UM hosts global civilisational dialogue ICONCIDI25

The Dewan Tunku Canselor at Universiti Malaya was transformed into a vibrant meeting ground of ideas and identities on April 15, 2025, as the International Conference on Civilisational Dialogue 2025 (ICONCIDI25) convened in honour of the 30th anniversary of the Universiti Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD). With participation from academic, governmental, religious, and civil society leaders, the event stood as a testament to the Centre’s three-decade journey of fostering intercivilisational understanding.

What began in 1996 as a bold initiative to promote peace through academic and interfaith dialogue has since matured into a recognised institution for global engagement. ICONCIDI25 was not just a celebration of this legacy, but a reinvigoration of its founding ideals, tailored to the complexities of the 21st century. The conference’s thoughtfully curated programme highlighted the intersections of tradition and modernity, ethics and policy, local experience and global challenges.

Intellectual exchange and philosophical insights

Two keynote addresses grounded the conference in deep philosophical and ethical thought. Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar drew attention to the profound ethical consonance between Islam and Confucianism—two worldviews that, despite arising in different historical contexts, share a reverence for moral cultivation and social harmony. His presentation not only enriched the understanding of common civilisational values but also underlined their applicability to today’s fractured global discourse.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Daniel Bell, a prominent scholar in political Confucianism, explored the nexus of philosophical principles and real-world issues such as environmental sustainability. His address provided a compelling argument for reviving classical thought systems as practical frameworks for cooperative governance and social responsibility—further asserting that civilisation is not a relic of the past, but a roadmap for the future.

Regional voices and renewed commitment

A highlight of the day was a panel discussion featuring Southeast Asian scholars and practitioners who contextualised civilisational dialogue within the ASEAN framework. Moderated by Dr. Alwani binti Ghazali of UMCCD, the session illuminated the ways in which cultural and religious pluralism in the region can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Experts including Professor Dato’ Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian and Professor Dr. Muhammad Sirajuddin Syamsuddin emphasised ASEAN’s potential as a model for harmonious coexistence, grounded in mutual respect and shared humanistic values.

The conference also bore witness to a significant national announcement. In his special address, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s dedication to intercivilisational dialogue by launching the National Centre of Excellence for Civilisational Dialogue. This institutional move cements Malaysia’s role as a central node for intercultural engagement in Asia and beyond. A ceremonial signing underscored the historic nature of this development, providing a structural foundation for future collaborative efforts.

Legacy of the UMCCD and the road ahead

The Universiti Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, which was formally founded on November 13, 1996, has long been a quiet but powerful force in the landscape of intercultural scholarship and diplomacy. From its flagship ICONCIDI series—held previously in 2017, 2019, and 2022—to its co-hosting of regional conferences on science, society, and religion, the Centre has demonstrated a consistent commitment to nurturing a pluralistic intellectual space.

Beyond institutional programmes, UMCCD’s greatest contribution may lie in its cultivation of personal connections and mutual understanding. This was most evident in the informal moments of the conference: students exchanging ideas with diplomats, religious leaders engaging youth advocates, and academics debating constructively across cultural lines. These interactions echoed the Centre’s founding principle—that peace begins not just with policy, but with people.

As ICONCIDI25 concluded, the consensus was clear: in an era defined by division and rapid change, the world needs spaces where civilisations can meet not in conflict, but in conversation. With renewed purpose and national support, the UMCCD and its partners are poised to lead this effort forward—not just for Malaysia, but for the global community.