As an attendee of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, held from June 24th to 26th at Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore, I left with a profound sense of clarity and urgency regarding the future of our global communities. The conference, now in its third edition, was an insightful journey into what unites us and how diverse societies can build enduring bonds, under the overarching theme of “Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures”. It became crystal clear to me that in an era marked by increasing interconnectedness yet also growing division, the pursuit of social cohesion is not merely an ideal, but a global imperative.
The conference kicked off on a powerful note, immediately setting a tone of intentionality. On Day 1, focused on “Unpacking Multiculturalism”, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of the Republic of Singapore delivered a compelling keynote address. He called for a specific brand of "intentional, active multiculturalism" designed to foster truly cohesive multicultural societies. This wasn't a call for passive acceptance, but rather for a conscious effort and thoughtful policies that actively bring diverse communities together to live, study, work, and play as one. President Tharman's message resonated deeply: our shared humanity is inherently stronger than any forces that seek to divide us.
What struck me most about this initial message was the emphasis on deliberate action. Social cohesion, as highlighted throughout the day, does not simply materialise. In Singapore, this approach involves shaping a shared national identity built on fundamental values like respect, empathy, and understanding. It's about transforming what might initially seem "unnatural" – the seamless integration of diverse groups – into something truly natural. The core of this philosophy, as articulated, is that "cohesion is not the absence of difference, but the presence of meaningful connection". This simple yet profound statement underscores the understanding that true unity flourishes when we are open-hearted enough to embrace our differences. Day 1's program involved rich dialogue and comparative perspectives, delving into the history, practices, and conditions that enable diverse ethnic and religious groups to foster greater harmony and resilience. Among the notable speakers sharing their insights were Prof Dr Nasaruddin Umar from Indonesia, Prof Colleen Ward from New Zealand, and Monsignor Indunil Kodithuwakku from the Vatican. Their contributions helped paint a comprehensive picture of the multifaceted approaches to multiculturalism worldwide.
Day 2 shifted our focus to the pressing challenge of “Navigating Uncertainty”. This was a crucial segment, especially given the turbulent global landscape. His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of Perak and Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, delivered a stirring keynote address that directly confronted the deep currents challenging social cohesion today. He meticulously outlined various forces, from digital disruption to mass migration and escalating inequality, all of which contribute to an erosion of social fabric. Sultan Nazrin's call to action was clear and unwavering: resilience in such uncertain times demands leadership grounded in trust, equity, pluralism, and a bold vision. It requires moral clarity, compassion, and, crucially, the courage to lead with inclusion.
The discussions on Day 2 further explored how emerging forces challenge our confidence in multiculturalism. We examined the influence of polarization and extremism on diverse societies, and how new social movements and digital communities are reshaping connections and impacting cohesion today. It was an eye-opening exploration of how modern complexities introduce new layers of challenge to societal unity. Speakers like Mr Ahmed Aboutaleb, former Mayor of Rotterdam from The Netherlands; Prof Farish Noor from Malaysia; and Mr Peter Ho from Singapore, contributed to these critical conversations. Their diverse perspectives underscored that while the challenges are universal, the responses must be context-specific yet globally informed.
The final day, Day 3, was dedicated to “Forging Societal Resilience”—a theme that brought together all the previous discussions into actionable insights. This segment explored what truly enables societies to maintain harmony and thrive amidst adversity. It highlighted the critical importance of robust structures, shared values, and consistent practices that preserve resilience and actively support multicultural cohesion. The consensus was that forging resilience is a collective endeavor, involving all elements of society. Governments play a pivotal role, certainly, but so do community organizations, and perhaps most crucially, individuals. Each must champion multicultural values, leverage technology to deepen connections rather than divide, and actively work to rebuild trust and unity, especially in the aftermath of crises. The keynote address by Mr Edwin Tong, Singapore's Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, provided further governmental perspective on these efforts. We also heard from insightful speakers such as Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash from Singapore, Venerable Napan Thawornbanjob from Thailand, and Prof Katy Bennett from the United Kingdom, each offering unique perspectives on building and maintaining resilient societies.
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from ICCS 2025 is the recognition that there is "no one-size-fits-all formula for building a cohesive society". This acknowledgment encourages tailored approaches while emphasizing universal principles. The conference's mission, articulated in its core questions – "What unites and gives us confidence for the future? How can diverse communities build bonds that endure the challenges of our time?" – served as a constant reminder of the profound stakes involved. The emphasis throughout was on the human element: "At the heart of it all are the people. True unity grows when we open our hearts to embrace our differences". This resonated deeply, affirming that while policies and structures are essential, genuine human connection and empathy are the bedrock of lasting cohesion.
Attending ICCS 2025 was more than just participating in a conference; it was an immersive experience that underscored the global imperative of social cohesion. From President Tharman's call for intentional multiculturalism to Sultan Nazrin's insights on navigating uncertainty and the collective wisdom on forging societal resilience, the discussions provided a comprehensive roadmap. It reinforced my belief that in a world grappling with complex challenges, our shared future hinges on our ability to transcend divisions, embrace differences, and actively build societies where meaningful connections thrive. The journey towards truly cohesive and resilient societies is ongoing, but conferences like ICCS 2025 provide invaluable direction and inspiration for this vital global effort. The knowledge gained from these sessions will undoubtedly inform my understanding and engagement with these critical issues going forward.
Comments
Post a Comment