From Dialogue to Action at NSW Parliament: Fostering Hope for a More Cohesive Shared Future – By Sheyana La Brooy
Faith, community, and political leaders convened at NSW Parliament House on 14 May for the Shared Future: Interfaith Collaboration for Peace and Prosperity in NSW forum, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue, compassion, and collective action in building a more cohesive society.
In the Jubilee Room at New South Wales Parliament, beneath stained glass depicting the Greek goddess of knowledge and surrounded by an impressive library, discussion focused on how societies can move from division toward connection.
Speakers reinforced that interfaith dialogue is no longer optional, but essential, and must evolve into meaningful opportunity and collective action across Australia.
Faith leaders and policymakers highlighted the importance of genuine compassion and creating spaces where people can respectfully engage with difference openly, while remaining true to their own beliefs.
A key take away is that social cohesion cannot be legislated into existence, instead it needs to be cultivated through education, building community relationships and through shared experiences.
Initiatives such as interfaith Iftar dinners, community kitchens, cultural events, sports programs, culturally informed communications and celebrating those who contribute to peace in the community, were cited as practical ways to build community connections.
The economic case for peace was also underscored. Research from the Institute for Economics & Peace, reveals the high global cost of conflict with billions lost in GDP, while countries investing in positive peace enjoy stronger growth, highlighting cohesion as both a moral and practical priority.
Remaining silent when Australian values and democratic principles are undermined, can lead to disengagement and allow ill-informed judgement, misinformation, and division to grow within and between communities. Faith leaders called for a compassionate response built on commonality and an appreciation for the distinct experiences and values of each community.
The forum closed by returning to its setting, a space grounded in knowledge, reflection and serving the common good.
Attendees were left with a shared understanding and a collective responsibility that our #SharedFuture will be built not only through dialogue, but through the willingness to listen, learn, and care for one another.
Attendees included Premier of NSW Chris Minns , Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure, Leader of the NSW Nationals Gurmesh Singh, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and Building, Shadow Minister for Local Government, and Shadow Minister for Veterans Tim James, Director of Philanthropy from the Sydney Peace Foundation Dr Jane Fulton, Executive Director of the Affinity Intercultural Foundation Mr Ahmet Polat, the Founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace Mr Steve Killelea, Nandini Sen Mehra, Melissa Monteiro, Pandit Jatin Kumar Bhatt, Paul Sedrak, Dr Ali Alsamail, Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin and Reverand Geoff Stevenson.
Thank you to the event organisers Indians In Sydney for the invitation for the Sri Lanka Association of NSW to be represented at this gathering.
