The Dialogue Cities Southeast Asia (SEA) Conference commenced yesterday 12th of September, welcoming over 60 experts, policymakers, and civil society leaders from across Southeast Asia. This three-day event, running until September 14, 2024, aims to explore the critical role of interfaith, intercultural, and interreligious dialogue in fostering inclusive and resilient urban communities.

The conference, hosted by the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID in collaboration with Ateneo de Davao University through the Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, brings together representatives from Bangkok, Davao, Kuala Lumpur, Yogyakarta, and Singapore. It focuses on enhancing women’s and youth’s participation in urban development through interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a tool for promoting social cohesion.

Councilor Trisha Ann J. Villafuerte, Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations of the City Council of the City Government of Davao, delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Z. Duterte. The mayor’s statement emphasized the importance of the conference: “We believe that today’s conference is a testament to our shared commitment to further enhance and promote a culture of dialogue as it serves as a bridge to connect diverse culture, tradition, and perspective leader to more inclusive and peaceful communities.”

It is a Forum for cities to share and compare different approaches to dialogue in regions and focus on how spaces for dialogue can lead to sustainable solutions. Interreligious dialogue is essential for creating inclusive and harmonious urban communities, shared KAICIID Secretary General Secretary General Dr. Zuhair Alharthi in his message delivered by Davide Capeccho, KAICIID Chief Program Officer.

In her keynote address, Dr. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Representative of the Philippines to the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) and ASEAN Women’s Peace Registry, highlighted that “interfaith and intercultural dialogues are crucial for fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation in increasingly diverse societies.” She added, “It is critical to acknowledge our common values and diversity and provide or seek the platforms that would enable us to participate, be included, and conduct these dialogues with mutual respect toward our ultimate goal.”

The conference program includes plenary sessions with diverse stakeholders such as religious leaders, journalists, peacebuilders, and youth leaders. Thematic workshops will focus on women, youth, and innovation, encouraging participants to design joint activities and programs with regional resonance. Immersive site visits are planned to showcase best practices in interfaith, interreligious, and intercultural dialogue and demonstrate their capability to create safe spaces fostering change. Delegates will engage in discussions on how urbanization impacts social cohesion and how their unique experiences and strategies can support sustainable development in the region.

This event builds on the success of the inaugural conference held in Bangkok in 2023. It aims to set the stage for ongoing collaborations promoting peace and unity across Southeast Asia. The conference will conclude with a turnover ceremony, passing the hosting responsibility to Kuala Lumpur for the next edition