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Indians in Sydney convenes landmark interfaith event at NSW Parliament
A moment of silence was observed during the event to honor communities affected by violence, hatred and conflict around the world.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 12, Jun 2026
- 16:43 EDT
- 41
Community members and representatives gathered at the Parliament of New South Wales / Indians in Sydney
Political leaders, faith representatives and community advocates gathered at the Parliament of New South Wales last month for an interfaith dialogue event aimed at promoting peace, social cohesion and cross-cultural collaboration in an increasingly polarized world.
The event, titled “The Shared Future – Interfaith Collaboration for Peace and Prosperity in NSW,” was convened by Indians in Sydney and hosted by Warren Kirby, chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India in New South Wales.
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Bringing together government officials, religious leaders, humanitarian organizations and multicultural groups, the gathering focused on strengthening understanding across faiths and communities while encouraging practical approaches to inclusion and cooperation.
Among those who addressed attendees were New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure, representing Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, and Member of Parliament Gurmesh Singh. Other elected representatives in attendance included Tim James and Donna Davis.
The program featured keynote presentations from Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace, alongside humanitarian and human rights advocates Dr. Jane Fulton and Ahmet Orhan Polat. An interfaith panel comprising Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders discussed ways to build trust and social harmony across Australia’s diverse communities.
Speakers emphasized the importance of moving beyond symbolic gestures and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration between institutions and communities. Several participants highlighted the role of dialogue in addressing division, prejudice and social tensions.
Nadeem Ahmed, founder of Indians in Sydney, said the initiative was designed to create spaces where people could engage with one another respectfully despite differing backgrounds and beliefs.
“We live in a time where fear and division can easily overpower understanding. But when people from different faiths, cultures, and political perspectives sit together with sincerity and respect, something powerful happens — we begin to see each other as human beings first,” Ahmed said.
Organizers said the event underscored the growing role of community-led initiatives in strengthening Australia’s multicultural society and fostering a shared vision for the future.
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