Overview

About ICCS 2025

In an era marked by growing interconnectedness yet increasing division, what unites and gives us confidence for the future? How can diverse communities build bonds that endure the challenges of our time?

In its third edition, ICCS 2025 was held from 24^th to 26^th June 2025 at Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore, with the ICCS Young Leaders Programme (YLP) held from 26^th to 28^th June 2025, with the theme “Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures”. The 3-day programme delved into three thematic pillars—Unpacking Multiculturalism, Navigating Uncertainty, and Forging Societal Resilience—through plenaries, breakout sessions, and skills workshops that equipped delegates with actionable insights.

For any enquiries, do reach out to us at: iccs-mail@ntu.edu.sg

Programme Overview

Day 1: Unpacking Multiculturalism

What do we mean by terms like multiculturalism, inclusion, and social cohesion? Through rich dialogue and comparative perspectives, we explored the history, practices and conditions that enable communities to effectively bring together diverse ethnic and religious groups, fostering greater harmony and resilience.

Day 1 segments:

• Keynote Address by President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam

• Special Presentation: Perspectives on Social Cohesion

• Plenary 1: Unpacking Multiculturalism

• Concurrent sessions:

• Community Exploration

Speakers include:

• [Indonesia] Prof Dr Nasaruddin Umar, Grand Imam, Istiqlal State Mosque

• [New Zealand] Prof Colleen Ward, Professor of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington

• [Vatican] Monsignor Indunil Kodithuwakku, Secretary, Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue

Day 2: Navigating Uncertainty

In an era of rapid change and increasing complexity, what emerging forces challenge our confidence in multiculturalism today? We examined how polarisation and extremism influenced diverse societies, and how new social movements and digital communities reshaped connections and influenced cohesion.

Day 2 segments:

• Keynote Address by the Sultan of Perak and Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah

• Plenary 2: Navigating Uncertainty

• Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar

• Concurrent sessions:

• Community Exploration

Speakers include:

• [The Netherlands] Mr Ahmed Aboutaleb, former Mayor of Rotterdam

• [Malaysia] Prof Farish Noor, Professor, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia

• [Singapore] Mr Peter Ho, Senior Advisor, Centre for Strategic Futures, Prime Minister’s Office Strategy Group; Former Head of Civil Service

Day 3: Forging Societal Resilience

What enables societies to maintain harmony and thrive amidst adversity? This segment explored the structures, values, and practices that preserved resilience and supported multicultural cohesion. We examined how different elements of society—including governments, community organisations, and individuals—could champion multicultural values, utilise technology to deepen connections, and rebuild trust and unity after crises.

Day 3 segments:

• Plenary 3: Forging Societal Resilience

• Concurrent sessions:

• Cohesion Forward

• Keynote Address by Mr Edwin Tong, Singapore's Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs

Speakers include:

• [Singapore] Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Manpower

• [Thailand] Venerable Napan Thawornbanjob, Founding Chair, Institute of Buddhist Management for Happiness and Peace (IBHAP) Foundation

• [United Kingdom] Prof Katy Bennett, Professor of Human Geography, University of Leicester

The International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025 was organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), and Tote Board.