The UNESCO Chair for Cultural Diversity and Social Justice was honoured to host the 16th annual Iftar Dinner, on behalf of Deakin University and held in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society.
A lasting partnership
After 16 years, the Iftar Dinner is a cherished event on Deakin’s annual calendar. It is also a celebration of our longstanding and valued partnership with AIS. The Iftar Dinner continues to foster friendships and intercultural dialogue with friends old and new.
An important event in times of crisis
UNESCO Chairholder Professor Fethi Mansouri welcomed guests with a few reflections on the importance of holding the Iftar each year. The Professor acknowledged that recent global conflicts signalled an alarming shift away from dialogue. These troubling times made events like the Iftar Dinner even more important.
Professor Simon Tormey, the Dean the Faculty of Arts and Education, shared similar sentiments about the changing global landscape and why the spirit of the dinner was significant in the current political climate.
Insightful reflections from Ms Karen Percy
This year’s program featured an insightful address by esteemed journalist Ms Karen Percy. She spoke about the importance of rebuilding trust within society and the role that media literacy and respectful disagreement can play.
Ms Percy urged the audience to be critical readers of media and mourned the lost art of respectful disagreement. She encouraged us to become more comfortable with the discomfort of holding and listening to, different opinions in conversations with others.
Quran recital and call to prayer before Iftar (breaking the fast)
Following her address, Deakin alumnus Ahmad Wamiq Ghowsi delivered a beautiful Quran Recital and Call to Prayer before guests came together to break the fast.
Iftar (إفطار) literally means “breaking the fast.” During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). Iftar is the meal to break the fast each day. It is a moment of joy and relief after a day of fasting.
Thanks to everyone involved
Our sincere thanks to Executive Director of the Australian Intercultural Society, Ahmet Keskin. Also, thanks to the team at Deakin Downtown and Deakin Events, and members of the Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation. Finally, thank you to the many distinguished community leaders, students, researchers and friends of Deakin who joined us.
