Date: Dec 5-8th 2013 Interfaith Sessions Schedule

1. Global Peace Convention 2013 Interfaith Track
December 5-8, 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pre­convention Program
Details at a Glance
Date:
5 December 2013
Time:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue:
Shangri­La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Draft Schedule and Topics
9:00 AM Opening Plenary
Faith Leadership for the Greater Good: Forging “Unity in Diversity” Based on
Shared Values
Religion has been recognized as the root of identity­based conflict as well as the key to
resolving such conflicts. This session addresses the premise that universal principles and
shared values, as expressed in the world’s faith traditions, provide an affirmative basis
upon which to build social cohesion in diverse societies, and expands on the
understanding that spiritual leaders can and must lead the way in building ethical societies
and sustainable peace.
Moderator: Mr. James P. Flynn International President, Global Peace Foundation
Confirmed Panelists:
● Professor Hashim Kamali Founding Chairman & CEO, International Institute of
Advanced Islamic Studies (Malaysia)
● Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Nicholas Xavier Pakiam Third Archbishop,
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
● Dr. N.P. Jain Former Ambassador of India to the UN, European Union, Nepal,
Mexico and Belgium (India)
● Rev John Joseph Hayab Special Advisor, Kaduna State Government on
Christian and Pilgrim Matters (Nigeria)
● Sheik Abdulahi Haliru Maraya, Special Advisor, Kaduna State Government on
Islam and Hajj Matters (Nigeria)
10:45 AM Concurrent Discussions
Mitigating Religious Extremism: Models of Interfaith in Action
When radicals use religious language and symbols to legitimate acts of violence and
oppression, they misrepresent the highest ideals and aspirations of the spiritual traditions.
Conflict, war and violence in all its forms can and must ultimately be corrected at this

2. Global Peace Convention 2013 Interfaith Track
December 5-8, 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ideological level. Expressions and practical applications of authentic faith, deeply held
values and common aspirations can and must be the basis from which to neutralize
ideologies that use religion to propagate violence, oppression and terror.
This segment offers two concurrent sessions featuring initiatives and organizations that
have developed promising models and best practices in addressing the causes of violent
extremism. Topics include:
1) Addressing the Roots of Extremism: This panel examines models of countering
violent religious rhetoric, challenging misconceptions and distortions of religious teachings,
and addressing humanitarian needs through service. Examples from Indonesia, Nigeria,
Philippines and elsewhere will be discussed.
Facilitator: Dr. Syed Farid Alatas Professor of Sociology, National University of
Singapore
Confirmed Presenters:
● Dr. Ahmad Farouk Musa Chairman and Director, Islamic Renaissance Front
(Malaysia)
● Father Varghese Alengaden Founder and Director, Universal Solidarity
Movement (India)
● Ms. Ratna Osman Executive Director, Sisters in Islam (Malaysia)
2) Religion and Conflict Resolution: There is growing recognition that religious factors
are a critical part of the complex dynamics of political, social and economic problems.
This panel examines the vital role that religion and spiritual leaders can play in resolving
conflicts and contributing to diplomatic dialogue and processes.
Facilitator: Mr. Prematilaka KD Serisena Secretary General, Malaysian Consultative
Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST)
(Malaysia)
Confirmed Presenters:
● Rev. Damodar Gautam Chair, Interreligious Council (Nepal)
● Mr. Semsettin Turkan Chairman, International Council of NGOs for Solidarity
(Turkey)

