The fifth Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue will be held in Perth, Australia from October 28- 30 2009.

The Dialogue will involve 15 countries from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific and aims to promote understanding and cooperation amongst different faith communities in our region, thereby addressing some of the potential causes of religious and inter-community tension. The Dialogue process has gained momentum and is regarded by participating countries as having real potential to improve the longer-term prospects for mutual understanding, and peace and security in the region. New Zealand is a co-sponsor of the Dialogue, along with Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Previous Dialogues were held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2004); Cebu, the Philippines (2006); Waitangi (2007); and Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2008). The theme for this year’s event in Perth is ‘Future Faith Leaders: Regional Challenges and Cooperation’.