International Conference on Cohesive Societies, Singapore, 24-26 June 2025

The Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Society Institute, Mr. Daryl Swanepoel, attended the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University and held in Singapore from 24 to 26 June 2025.

Under the theme "Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures," the conference aimed to champion this global endeavour in order to inspire hope, foster inclusion and build momentum towards establishing harmonious and resilient multicultural societies.

The conference brought together more than 1,100 policymakers, academics and leaders from diverse civic and religious organisations representing more than 50 countries. This diverse gathering created a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices on strengthening social cohesion and intercultural understanding.

The conference was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who, in his opening address, emphasized the importance of mutual respect, trust, and collaboration as the foundation for building cohesive and resilient societies. The Sultan of Perak and Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, also delivered a keynote address.

Mr. Swanepoel participated in various plenary sessions and workshops focusing on countering polarisation, promoting interfaith dialogue and building more inclusive communities. Some of the themes, among many, were:

• Unpacking multiculturalism

• Navigating uncertainty

• Presentation of the Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar

• Forging societal resilience

In his contributions, he highlighted the vital role of institutions such as the Inclusive Society Institute in creating spaces for open dialogue and fostering trust between diverse communities.

Attending this conference provided valuable insights and international perspectives that will strengthen the work of the Institute, particularly in its mission to help build a more cohesive and just South African society.