Victorian Leaders Unite For Peace Forum

Last Friday, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)’s Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) hosted a peace forum at Parliament House, bringing leaders from across Victoria to explore ways to cultivate inner peace, deepen compassion and strengthen our common humanity.

A key function of the MAG is to serve as an example of open, respectful, honest, and robust interfaith conversation and collaboration. In doing this, the MAG is in an informed position to provide suggestions to assist both our government and communities. The shared goal is to strengthen community harmony and cohesion.

Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Iwan Walters and VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen joined faith leaders at the event to explore how cultivating inner peace helps strengthen community harmony.

The initiative – a partnership between the VMC Multifaith Advisory Group, Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, and Calm in the City – reflects a commitment to support respectful inter-religious conversation and collaboration.

Iwan Walters welcomed participants and reflected on how practices like contemplation help communities face challenges together. Other forum speakers included Professor Craig Hassed OAM from Monash University, Sister Jayanti from the Brahma Kumaris, and Bishop Philip Huggins from the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.

This was a significant gathering at a time when communities across the state are seeking new and enduring ways to address challenges to social cohesion.

Quotes attributable to Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Multicultural Affairs

“Victoria’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths – and events like the peace forum hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission help ensure every voice is heard and respected.”

“Faith and community leaders have an important role for our multicultural and multifaith communities fostering a safer, more inclusive Victoria for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Iwan Walters, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs

“Ensuring Victoria’s diverse communities can engage with each other strengthens social connection, mutual understanding and respect in our multicultural state.”

“Victoria’s faith leaders and multicultural champions create positive change by building bridges between communities, which improve the lives of others.”

Quotes attributable to VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen AM:

“The Victorian Multicultural Commission is pleased and proud to lead and collaborate on the critical work of bringing together people of faith and goodwill.”

"By building trust and understanding between people, the forum fosters values and builds connections on which communities can rely in both good and challenging times."