ASEAN-Canada (DFAIT) Dialogue on Interfaith Initiatives | Surabaya, Indonesia

DFAIT | November 6, 2008

I had the honour of being invited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Affairs (DFIAT) to participate in their first Dialogue on Interfaith Initiatives, in partnership with Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This event was co-hosted by Canada and Indonesia, and included two days of sessions on a variety of pluralism-related issues. This event engages all members of the ASEAN.

Their objective was to develop recommendations on possible areas of cooperation between ASEAN and Canada on interfaith initiatives. The Dialogue focused on the secular nature of the ASEAN-Canada partnership, hoping to contribute to the development of modern societies where diverse people can share a common sense of citizenship:

To help underpin the key role of government and community leaders in bridging differences and building harmony in both Canada and the Southeast Asian region, which would essentially empower citizens of these countries.

To promote a habit of dialogue and exchange of best practices/experiences in advancing intercultural understanding, nation building, social cohesion, and social responsibility among these countries.

To provide a platform for ASEAN member countries and Canada to explore possible areas of collaboration on such initiatives.

To foster a common resolve to build a culture of tolerance and counter violent radical religious discourse in relation to youth/education and media/ethics.

I was one of two Canadian speakers (Mitra Sen was the other), and presented on a session called Media and Ethics: Social Responsibility in Fostering Interfaith and Intercultural Understanding. In other words, how media contributes to world peace. I also chaired another session.

Schema Magazine

ASEAN-Canada (DFAIT) Dialogue on Interfaith Initiatives | Surabaya, Indonesia

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