Participants from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam are gathered in Perth for the 2009 Regional Interfaith Dialogue on ‘Future Faith Leaders: Regional Challenges and Cooperation’.


The event was hosted by the Australian government; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During the Closing Reception held on 30 Oct 2009, BCWA President spoke with Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Stephen Smith MP about representation of the Buddhist community.

- Dept. of Foreign Affairs & Trade Press Release - 5th RID
- Federal Minister Mr Stephen Smith MP Speech to 5th RID

Make a World of Difference; Hearing each other, Healing the earth

The Parliament of the World's Religions invite you to answer the great challenges of our time. As individuals, as religious and spiritual communities, as citizens of the world, we hold in our hands the ability to create a more just and peaceful world — one in which our respect for each other is matched by our respect for our planet and its resources. The 2009 Parliament will also focus on the struggles and spiritualities of Indigenous peoples around the globe, particularly highlighting the Aboriginal communities of Australia. Thousands of people from around the world will convene to renew their work for the future of the planet.

This December, the Parliament of the World's Religions brings together people from every religious and spiritual background to advance the dialogue that can create the future we all envision.