Message from Lawrence Chong

Friends, colleagues, and esteemed delegates, as Chairman of the host country for this landmark 50th Anniversary of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) and the 10th Assembly in Singapore, I welcome you to a pivotal moment. The world, facing escalating conflicts and the rapid disruption of Artificial Intelligence, demands that we move beyond routine dialogue. The status quo is no longer enough to secure peace.

Our theme which was beautifully set up by our Secretary General Dr Shinohara, “Shaping Asia for Peace through Bold and Innovative Action,” is not merely a slogan; it is a mandate to us all. Therefore when we gather in November 2026 in Singapore, our focus is resolutely impact-oriented. This Assembly must serve as the breakthrough for achieving tangible, measurable interfaith progress across Asia, forcing us to redefine our methodologies for peacebuilding.

To achieve this, we are fundamentally broadening our ecosystem. This includes actively onboarding non-traditional allies, such as leading corporates, who bring invaluable resources, management expertise, and regional reach to walk with us. Furthermore, innovation will be key—not just in generating new regional initiatives, but in establishing vital new country member chapters where they are most needed.

Above all, we must future-proof our mission. This Assembly must pave the way for the next generation to lead in this new age of digital complexity, ensuring they are equipped with the vision and tools to navigate AI’s ethical landscape and the persistent threats of global conflict. Let us make this Assembly the inflection point where innovation meets faith, delivering a sustainable, impactful legacy for peace.