We are witnessing a period of tumultuous change across the globe. Driven by factors such as the far-reaching impacts of climate change, political and economic upheavals of Brexit, US withdrawal from international leadership, coupled with the rise of Chinese transnational organisations, persistent international terrorism, and widening political and social polarisation, this wave of change is restructuring how the world works.

What is the role of the Commonwealth of Nations in these changing times?

This conference will explore the normative and practical leadership roles of faith communities, universities, and the Commonwealth of Nations itself under the theme: “Sustainable Peace and Development in a Polarising World: Perspectives and Contributions from the Commonwealth of Nations.”

Based on the successful precedents of events organised in conjunction with the G20 and G8 Summits, it is clear that input from a broad range of voices strengthen international decision making. This conference will assemble experts from around the Commonwealth as part of the activities surrounding the Commonwealth Games on the Australian Gold Coast in April 2018.

PROGRAM

Monday 9 April

4:30pm - Registration
6:00pm - OPENING CONFERENCE DINNER

Tuesday 10 April

8:30 - Opening Plenary: The Commonwealth as a "Workable World" Model
10:00 - Break
10:30 - Plenary Session: The Commonweatlh: Governing for Sustainable Peace and Development
11:45 - First parallel session A: Contextualising Sustainable Peace and Development in the Commonwealth
11:45 - First parallel session B: Plurality or Polarity: Diversity Across the Commonwealth
13:00 - Lunch Break
14:00 - Afternoon Plenary: Religious Leader Engagement
15:30 - Break
16:00 - Second parallel session A: Sustaining Peace and Development: Role of Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue
- Second parallel session B: Challenges to Peace and Development in the Commonwealth
17:30 - Free Time

Wednesday 11 April

8:30 - Opening Plenary: Reconciliation Across the Commonwealth
10:00 - Break
10:30 - First parallel session A: Women of the Commonwealth Leading Peace and Development
- First parallel session B: Youth Contributions to Religion & Sustainable Development in the Commonwealth
11:45 - Second parallel session A: Muslims Building Peace and Security in the Commonwealth
- Second parallel session B: Religion, Sustainable Peace and Development
13:00 - Lunch Break
14:00 - Third parallel session A: Sustainable Peace and Developoment: Who Leads?
- Third parallel session B: The Commonwealth: Governing for Sustainable Peace and Development
15:30 - Break
16:00 - Afternoon Plenary: Sustainable Peace and Development: Who Leads?
17:30 - Closing Plenary Session
18:00 - Close of Conference

Included in General Admission Tickets: All Conference Sessions, Monday Night Conference Dinner, Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea
Excluded: Lunch, dinner on Tuesday & Wednesday, accommodation and travel