Collaborative Approaches to Counter the Extremist Right-Wing and Islamophobia Threats

The conference examined the impact of the extremist right-wing and Islamophobia on social cohesion after the 15 March 2019 terrorist attack in New Zealand. The academic presentations in the morning session highlighted the effectiveness of bottom-up and custom-made solutions, which also focused on structural inequalities and socio-economic disadvantages making the youth vulnerable to extremist ideologies. The extremist right-wing and Islamophobia threats are deeper since the real target is democratic systems and social cohesion, yet their populistic discourse veils this real threat. The impact of extremism developing with the sense of victimhood were found to be destructive for the perpetrator and victim, and a cross-community alliance and collaboration were suggested to achieve the common good, which is a safe and socially cohesive NSW for everyone. The conference sought to generate a collective sense of responsibility in safeguarding social, collaborative and coordinated efforts to counter the discussed problems. 

Solution-oriented and collaborative work through a cross-community alliance and partnering with other stakeholders (such as civil society organisations, government, industry and academics) were repeatedly highlighted during the conference. One participant effectively summarised the conference in one sentence: “It was perfectly pitched and included plenaries from experts, survivor stories and an opportunity to be involved in developing solutions.”

• Iner, Derya & Priscilla Brice (January 2020). Report to the NSW Government: Collaborative Approaches to Counter the Extremist Right-wing and Islamophobia Threats. Sydney: Charles Sturt University and All Together Now. 
• The Conference content was also captured by a sketch writer-artist during the conference:

Keynote speakers and panellists delivered public lectures on the same topic.