Objectives and background
2008 Conference objectives
The objectives of this conference are to bring international and national experts together with local community leaders, decision makers and the media to raise awareness, improve understanding and discuss policy developments concerning Islam in the West, and Muslims as minorities of Western countries. The conference will 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 roles 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
Background
In recent years, the focus on Islam in Western nations has become significant, particularly the way in which Muslims can live harmoniously in these nations. Issues such as the fear of radicalisation of Muslim youth, loyalty to a non-Islamic state and Muslim women's participation in community affairs, among others, have all received much attention. While Muslim groups in Australia have been working in partnership with federal and state governments, there is insufficient research and evidence-based discussion on how best to address these issues. In the interests of an amicable, peaceful future, it is essential that the community understands and addresses the challenges and opportunities that Muslims face in countries such as Australia. To explore and better understand these issues with an evidence based approach, the Griffith Islamic Research Unit (GIRU) will host an International Symposium titled The Challenges and Opportunities of Islam in the West: The Case of Australia. Through its international network of academic leaders in this field, GIRU will draw together scholars from Europe, South Africa, USA and Australia to present the latest research findings and country based studies to inform dialogue and discussion at this event. GIRU plays an important role in promoting a balanced and contextualised Islam, and collaboration between Australian Muslims and non-Muslims through its research programs and the postgraduate scholarships offered at Griffith University.
Speakers
The following speakers have confirmed their attendance:- Professor Tariq Ramadan - European Muslim Network
- Professor Abdalla Saeed - University of Melbourne, Asia Institute
- Professor Yan Islam - Griffith University
- Reverend Professor James Haire - Charles Sturt University
- Associate Professor Regina Ganter - Griffith University
- Associate Professor Samina Yasmeen - University of Western Australia
- Dr Nahid Kabir - Edith Cowan University, Western Australia
- Iain Lygo - Social activist, freelance journalist and author
- Dr Mohamad Abdalla - Griffith Islamic Research Unit
- Sheik Naeem Abdul Wali - Australian Islamic Institute
- Sheik Moulana Ebrahim Bham - South Africa
- Irfan Yusuf - Solicitor of Supreme Court of NSW
- Dr Hussein Adibi - Queensland University of Technology
- Waleed Aly - Monash University, Melbourne
- Dr Halim Rane - Griffith Islamic Research Unit
- Mahmood Nathie - Griffith University
- Dr Peta Stephenson - University of Melbourne
- David Burke - Institute for Enneagram Studies
- Jenny Hutson - Wellington Capital Limited