In Thailand, interreligious and intercultural relations are essential in promoting peaceful coexistence. The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture co-sponsored an international conference on "Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence in Multicultural Societies" in Bangkok on 11 and 12 January 2015.

The event was described by the Foreign Ministry and the OIC as historic, as it was the first time that such a gathering was convened by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the OIC and included an internationally diverse group of prominent scholars and experts. These experts were brought together to exchange views and experiences among experts from different regions in order to understand and promote multiculturalism and multi-religious coexistence.

The symposium was developed in the understanding that interfaith dialogues have played a significant role in augmenting coexistence, social cohesion and stability in increasingly culturally diverse societies. 

“Diverse discussion among academics, experts and policy makers is an important part of understanding and increasing the effectiveness of these dialogues,” said Professor Abu-Nimer, KAICIID Senior Advisor.

The event was held to foster interreligious cooperation and enhance interfaith dialogue by participants sharing their own experiences and best practices in interreligious and intercultural dialogue and related initiatives. Discussions in the various sessions centered on interreligious dialogue in multicultural societies, education, the role of youth in interreligious dialogue and the role of media and civil society in promoting interreligious dialogue.

Professor Abu-Nimer moderated the special session, Intercultural Contacts and Exchanges in Multicultural Societies as a Basis of Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence. The panel discussion of this special session focused on the role of policy makers and religious leaders in advancing interfaith dialogue in multicultural societies. With high-level ministerial participation, it was the main session after the formal opening by the Secretary General of the OIC and Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister. Speakers in the special session talked about the potential constructive role for ASEAN, as a regional intergovernmental organization, in promoting interfaith dialogue and diversity, and participants discussed the best conditions and best practices for promoting coexistence between different religions.