30 September 2019
International Conference on Cohesive Societies
Overview
More than 1,000 delegates from government bodies, religious groups, civil society organisations, and academic institutions from close to 40 countries gathered in Singapore from 19 to 21 June 2019 to discuss the challenges posed by extremism and exclusivism that are stoking tensions across the globe and causing polarisation. They met at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) convened by the S. Rajaratnam School of Studies (RSIS), with the support of Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The conference was aimed at providing a platform for conversations on forging stronger inter-faith understanding and sharing best practices for building more cohesive societies. One outcome was a greater appreciation of social diversity. There was a recognition of the strengths and challenges involved in weaving together disparate communities in society to make a strong, cohesive whole. For instance, participants cited the need for religion to be included as part of the solution for peace, rather than be considered the problem causing divisiveness. For that to happen, mutual learning, trust building, mutual respect and inter-faith dialogue were considered necessary steps.
Overview
More than 1,000 delegates from government bodies, religious groups, civil society organisations, and academic institutions from close to 40 countries gathered in Singapore from 19 to 21 June 2019 to discuss the challenges posed by extremism and exclusivism that are stoking tensions across the globe and causing polarisation. They met at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) convened by the S. Rajaratnam School of Studies (RSIS), with the support of Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The conference was aimed at providing a platform for conversations on forging stronger inter-faith understanding and sharing best practices for building more cohesive societies. One outcome was a greater appreciation of social diversity. There was a recognition of the strengths and challenges involved in weaving together disparate communities in society to make a strong, cohesive whole. For instance, participants cited the need for religion to be included as part of the solution for peace, rather than be considered the problem causing divisiveness. For that to happen, mutual learning, trust building, mutual respect and inter-faith dialogue were considered necessary steps.
