The 9th Executive Programme (EP) 2024 is designed to delve into critical issues surrounding religious intolerance, misinformation, and the use of narratives in overcoming these challenges. Specifically, the programme aims to explore the following key areas:
1. Misuse of Religious Literature and Language of Hatred. Understanding how religious texts and language are sometimes manipulated to incite hatred, and the roles of religious leaders and public figures in fostering or countering hatred.
2. Role of Social Media. Examining the role of social media platforms in disseminating hatred, misinformation, and disinformation, and evaluating strategies employed by these platforms to combat misuse.
3. Visual and Non-verbal Modalities. Exploring how hatred can be conveyed through visual cues, symbols, and non-verbal communication, and the impact of these modalities on the society.
4. Interfaith Dialogue for Religious Tolerance. Assessing the effectiveness of interfaith dialogue in promoting religious tolerance, and identifying challenges and opportunities encountered in such dialogues.
5. Storytelling as a Tool for Overcoming Intolerance. Analysing how storytelling can serve as a powerful platform to combat religious intolerance, addressing issues of incitement and misinformation through narrative.