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ICCS Intersessional Event

Key facts

Date
24.09.2024 - 26.09.2024
Time
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Singapore
Organizer
The International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS)

Overview

Inspiring Cohesive and Resilient Societies

The ICCS Inter-Sessional Event, titled "Inspiring Cohesive and Resilient Societies", is designed to maintain momentum between the larger International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS). This gathering, scheduled for 24 to 26 September 2024, will bring together approximately 100 religious and community practitioners, academics, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. The Inter-Sessional Event aims to deepen our understanding of social cohesion challenges, share best practices, and develop potential solutions. Participants can look forward to a series of lectures, panel discussions, skills workshops, breakout sessions, and opportunities for networking and community engagement.


Programme Synopsis

Day 1


Day 1 is designed to welcome delegates as well as foster networking and socialising to create a casual, collaborative atmosphere. Dr Richard Wike will provide a keynote on emerging global trends impacting plural societies. As part of community engagement, delegates will enjoy a showcase presentation by a big technology firm where they will learn about the firm's role in moderating divisive content online. The day will conclude with dinner at Lau Pa Sat, offering an immersive experience of Singaporean food culture.

Day 2


Day 2 aims to help delegates understand the social cohesion landscape from various perspectives by exploring the different causes of societal division. Prof Mona Siddiqui will share insights from her research in interreligious relations, highlighting key challenges that multicultural societies face in fostering social cohesion. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr Paul Hedges and featuring Ms Wu Ye-Min and Mr Shukul Raaj Kumar, will delve into potential causes of societal division, such as race, religion, and rising polarisation. Delegates will also join breakout groups to learn futures planning and identify emerging issues that may impact community dynamics. In the evening, delegates will be brought to a heritage district which showcases Singapore’s cultural spaces. The Religious Rehabilitation Group will host delegates to a dinner where they will talk about their work and role in fostering social cohesion in Singapore.​

Day 3


While Day 2 focused on the concept of 'divide,' Day 3 will emphasize 'unity.' This day is dedicated to generating actionable solutions for social cohesion issues. Dr Leong Chan-Hoong will moderate a panel discussion featuring Prof Toshiaki Sasao and Dr Selvaraj Velayutham, who will both share best practices for fostering mutual understanding within diverse communities. Delegates will then engage in their respective breakout groups to learn conflict resolution skills and develop concrete action plans for addressing social cohesion challenges. Following this, they will present their work to the larger group. The Inter-Sessional Event will conclude with a reflective session, inviting delegates to contribute ideas for future editions of the ICCS.