In times of serious challenges to social cohesion, focussing on peace building and connection is an obligation.
Victoria’s Multicultural Commission is showing the way, drawing faith leaders, community voices and thought leaders to a Peace Building forum at Queen’s Hall, Victoria’s Parliament House.
Peace Building through Contemplation, Compassion and our Common Humanity symposium, held on April 11, 2025 proved a valuable conduit for new ideas.
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria delivered opening remarks.
She focussed on the role our precious parliamentary democracy plays in building harmony and social cohesion despite of our differences.
“Because that is the point of our system, it accepts the differences, and says we do not all have to share the same beliefs. But we must accept the limits that allow everybody to have that same liberty.”
MC Bishop Phillip Huggins, reflected on the urgency for the forum’s dialogue to inform tangible impact,
“The extent of the suffering caused by hate and violence breaks our hearts. The need for a whole of community response is demonstrated by our Governor’s presence and leadership today.”
Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission Vivienne Nguyen, AM , chair of the Multi faith Advisory Group says the group serves as an example of open, respectful, honest and robust inter religious conversation and collaboration.
The initiative is not a one off and Ms Nguyen says MAG is in an informed position to provide suggestions to assist both our government and communities.
“It is through nurturing relational trust and understanding that we build and rebuild the shared values that have helped us stand together in solidarity, both in good and difficult times.”
Partners including Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, and Calm in the City emphasised a united commitment to fostering harmony through contemplative practices such as inner awareness and meditation.
Professor Craig Hassed MBBS, FRACOP, OAM Director of Education Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies detailed how meditation and mindfulness nurture the capacities needed to navigate challenging times.
Inner peace empowering individuals to act towards a greater good instead of a life of distraction and division.
Sister Jayanti Kirpalani, senior teacher of the Brahma Kumaris – the world’s largest spiritual organisation for both men and women to be led by women – and the United Nations’s representative in Geneva for the BK’s, invited attendees to sit in deep reflection.
Her words and wisdom were a highlight of the forum for many.
Connections were made and ideas stemming from the forum will go directly to government for review.
Monash University Chancellor and Australian of the Year 2011, Simon McKeon, AO
MC/Facilitator Bishop Philip Huggins, The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
SBS Chairman, George Savvides, AM and Jon Faine AM, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, The University of Melbourne
Left of image: Professor Kalvinder Shields, Calm in the CIty
Dan Hellar, Brave Conversations Project, Monash University
Martine Harte, Engaging Women and Jon Faine, AM, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, The University of Melbourne
Meditation Australia Vice President, Lisa Forde
Supporting collaboration and understanding between all faiths
The Multifaith Advisory Group comprises 27 religious leaders from various Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and Bahá’í communities. The Group is chaired by the Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
More information is available here.
Curious to learn more about contemplative practices in Melbourne? Tap here.