On July 2, 2024, UCSI University hosted an interfaith forum featuring leaders from
Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism discussing how their faiths support the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
By bringing together representatives from different religions, the event highlighted the shared values and common ground among different religious traditions when it comes to sustainability and social justice.
Moderated by a veteran media columnist from The SUN newspaper, Joachim Ng, the forum featured an esteemed panel of religious leaders:
• Dr Mark Lovatt (Christianity)
• Dr Mohammad Qutub (Islam)
• Dr Wan Cheong Kin (Buddhism)
• Aghalya Darmalingam (Hinduism)
While each panellist focused on specific SDGs relevant to their faith, a common thread among the speakers was SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Their coming together peacefully despite their differences modelled inclusivity and cooperation.
The event which gathered around 150 attendees received positive feedback:
“This eye-opening event demonstrated how religion and SDGs can intersect. It was heartening to see everyone’s agreement on working towards a better world full of love and harmony.”
– Jeslyn Choo Jia Huey
Event organiser
“I learned that SDGs are prioritised by religions for community betterment. Even though there are multiple religions, the focus on equality, justice, and environmental care unites us all.”
– Nur Farhath Binti Safiullah
Student Council president
“The forum revealed how all religions actively contribute to SDGs. It highlighted that religious teachings have long embraced sustainability, a connection we’re only now becoming more aware of.”
– Aaryan Amin Premji
Student Council vice-president
“The Forum was well conducted. It demonstrated that, beyond Islam, other religions also uphold the noble intentions of the UN SDGs.”
– Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Bin Mohd Rasdi Professor of Islamic Architecture from the School of Architecture and Built Environment
This Interfaith Forum is part of UCSI University’s initiatives as a Harmoni-Mesra Campus. By bringing together leaders of different religions in a respectful and amicable setting, the event celebrated unity in diversity and promoted inclusivity and harmony, thereby embodying the principles of Rukun Negara
By bringing together representatives from different religions, the event highlighted the shared values and common ground among different religious traditions when it comes to sustainability and social justice.
Moderated by a veteran media columnist from The SUN newspaper, Joachim Ng, the forum featured an esteemed panel of religious leaders:
• Dr Mark Lovatt (Christianity)
• Dr Mohammad Qutub (Islam)
• Dr Wan Cheong Kin (Buddhism)
• Aghalya Darmalingam (Hinduism)
While each panellist focused on specific SDGs relevant to their faith, a common thread among the speakers was SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Their coming together peacefully despite their differences modelled inclusivity and cooperation.
The event which gathered around 150 attendees received positive feedback:
“This eye-opening event demonstrated how religion and SDGs can intersect. It was heartening to see everyone’s agreement on working towards a better world full of love and harmony.”
– Jeslyn Choo Jia Huey
Event organiser
“I learned that SDGs are prioritised by religions for community betterment. Even though there are multiple religions, the focus on equality, justice, and environmental care unites us all.”
– Nur Farhath Binti Safiullah
Student Council president
“The forum revealed how all religions actively contribute to SDGs. It highlighted that religious teachings have long embraced sustainability, a connection we’re only now becoming more aware of.”
– Aaryan Amin Premji
Student Council vice-president
“The Forum was well conducted. It demonstrated that, beyond Islam, other religions also uphold the noble intentions of the UN SDGs.”
– Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Bin Mohd Rasdi Professor of Islamic Architecture from the School of Architecture and Built Environment
This Interfaith Forum is part of UCSI University’s initiatives as a Harmoni-Mesra Campus. By bringing together leaders of different religions in a respectful and amicable setting, the event celebrated unity in diversity and promoted inclusivity and harmony, thereby embodying the principles of Rukun Negara
