Abdurrahman Wahid to discuss religion, peace and unity

8 December 2004

Former Indonesian President Mr Abdurrahman Wahid will visit Monash University, Clayton on Friday, December 10 to discuss the rise of religious diversity as an increasingly powerful force in south-east Asia and the Pacific region.

The well known Muslim cleric will also launch the UNESCO Chair in inter-religious and inter-cultural relations -- South Pacific, a position awarded to Head of the School of Social and Political Inquiry Professor Gary Bouma.

Mr Wahid aims to highlight the growing need for policy makers to harbour and promote peace and to ease ethnic tensions.

He will discuss the religious revitalisation of Islam and Christianity following a marked rise of these religious groups in political and cultural life in the region.

This will be Mr Wahid's first visit to Australia in several years and the event marks the recognition of the shift in religious dimensions and diversity.

Who: Former Indonesian President Mr Abdurrahman Wahid

What: A conversation 'Inter-religious and intercultural dialogue in south-east Asia and the Pacific'

Where: South 1 lecture theatre, building 64, Monash University, Clayton campus

When: Friday, 10 December at 3pm

For further information contact Ms Ingrid Sanders in Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201.