International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations | Hong Kong, 10 June 2026
On the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, Ascent Partners Foundation convened a Multi-Faith and Multi-Cultural Dialogue Round Table in Hong Kong, bringing together 24 participants from ten countries across four faith traditions. Co-organised with Dialogue In The Dark (HK) Foundation and Refugee Union, the half-day event created a facilitated small-group space where participants could share lived experiences, challenge assumptions, and reflect on what it means to build a more inclusive community.
Moving from cultural identity in the first session to deeper interfaith understanding in the second, the dialogue revealed that shared values — respect, kindness, compassion, and hospitality — transcend background and belief. By grounding the conversation in personal experience rather than formal presentations, the event demonstrated that direct human connection remains one of the most effective tools for social cohesion.
Dialogue Outcome
The dialogue created a respectful environment where participants could speak from personal experience. This helped participants move beyond stereotypes and engage with one another as individuals. The small-group format made it easier for people to participate, ask questions, and listen closely.
Dialogue Outcome
Participants repeatedly identified values that were common across cultures and faiths. These included respect, kindness, compassion, hospitality, humility, generosity, and care for others. The recognition of shared values helped shift the conversation from difference to common humanity.
Dialogue Outcome
The dialogue helped participants understand practices that are sometimes misunderstood, including the hijab, daily prayer, Ramadan, and religious hospitality. Participants recognized that respectful curiosity can reduce fear and replace assumptions with understanding.
Dialogue Outcome
Participants highlighted the importance of seeing refugees and migrants as people with dignity, skills, family responsibilities, and a desire to contribute. The conversation reinforced that inclusion is not only about assistance; it is also about participation, recognition, and opportunities to belong.
Dialogue Outcome
Participants identified practical steps that can make events more inclusive. These included considering dietary requirements, providing prayer space where possible, being mindful of fasting periods, using clear communication, and reducing participation barriers for people with limited resources.
The dialogue demonstrated that community-building is most effective when people are invited to speak from lived experience. Participants did not need a formal lecture to learn from one another — they needed a safe structure, thoughtful facilitation, and enough time to listen. The recognition of shared values across different backgrounds helped shift the conversation from difference to common humanity. Dialogue builds trust; diversity can strengthen community life; inclusion begins with everyday actions; faith can support peace and dignity; refugees and migrants should be seen as contributors; and one event is a beginning, not an endpoint.
The event was organized by Ascent Partners Foundation Limited in collaboration with co-organizers Dialogue In The Dark (HK) Foundation Limited and Refugee Union, whose partnership and commitment to community inclusion were instrumental to the dialogue's success.
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