2026 National Social Cohesion & Inclusion Conference
Description
The 2026 National Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference is the sixth in a series of conferences on social cohesion hosted by the Australian Baha’i Community. These conferences aim to be an ongoing space to explore the various settings, approaches, and methods that help to foster greater social cohesion and inclusion in Australia. This conference is an opportunity for those who are thinking deeply about the progress of our country to deliberate, learn, share ideas and reflect on experience.
This year’s conference will focus on the following themes:
Constructive and unifying dialogue
Extending participation through neighbourhoods and communities
Redefining relationships across leadership and institutions
Drawing on the capacities of youth
The conference will include keynote presentations, panels and ample time for small group discussions amongst conference participants, civil society leaders and representatives. See Speakers and Panellists and Conference Agenda below.
We invite diverse participation from government, civil society and industry leaders, academics, media, arts, and community and faith representatives, who will participate in a program designed for connection, discussion, exploration, and co-creation of new pathways forward for our country.
See previous conferences at oea.bahai.org.au
To ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation, scholarships will be provided on request at: ausbahaievents@bahai.org.au.
Speakers & Presenters
Mark Groote - Head of the Office for Social Cohesion, Department of Home Affairs
Elfa Moraitakis - Chief Executive Officer, SydWest
Susan Moylan-Coombs - Director, Gaimaragal Foundation
Dr Rumbi Mabambe - Executive Director, Chain Reaction Foundation
Eva Hussain - Founder and Director of Relationships & Growth, Polaron Connect
Dr Andre Van Eymeren - Author, Community Builder, Writer and Educator
Ronna Guzman - Social Impact Founder, Community Leader & Advocate
Dr Soheila Lew - Program Manager, Refugee Migrant Children Centre
Micheal West - Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Mateen Navidi - Project Coordinator, Fred Murray Community Centre
Dr Penny Taylor - Race Relations Researcher
Hari Remala - Community Programme Coordinator
Agenda
- 8:30 am
Registration
- 9:00 am
Introduction & Welcome
- 9:20 am
Session 1 - Constructive and unifying dialogue
- 10:30 am
Morning Tea
- 11:00 am
Session 2 - Extending participation through neighbourhoods and communities
- 12:30 am
Lunch
- 1:30 pm
Session 3 - Redefining relationships across leadership and institutions
- 2:50 pm
Afternoon Tea
- 3:10 pm
Session 4 - Drawing on the potential of youth
- 4:30 pm
Conference Close
Highlights from the 2025 National Social Cohesion Conference
Glimpses of the 2025 Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference
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