Fo Guang Shan attends “2013 Muslim World Forum”

On the Saturday of 23rd November 2013, NZ Office of Ethnic Affairs organised a “2013 Muslim World Forum” at Aotea Centre. This event was joined by Fo Guang Shan’s Venerable Zhiming, North Island BLIA executive Yu Hua Han and committee member Yu Mei Wang. This Forum was held in order to discuss various issues regarding Muslims in New Zealand, as well as forging a relationship with the Muslim community.

Since 2005, NZ Office of Ethnic Affairs has started building bridges with the Muslim community. It has hoped to create more meaningful co-operation and communication, which will help to promote further harmony for society. Economy relationships with the Islamic world were also discussed which can aid New Zealand’s own economy as well. Currently, the Halal food market has a net worth of $2.3 trillion us dollars.

This Forum is attended by Ethnic Affairs Minister Hon Judith Collins, First Secretary of Embassy in Saudi Arabia Jeremy Clarke-Watson, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Dr Anwar Ghani, Chief Executive of Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development Limited Brett O’ Riley, Lawyer and Australian social commentator Iran Yusuf, TV3 reporter Ali Ikram, NZ Meat Industry Deputy Director-General Tim Richie, Islamic youth group leader, and many other members of community organisation with a total of 100 people in attendance.

Hon Judith Collins started the proceedings by reading from the “2013 Building Bridges Booklet”, with the main theme of building bridges between NZ Muslims and non-Muslims. Host Iran Yusuf shared many personal experiences with the audience and Ali Ikram also used himself as an example to explain many of the roles Muslims plays in society. During the Forum many members of audience passionately raised many questions and opinions. Lastly, the organisers hoped that as a multicultural society, New Zealand can create a harmonious nation by learning to mutual understanding.