Global Leaders in Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion Gather in Singapore for International Conference on Cohesive Societies - RSIS Global Leaders in Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion Gather in Singapore for International Conference on Cohesive Societies - RSIS
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Global Leaders in Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion Gather in Singapore for International Conference on Cohesive Societies

19 June 2019

King Abdullah II of Jordan to deliver Keynote Address

SINGAPORE, 19 JUNE 2019

The International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) opened on Wednesday in Singapore. It brings together around 700 delegates from close to 40 countries to tackle challenges facing social cohesion, and strengthen inter-religious and inter-cultural understanding globally. The Conference comes at an especially urgent time for dialogue and collaboration, as greater interconnectedness makes societies more vulnerable to misinformation and extremist views.

Her Excellency Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, delivered the Opening Address at Raffles City Convention Centre.

His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who is in Singapore for a State Visit, will deliver the Keynote Address on Thursday morning. He brings substantial experience as a global leader in interfaith harmony, and has championed initiatives including the Amman Message, the Common Word Initiative, and the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Leaders and experts across academia, government, religious organisations and civic society will be addressing the challenges to social cohesion, including growing intolerance and the influence of extremist views. Through open dialogue and mutual learning, the ICCS seeks to build bridges, explore practical solutions and drive global collective action across societies.

The Conference is organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), with the support of Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS, said:

“This is the first time we are hosting such a dialogue and exchange in Singapore. Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-religious society, and we work hard to keep our country peaceful and secure. At the same time, we are part of the global community, which faces challenges posed by increased connectivity, intensifying identity politics, and infinite technological development. The Conference is a platform for constructive dialogue, to ultimately strengthen mutual trust and understanding across communities.”

Bringing together diverse perspectives for more cohesive societies

During three plenary sessions and six breakout sessions, the delegates will explore issues related to faith, identity and cohesion in a global context. The sessions will draw on the diverse expertise of an excellent line-up of speakers in topical discussions including the role of technology and social media in religious and social discourse, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalised people into society.

The speakers are listed in the Annex according to their respective sessions.

Harnessing the energy of youth and local communities

The ICCS also includes programmes aimed at engaging international youth leaders and local communities. Over the past two days, the Young Leaders’ Programme has harnessed the ideas and energy of youth leaders, which concluded in a fireside chat with President Halimah Yacob.

Over the weekend, the public can experience key elements of the Conference through a series of Heartland Dialogues and Experiences held at various locations across Singapore. These include learning journeys led by faith practitioners, as well as the opportunity to engage in dialogue with speakers from the ICCS.

In parallel with the Conference, the Many Beliefs, One Future exhibition explores human connections across different beliefs through a curated collection of artworks and artefacts. The exhibition is open to public from 19 to 23 June at level 3 of the Raffles City Shopping Centre.

For more information on ICCS, please click here.

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