3. Global Peace Convention 2013 Interfaith Track
December 5-8, 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2:00 PM Session 2
Creating Unity in Diversity in Asia: Including Others in Our Sphere of Moral
Obligation
Malaysia is a democractic society with a multi­religious, multi­ethnic and multicultural
population; Islam is the official religion. Malaysia is uniquely poised to host a forum focused
on Islam in Asia, peaceful coexistence and positive collaboration among diverse religions.
This session discusses the ways in which authentic spirituality includes moral obligation
toward the "Other," and its influence on social cohesion and development in multicultural
societies.
Moderator: Mr. James Patton Executive Vice President, International Center for
Religion and Diplomacy (USA) (Proposed)
Confirmed Speakers
● Mr. Ahmad Fuad Rahmat Managing Editor, Projek Dialog (Malaysia)
● Dr. M.M. Verma President, Interfaith Foundation (India)
● Dr. Omar Mohammed al Khateeb Executive Director, Islamic Affairs Sector for
the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (United Arab
Emirates)
Main Convention Program
Interfaith Program
Details at a Glance
Date:
December 6­7, 2013
Venue:
Shangri­La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Faith and Diversity: Toward a Global Ethic for Inclusive and Moderate Societies
Concurrent Session I
December 6, 2:30PM
The establishment of a global ethic is necessary for the peaceful resolution of identity and
interest­based conflicts. As the vanguards of the world's wisdom traditions, religious
leaders are called to come into consensus around universal principles that recognize the
spiritual and interconnected nature of all peoples. We (WHO is WE?>?) believe that an
ethic that acknowledges and upholds these truths is the key to transforming conflict and
building a culture of moderation and lasting peace. Here we explore the commonly­held
principles and values in the various faith traditions in search of this ideal.

4. Global Peace Convention 2013 Interfaith Track
December 5-8, 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Moderator: Dr. Ahmad Farouk Musa Chairman and Director, Islamic Renaissance
Front (Malaysia)
Confirmed Panelists:
● Most Rev. John Namanzah Niyiring Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kano
(Nigeria)
● Ambassador S. Azmat Hassan, Former Pakistani Ambassador to Malaysia,
Syria and Morrocco (Pakistan)
● Imam Shamsi Ali Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Muslim
Federation of North America (Indonesia/USA)
● Dr. Marsudi Syuhud General Secretary, Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama
(Indonesia)
Living for the Greater Good: the moral foundation for inspiring innovative change
Concurrent Session II
December 6, 4:30PM
Ongoing global economic scandals, endemic corruption, human exploitation and
environmental degradation seem to indicate that technological and economic
developments have outpaced the spiritual and moral consciousness of the times.
Development must driven by a moral vision and a commitment to ethical principles and
religious and spiritual leaders can and should be involved in applying their gifts in service
of the greater good. This session discusses the application of "principles in the public
sphere" and ways to drive moral innovation for a sustainable future.
Confirmed Panelists:
● Ms. Camilla Schippa Director, Institute for Economics and Peace (Australia)
● Dr. Tawfique Chowdhury Founder and President, Mercy Mission World
(Australia­Malaysia)
● Dr. Chandra Setiawan Commissioner, Commission for the Supervision of
Business Competition (Indonesia)
● Mr. James Patton Executive Vice President, International Center for Religion
and Diplomacy (USA)
Case Studies in Applying Universal Principles and Shared Values as a Framework
to Address the Roots of Conflict
Workshop/Hands on Training/Working Groups II

5. Global Peace Convention 2013 Interfaith Track
December 5-8, 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
December 7, 2:00PM
In the aftermath of crises and conflicts, some societies attempt to resolve the root of the
conflicts through the pursuit of a vision based on universal spiritual truths and shared
values. Such efforts exist in different forms: national mottoes, defining documents, sharing
of narratives. In this workshop, we examine the universal principles and shared values that
serve as a framework for the ideas found in the Rukun Negara in Malaysia, the Philippines
national motto and personal narratives from Nigeria. The session will also cover methods
to engage the vision of One Family Under God in national and global conversations.
Moderator: Mr. Anas Zubedy Secretary­General, International Movement for a Just
World (JUST) (Malaysia)
Invited Panelists:
● Dr. Estrella Babano Former Regional Director, Department of Education
(Philippines)
● Malik Imtiaz Sarwar Immediate Past President, Malaysian National Human
Rights Society (HAKAM) (Malaysia)
● Pastor James Wuye Co­director, Muslim­Christian Interfaith Mediation Centre
(Nigeria)
● Imam Muhammad Ashafa Co­director, Muslim­Christian Interfaith Mediation
Centre (Nigeria)