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?

Now in its third edition, ICCS 2025 will be 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 will delve into three thematic pillars—Unpacking Multiculturalism, Navigating Uncertainty, and Forging Societal Resilience—through plenaries, breakout sessions, and skills workshops that equip delegates with actionable insights.

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 explore 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 His Excellency, President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam

• Special Presentation: Perspectives on Social Cohesion

• Plenary 1: Unpacking Multiculturalism

• Concurrent sessions:

  • Skills Workshops

  • Breakout Sessions 1-3

  • Delegate Networking

• Community Exploration

Speakers include:

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

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

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

Day 2: Navigating Uncertainty

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

 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 Asia Social Cohesion Radar

• Concurrent sessions:

  • Skills Workshops

  • Breakout Sessions 4-6

  • Delegate Networking

• Community Exploration

Speakers include:

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

• [Malaysia] Prof Farish Noor, Professor of Politics and Political Science, Universitas Islamic Internasional Indonesia

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

Day 3: Forging Societal Resilience

What enables societies to maintain harmony and thrive amidst adversity? This segment explores the structures, values, and practices that preserve resilience and support multicultural cohesion. We examine how different elements of society—including governments, community organisations, and individuals— can 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:

  • Igniting Change Showcase

  • Breakout Sessions 7 and 8

  • Sharing Sessions

• Cohesion Forward

• Closing Address

Speakers include:

• [Singapore] Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, Republic of Singapore

• [Thailand] Venerable Napan Thawornbanjob, Chair, Institute of Buddhist Management for Happiness and Peace

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

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