On 7 June, Baraza in cooperation with URI Europe hosted the webinar on Combating Polarisation through Interfaith Dialogue with Dr Brian Adams and Ms Shahin Akhdar.

► Link to the recording of the webinar

Dr Brian Adams is the Chair of the governing board for A Common Word Among the Youth (ACWAY), an international NGO supporting youth leadership in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He was founding director of the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue in Brisbane, Australia and the architect of the G20 Interfaith Forum, among other dialogue platforms. He has 20+ years of experience working in Africa, Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific gaining fluency in French and Swahili along with his native English.
Holder of a Doctorate of Philosophy in Political Science, and two Master degrees in Community Development and Conflict Resolution, Dr Adams focuses on the promotion of interreligious, intercultural, and inter-organizational respect and understanding. As a former Rotary Peace Fellow, Brian is primarily focused on promoting respect and understanding across cultural, religious and organisational boundaries.

Shahin Akhtar is a board member of URI UK. She brings with her a decade's experience of interfaith dialogue. Her facilitation focuses on four major types of interreligious dialogue, which consist of, “polemical,” “cognitive,” “peacemaking,” and “partnership”.  She will be talking to us about the importance of dialogue and unity and the effects of polarisation in interfaith relations.

Our intention is to offer opportunities for learning, connection and insights that can further inform and support activities for peace, justice and healing.