Parliament of World Religions 2009, Melbourne

Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 will convene religious and civil leaders and interested individuals from all corners of the globe in Melbourne. A major event held every five years, the Parliament will attract an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 delegates to productively workshop socially cohesive and environmentally sustainable ways forward that span and embrace cultural, racial and religious diversity.

Since 1993, a Parliament of the World’s Religions has convened every five years in a major international city (Chicago 1993, Cape Town 1999, Barcelona 2004). Sponsored by the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, the 2009 Parliament will take place in Melbourne, Australia.

A multi-religious, multi-lingual, and multicultural city, Melbourne offers an ideal location for the 2009 Parliament. Culturally vibrant and global in vision, Melbourne and Victoria are home to indigenous and Aboriginal spiritualities as well as major world religions – Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism among others. Over 10,000 participants will come to Melbourne for the Parliament. The 2009 Parliament will turn worldwide attention to Melbourne as a destination city with international appeal.

The Parliament will run for seven days with approximately 450 events including conferences, debates, performances, concerts and exhibitions. Parliament participants will work with others and in their own traditions to craft faithful responses to: Indigenous reconciliation, Environmental care and degradation, Education of the young and the challenges of social disengagement, Forced migration and Artistic expression and value of sports.

The Parliament welcomes your contribution and involvement. If you wish to consider participating, involving your community or financially contributing, please visit www.parliamentofreligions2009.org