ICSOA: Advocating for religious acceptance

This impactful gathering featured speeches and discussions by prominent religious leaders, political representatives, community leaders and social activists.

ICSOA Secretary Mr Fasihuddin Khan, served as the Master of Ceremony, commenced the formal program with an acknowledgment of the country and shared the history, objectives, and ongoing activities of ICSOA.

A promotional video highlighted ICSOA’s contributions to fostering peace, social cohesion, and multicultural understanding in Australia. 

Reflecting on ICSOA’s ongoing initiatives, Mr Khan highlighted the organisation’s history of addressing critical topics such as interfaith dialogue, social harmony, human rights, community cohesion, education, and the importance of diversity in a multicultural society.

He underscored that events like these are essential for countering the spread of hate and promoting genuine religious acceptance within Australia. 

ICSOA President Mr Abbas Raza Alvi addressed the audience on the profound theme of the event, urging the need for society to evolve from merely tolerating religious differences to actively embracing them.

He emphasized that true social cohesion requires deeper acceptance and respect for diverse faiths, rather than simply peaceful coexistence noting that “peace is a journey of a thousand miles,” encouraging attendees to adopt daily actions that promote religious acceptance within their communities. 

 The event included keynote remarks from Mr Craig Foster, who emphasised unity and social harmony amidst rising global conflicts, while Mr Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, spoke on the value of diversity in Australia’s multicultural society.

Distinguished faith leaders, including Pandit Jatin Kumar Bhatt, Ms Donna Jacobs Sife, Maulana Nazeerul Hasan Thanvi, Father Shenouda Mansour, and Maulana Qamar Zaman shared perspectives on fostering understanding and mutual respect across religions. 

Notable parliamentarians, ministers, councilors, and community representatives attended to lend their support, including Hon Jihad Dib, Hon Mark Speakman, Hon Stephen Kamper, Hon Mark Coure, and Councillor Robert Fitzgerald.

Their presence underscored the importance of government and community partnership in promoting religious acceptance. 

 A special highlight of the event was the presentation of three prestigious awards by ICSOA to recognise outstanding contributions to interfaith harmony and community engagement: 

• Community Excellence Award presented by Mr Craig Foster to Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST Newspaper, received by Mr Abbas Chelat and Fasihuddin Khan on behalf of Mr Ahmad.
• Media Excellence Award presented by Hon Mark Speakman to Desi Australia, represented by Mr Dimple. 
• Interfaith Excellence Award presented by Hon Jihad Dib to the Abraham Conference Committee, received by Rev Dr Manas Ghosh, for their dedication to interfaith collaboration. 

Mr Abbas Chelat concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all attendees and acknowledging the efforts of ICSOA Executive members and volunteers: Abbas Raza Alvi, Abbas Chelat, Siddique Panwala, Fasihuddin Khan, Iram Rasheed, Taufiq Ahmad, Sarah Burney, Tahira Burney, Sarwat Zahra, and Zohaib Khan.

Their commitment and hard work were praised for driving ICSOA’s mission forward. 

This year’s event was not only a testament to ICSOA’s unwavering dedication to fostering peace but also a call to action for communities to embrace acceptance as a foundational value in creating a more inclusive society.