Singapore Management University
This plenary looks at how societies can promote shared identity and encourage empathy. It discusses how:
identities create perceptions of distinct communities and the implications for inter-cultural, inter-religious, inter-ethnic relations in a situation where identity-politics may be highlighted;
the intersectionality of identity and citizenship influences the duties and responsibilities of those within different communities; and,
how competing interests from different identities can be reconciled for the common good.
Plenary 3 – How We Come Together (Cohesion)
Speakers
Professor Lai Pan Chiu
Interim Dean and Professor of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr Ali Al Nuaimi Chairman, The World Council of Muslim Communities
Dr Anna Halafoff Research Associate of the UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations – Asia Pacific
Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup Member, Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, Singapore
Moderator
Dr Dicky Sofjan
Core Doctoral Faculty, Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada Graduate School
This plenary explores what diverse communities can do to engage each other and work together side-by-side. The session explores how we can:
strengthen social cohesion by recognising commonalities that cross social divides;
promote pro-social values and behaviour; and,
counter extremist and exclusivist interpretations of religion, ethnicity, and identity.
Official ICCS Video
The International Conference on Cohesive Societies will focus on the theme: Many Communities, One Shared Future.
It offers a platform for conversations on forging stronger interfaith understanding and developing new ideas to foster greater harmony in societies.
We recognise that increasing tensions and fault-lines in religiously and culturally diverse countries can threaten social stability.
We see value in different countries sharing their experiences and discussing how we can all find new and better ways to build stronger societies.
The event will bring together scholars, community leaders and policy makers, as well as religious and interfaith leaders from around the world, to explore and understand key issues, share best practices, generate discussion, and build bridges and networks to further the cause of social harmony.
The Conference programme will commence with an Opening Dinner on 19 June 2019 followed by the Conference proceedings on 20 and 21 June 2019, featuring plenaries and breakout sessions, as well as community learning journeys.
Opening Address by Her Excellency Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, at the opening dinner on 19 June 2019
Keynote Address by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, at the ICCS on 20 June 2019
Closing Remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat, at the ICCS on 21 June 2019
A Young Leaders’ Programme will run prior to the Conference programme from 18 to 19 June 2019. Additionally, an exhibition open to the public will be showcased alongside the ICCS event.
The book, Faith, Identity, Cohesion: Building a Better Future, was launched virtually on 21 July 2020. Edited by Dr Jolene Jerard and Ms Amanda Huan, the book seeks to continue conversations from the International Conference on Cohesive Societies. Refer here for more details of the RSIS-WSPC Virtual Book Launch.
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