How can religious literacy be practised as a peacebuilding tool in contexts of conflict and division? In the second episode of our three-part series, Associate Professor Dr. Dicky Sofjan delves into how religious literacy, when approached contextually, can help bridge divides and foster social cohesion. Building on insights from the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace,” Dicky shares real-world examples from his work across Asia, demonstrating how religious literacy can empower communities, transform engagement, and support inclusive conflict resolution. Join us for this 30-minute online fireside conversation, where Dicky will highlight the importance of training local actors, embracing multi-faith perspectives, and moving from mono-religious to inclusive approaches. The session offers a powerful lens on how understanding lived religion can strengthen efforts toward peace and resilience in diverse, often fragile, settings.How can religious literacy be practised as a peacebuilding tool in contexts of conflict and division? In the second episode of our three-part series, Associate Professor Dr. Dicky Sofjan delves into how religious literacy, when approached contextually, can help bridge divides and foster social cohesion. Building on insights from the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace,” Dicky shares real-world examples from his work across Asia, demonstrating how religious literacy can empower communities, transform engagement, and support inclusive conflict resolution. Join us for this 30-minute online fireside conversation, where Dicky will highlight the importance of training local actors, embracing multi-faith perspectives, and moving from mono-religious to inclusive approaches. The session offers a powerful lens on how understanding lived religion can strengthen efforts toward peace and resilience in diverse, often fragile, settings.

Building on the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace: The Role of IRD Organisations in Promoting Religious Literacy in Education as a Contribution to Peace”, this three-part follow-up series deepens the conversation by spotlighting religious literacy as a practical skillset for navigating complex societal challenges. Hosted in collaboration with the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, the series brings back three thought leaders from the original panel for focused 30-minute fireside discussions exploring how lived, contextual understandings of religion can shape diplomacy, transform conflict engagement, and foster inclusion in education.

Moderated by Dr Kate Soules, Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative, each session offers actionable insights into how religious literacy builds empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural competence—skills essential for peaceful engagement in today’s world:

•    17 July with Professor Erin K Wilson (Diplomacy and Global Affairs) [info & registration]
•    21 July with Dicky Sofjan (Conflict & Interfaith Engagement) 
•    24 July with Daniel Del Nido (Education & Inclusion) [info & registration] 
 

How can policymakers and diplomats better understand religion in today's global affairs? In this opening episode of three, we will explore more deeply with Professor Erin K Wilson her ‘lived religion’ approach, an analytical framework she introduced us to in the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace”.  Following particular steps, Erin equips global actors with tools to recognize religion as it is experienced and practised, not just theorized. She challenges conventional secular assumptions and calls for neither over- nor underestimating religion's role in all contexts of life.

Join us in this 30-minute online fireside discussion, where Erin will illustrate how religious dimensions can be more accurately understood in policy design, humanitarian coordination, and multilateral relations. This conversation aims to highlight why lifelong learning in religious literacy is essential in rapidly changing global contexts.

Building on the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace: The Role of IRD Organisations in Promoting Religious Literacy in Education as a Contribution to Peace”, this three-part follow-up series deepens the conversation by spotlighting religious literacy as a practical skillset for navigating complex societal challenges. Hosted in collaboration with the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, the series brings back three thought leaders from the original panel for focused 30-minute fireside discussions exploring how lived, contextual understandings of religion can shape diplomacy, transform conflict engagement, and foster inclusion in education.

Moderated by Dr Kate Soules, Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative, each session offers actionable insights into how religious literacy builds empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural competence—skills essential for peaceful engagement in today’s world:

•    17 July with Professor Erin K Wilson (Diplomacy and Global Affairs)
•    21 July with Dicky Sofjan (Conflict & Interfaith Engagement) [info & registration] 
•    24 July with Daniel Del Nido (Education & Inclusion) [info & registration] 
 

لا يزال يشكل خطاب الكراهية تهديدًا كبيرًا للسلم والتماسك الاجتماعي، خاصة في المناطق التي تواجه استقطابًا سياسيًا وصراعات قائمة على الهوية. تأتي الندوة الإلكترونية ضمن برنامج المشاريع الحوارية وتتزامن مع اليوم الدولي لمكافحة خطاب الكراهية الذي أقرته الأمم المتحدة، والذي يُصادف 18 حزيران/يونيو. تستعرض الندوة استراتيجيات عملية ومبنية على السياق المحلي لمنع ومواجهة خطاب الكراهية، مستندًا إلى إضاءات من الكتاب الصادر حديثًا " استراتيجيات مواجهة خطاب الكراهية .. وأليات التصدي".

صُممت هذه الندوة لتخاطب التربويين، والإعلاميين، وصناع السياسات، والفاعلين في المجتمع المدني، حيث تسلط الضوء على أدوات مبتكرة، ودراسات حالة واقعية، وآليات لتعزيز الخطاب الحاضن للتنوع في المنطقة العربية.

تفاعل مع الخبراء، ابنِ معرفتك، واستلهم خطوات عملية

يقود هذه الجلسة مؤلفا الكتاب، الدكتور هاني ضوة والدكتورة هدى لحكيم بناني، ويقوم بإدارتها الصحفي مايكل فارس. وستستمر الجلسة لمدة 60 دقيقة، تُقدم خلالها موارد قيّمة تلهم المشاركين لاتخاذ خطوات عملية في مجتمعاتهم المحلية. سواء كنت تسعى لتعزيز مبادرات محلية، أو صياغة سياسات فعالة، أو ببساطة لاكتساب فهم أعمق لخطاب الكراهية وتأثيراته، فهذه فرصة للمشاركة في حوار هادف وتعلم مشترك مع آخرين ملتزمين ببناء مجتمعات أكثر مرونة و حاضنة للتنوع.

Hate speech continues to pose a significant threat to peace and social cohesion, especially in regions facing political polarization and identity-based conflict. This upcoming webinar, part of the Dialogue360 series and scheduled in alignment with the United Nations International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed on 18 June, will explore practical, context-driven strategies to prevent and counter hate speech, drawing on insights from the newly published Strategies for Confronting Hate Speech: Tools and Mechanisms for Effective Response. Designed for educators, media professionals, policymakers, and civil society actors, the session will highlight innovative tools, real-life case studies, and mechanisms for promoting inclusive public discourse across the Arab region.

Engage with Experts, Build Knowledge, and Inspire Action

Led by authors of the book, Dr. Hani Dawah and Dr. Houda Lahkim Bennani—and moderated by journalist Michael Fares, the 60-minute session will provide valuable resources and inspire participants to take action in their own communities. Whether you are looking to strengthen local initiatives, shape effective policy, or simply gain a deeper understanding of hate speech and its impact, this is an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and peer learning with others committed to building more resilient and inclusive societies.