In an era marked by growing interconnectedness yet increasing division, what unites and gives us confidence for the future? How can diverse communities build bonds that endure the challenges of our time?

Now in its third edition, ICCS 2025 will be held from 24^th to 26^th June 2025 at Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore, with the ICCS Young Leaders Programme (YLP) held from 26^th to 28^th June 2025, with the theme “Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures”. The 3-day programme will delve into three thematic pillars—Unpacking Multiculturalism, Navigating Uncertainty, and Forging Societal Resilience—through plenaries, breakout sessions, and skills workshops that equip delegates with actionable insights.

Special Presentation: Perspectives on Social Cohesion

How should we define social cohesion in today’s world? Are there universal principles of social cohesion? This special presentation examined the ever-evolving concept of social cohesion as it may apply to our diverse, multicultural societies of today.

Speakers

• Professor Mike Hardy, Professor of Intercultural Relations, Coventry University
• Dr Aaron Maniam, Fellow of Practice and Director, Digital Transformation Education, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
• Dr Catherine Fieschi, Fellow, Robert Schuman Centre, European University Institute

Moderator

• Professor Katherine Marshall, Senior Fellow, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs

Plenary 1: Unpacking Multilateralism

This session explored the historical forces and key conditions that have shaped contemporary multiculturalism and social cohesion. It addressed the following questions: How have significant events influenced today’s discourse on multiculturalism and cohesion? What domestic, global, and macro-level conditions have enabled multiculturalism to flourish? What lessons can be drawn from societies that have successfully managed diversity and from those that have struggled?

Speakers

• Professor Dr Nasaruddin Umar, Minister for Religious Affairs, Indonesia and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque
• Professor Colleen Ward, Professor of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington
• Mr Ed Williams, President, International, Edelman

Moderator

• Professor Farish Noor, Professor, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia

Plenary 2: Navigating Uncertainty

This session examined the emerging challenges that threaten multiculturalism and social cohesion, and explored how societies can navigate an increasingly complex future. It addressed the following questions: What emerging social groups, mindsets, and faultlines are shaping the future of cohesion? What factors are driving the erosion of trust and confidence in diverse societies? What is at stake in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain environment?

Speakers

• Mr Peter Ho, Senior Advisor, Centre for Strategic Futures, and former Head of Civil Service, Singapore
• Mr Ahmed Aboutaleb, Former Mayor of Rotterdam
• Mr Fadi Chehade, Founder of EthosCapital

Moderator

• Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, Dean, RSIS, NTU

Plenary 3: Forging Societal Resilience

This session explored the policy tools, community initiatives, and societal strategies that can bridge divides and foster resilience, even in the aftermath of conflict. It addresed the following questions: How can we tackle multicultural challenges together and work across different faiths and values? What political systems or structures can mend faultlines, ease tensions, and promote a more inclusive social compact? How can we rethink the role of technology to strengthen social connections and cohesion?

Speakers

• Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Singapore
• Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman, Banyan Group
• Venerable Napan Thawornbanjob, Founding Chair Institute of Buddhist Management for Happiness and Peace (IBHAP) Foundation

Moderator

• Professor Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies, Assistant Principal Religion and Society, University of Edinburgh and Jane and Aatos Erkko Chair, Helsinki Collegium

Speeches

Opening Address by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore

Keynote Address by Sultan of Perak & Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah

Keynote Address by Mr Edwin Tong, Singapore’s Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs