Forum Discussion: Historical Cultural Influences on Inter-Ethnic Relations in Southeast Asia Today
Southeast Asia has long been a crossroads of cultures, faiths, and civilizations, where diverse ethnic and religious communities have interacted, traded, and coexisted for centuries. This rich history of exchange has left a lasting imprint on the social fabric of the region, shaping how different communities relate to one another today.
This forum discussion will bring together perspectives on how historical and cultural influences — including centuries of Buddhist and Muslim interaction — have contributed to the patterns of inter-ethnic relations we see across Southeast Asia in the present day. Speakers will explore themes such as shared heritage, cultural exchange, and the historical roots of both cooperation and tension between communities, offering insights into how understanding the past can help foster greater harmony and mutual respect in increasingly diverse and multicultural societies.
The discussion is jointly organized by the International Forum on Buddhist-Muslim Relations and the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), and will be held online.
📅 Saturday, August 8th, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Online
Whether you study the region, argue about it over coffee, or just want to understand the place you live in — pull up a chair.
👉 Scan the QR code above or register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfom2OWZv21UIlpwR-UxV3wyOo_Ef8bAnNXvbpu8yl9sTU_8w/viewform?usp=header
