Political leaders, faith representatives and community advocates gathered at the Parliament of New South Wales this week for an interfaith event focused on social cohesion, inclusion and the role of dialogue in an increasingly divided world.
The Shared Future – Interfaith Collaboration for Peace and Prosperity in NSW, convened by Indians in Sydney, brought together MPs, humanitarian organisations and multicultural groups for discussions centred on peacebuilding and cross cultural understanding.
Hosted by Warren Kirby, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India in NSW, the event featured addresses from senior political figures including Chris Minns, Mark Coure and Gurmesh Singh, alongside MPs and civic leaders from across the state.
Speakers throughout the evening argued that interfaith engagement has become increasingly important as communities confront rising political polarisation, global conflicts and social fragmentation. Several participants stressed the need for practical cooperation between institutions, faith groups and community organisations rather than symbolic displays of unity.
Among the keynote speakers was Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace, who was joined by humanitarian and human rights advocates including Jane Fulton and Ahmet Orhan Polat. An interfaith panel included Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Christian representatives discussing ways to strengthen trust between communities in Australia.
One of the more reflective moments of the evening saw attendees stand together in silence for communities affected by violence, hatred and conflict around the world. Organisers said the gesture was intended as a reminder of the shared responsibility involved in maintaining peace and social cohesion.
Founder of Indians in Sydney, Nadeem Ahmed, said the gathering aimed to create a space where people from different backgrounds could engage respectfully despite differing beliefs or political perspectives.
“We live in a time where fear and division can easily overpower understanding,” he said.
“But when people from different faiths, cultures and political perspectives sit together with sincerity and respect, we begin to see each other as human beings first.”
The event comes as governments and community organisations across Australia continue to place greater emphasis on multicultural engagement and countering social isolation, discrimination and religious intolerance. While Australia is often regarded as one of the world’s more successful multicultural societies, experts have also warned that international conflicts and domestic political tensions can place pressure on community relations if left unaddressed.
Attendees described the forum as one of the more substantive interfaith gatherings held in New South Wales in recent years, citing the diversity of voices represented and the focus on ongoing collaboration rather than ceremonial messaging alone.
As the evening closed, organisers returned to a phrase repeated throughout the event: many faiths, one shared future.
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