Abstract

In an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world, fostering inclusion remains a critical challenge. Societies today grapple with barriers rooted in cultural, religious, and institutional divides, often exacerbated by misinformation and social polarisation. This seminar brings together distinguished speakers to share their insights and experiences in addressing these barriers and achieving breakthroughs that promote inclusion and unity. Through their perspectives, we aim to explore practical approaches and deeper reflections on building cohesive and inclusive communities. 

This seminar features insights from distinguished thought leaders, offering diverse yet interconnected perspectives on fostering inclusion through conflict resolution, interfaith collaboration, ethical frameworks, and the power of media.  

• Lord John Alderdice will explore the psychological and societal barriers to inclusion, drawing on his experience in fostering dialogue and reconciliation in deeply divided communities. 

• Professor Katherine Marshall will share global case studies of faith-based initiatives that have successfully advanced social cohesion. 

• Professor Mona Siddiqui will examine the role of values and religious leadership in bridging societal divides. 

• Mr Goh Sin Teck will discuss the media’s pivotal role in countering polarisation, and the Singapore perspective of fostering a culture of trust and understanding. 

 This seminar aims to inspire attendees to champion innovative approaches that build trust, unity, and inclusion in diverse societies. The session will include brief presentations by each panelist, followed by a moderated dialogue and audience Q&A. This event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Singapore.

About the speakers

A psychiatrist by profession, Lord John Alderdice has been actively involved in almost every aspect of the Irish Peace Process. He was the first Speaker of the new Northern Ireland Assembly and led the establishment of the new legislature. He continues to work on the Irish Peace Process both publicly and privately from the House of Lords at Westminster and through his leadership of The Concord Foundation. Lord Alderdice’s work has been recognised with numerous awards including the prestigious Ettore Majorana Erice Prize of the World Federation of Scientists (2006), for his application of the science of psychoanalysis to the cause of peace; Global Thinkers Forum Award for Excellence in Promoting Peace and Collaboration (2016) and the Lifetime Achievement of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2022) amongst others.

Professor Katherine Marshall is also a professor of the practice of development, conflict, and religion in the Walsh School of Foreign Service. She also serves as the executive director of the World Faiths Development Dialogue, an NGO that works to enhance bridges between different sectors and institutions. As Vice President of the G20 Interfaith Association, she devotes much attention to supporting positive religious engagement on global agendas. She serves on the boards of several NGOs and organisations, including AVINA Americas, the International Shinto Foundation, and the International Anti-Corruption Conference. She spent several years as a core group member of the Council of 100, a World Economic Forum initiative to advance understanding between the Islamic world and the West.

Professor Mona Siddiqui is an internationally recognised academic, public speaker, and broadcaster. Her research areas are in the field of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and ethics and Christian-Muslim relations. She is known especially for her appearances on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Scotland’s Thought for the Day and BBC Radio 4’s The Moral maze. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, holds six honorary doctorates and an honorary fellowship of the Royal Society of Scottish Architects for her contributions to public life. In 2011, she was awarded an OBE for her interfaith work. She has spoken on religion and politics at the World Economic Forum in Davos and been listed in the Debretts top 500 list of the most influential people in the UK.

Mr Goh Sin Teck joined Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holding’s Chinese flagship paper, in 1987. He started his career as a crime reporter before assuming his current role as the Editor of Lianhe Zaobao. Mr Goh has served in various public sector agency committees including Housing Development Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority Board, Public Transport Council, Primary Education Review and Implementation Committee, Singapore 21 Subcommittee on Foreign Talent, Charity Council, National Integration Council, Political Films Consultative Committee, Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning, and many more. He was also a member of the Nanyang Technological University’s Board of Trustees.