The Challenges and Opportunities of Islam in the West: The Case of Australia
Conference 3 - 5 March 2008
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
This conference was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, Brisbane. The keynote speaker was Professor Tariq Ramadan, President of the European Muslim Network, based in Brussels. Professor Ramadan holds an MA in Philosophy and French Literature, and a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Geneva.
The main objective of this symposium was to address several important issues including:
- Historical, cultural and political challenges of Islam in the West
- The role and contributions of Muslims in Western societies
- Islam and multiculturalism
- Improving mutual understanding, cooperation and harmony - including the role and responsibilities of the Muslim community, political leaders and the media
- Socio-economic issues such as unemployment and underemployment
- Youth identity and self image
- The radicalisation of Muslim youth