The world today feels increasingly brittle. From the echo chambers of social media to the rise of extremism and institutional distrust, society seems to teeter between division and disengagement. Yet in the heart of Singapore, the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025 dared to imagine otherwise.

Held at the Raffles City Convention Centre and organized by RSIS NTU in partnership with Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the three-day gathering brought together a rare blend of scholars, public leaders, and religious figures from across the globe. They did not gather to celebrate a status quo—but to challenge it.

From Indonesia, two voices rose with clarity and conviction: Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, and Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Minister of Religious Affairs.

The Classroom as a Catalyst: Prof. Noorhaidi’s Vision for Islamic Universities

For Prof. Noorhaidi, the way forward begins not in parliaments or pulpits, but in classrooms. His message was simple, yet profound: Islamic higher education must be more than doctrinal—it must be transformative.

“Islamic universities should be at the forefront in spreading the values of peace and harmony,” he urged in his address.

He spoke of inclusive curricula, of teaching not just texts, but empathy. Of bringing the academy closer to the street—through community programs, interfaith workshops, and cross-cultural dialogue. He called on Islamic universities to not only teach about difference but to live it, to embody it.

And the world was listening.

When asked how he felt attending such a monumental forum, Prof. Noorhaidi reflected:

“It is a real privilege to take part in such a prestigious and intellectually vibrant conference. Being able to present my paper and engage in dialogue with leading scholars from across the globe has been immensely rewarding. ICCS is a landmark space for academic and interfaith exchange at the highest level.”

In his words, education is not just transmission—it is transformation. It is hope, translated into action.

Faith Without Borders: Prof. Nasaruddin Umar and the Power of Religious Diplomacy

While Prof. Noorhaidi mapped the classroom, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar reached for the soul. His address focused on the language of faith—not as dogma, but as diplomacy. At a time when geopolitical dialogues stall, he offered religious diplomacy as a deeper, more human alternative.

He spoke of Pancasila, Indonesia’s pluralistic ideology, as a gift the world needs to rediscover.

“Unity in diversity is not a slogan—it is the soul of our nation,” he reminded.

He shared the Istiqlal Declaration 2024, a living example of interfaith cooperation in action. From a tunnel linking Istiqlal Mosque to the Jakarta Cathedral, to joint spaces and shared prayers, Indonesia, he argued, is already showing the world how coexistence works.

And more radically, he called for a shift in theology itself—from the rigid and masculine, to one that is feminine, compassionate, and inclusive.

“To change the culture, we must change how we think. And to change how we think, we must change our theology,” he said.

Not Just a Voice, But a Compass

ICCS 2025 was not short on ideas. But in the din of competing visions, Indonesia stood out—not by volume, but by value. Prof. Noorhaidi brought the urgency of educational reform; Prof. Nasaruddin brought the depth of spiritual diplomacy. Together, they offered something rare in today’s global discourse: clarity with humility, and faith with reason.

In a world unraveling, they reminded us that harmony is not idealism—it is choice. One that begins in how we teach, how we pray, and how we listen.

And this week in Singapore, the world listened.