Observer Report
Jakarta
The Second International Workshop on Promoting Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue in South and Southeast Asian Countries started in Jakarta, Indonesia, under the title “Together for Diversity and Promoting Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue”. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) co-organized the workshop in partnership with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID).
The workshop witnessed the attendance of 65 participants from five South and Southeast Asian countries, as well as a number of political decision makers, religious leaders, and representatives of regional and international associations and organizations. In his speech, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary-General, indicated that, “’Together for Diversity and Interreligious Dialogue’ reflects our resolve and will to promote dialogue to resolve disputes and tensions. This international workshop comes at a time when societies in Southeast Asia encounter serious challenges, especially concerning Islamic-Buddhist relations.” Al-Othaimeen added in his speech, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Bashir Ansari, Director of Dialogue.
