IALRW Conference 2025: Power of Dialogue and Partnership

The International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW) will host its 2025 Conference from June 11-16 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The conference will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation. Under the theme “Power of Dialogue and Partnership,” participants will explore indigenous perspectives, interfaith dialogue, and women’s leadership in addressing global challenges.

About the Conference

Building on discussions from the 2023 gathering in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, this five-day program combines academic presentations, interactive workshops, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities. The conference will feature interfaith dialogues with Buddhist and indigenous perspectives, with special attention to their traditions of living in harmony with nature.

The venue, The Waterfront Hotel in Kuching, will also host the 19th Sakyadhita International Conference for Buddhist Women immediately following the IALRW event, creating opportunities for extended dialogue and connection.

Dates
June 11-16, 2025
Location
The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Participation
In-person: 930 MYR (~$210 USD) | Online: $10 USD

Program Highlights

Opening
115 Years of IARLW: Historical Foundations & Future Directions
Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter, IALRW President & IARF Main Representative to the UN
An exploration of IALRW’s journey since its founding in 1910 as the Ladies Wing of the IARF and its vision for the future.
Keynote
Reactivating Humanity and Humanness through Religions
Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman, Advisor & Former IALRW President
Exploring how religious traditions can guide humanity toward compassion and justice during challenging times.
Dialogue
Buddhist and Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Change
Dr. Thea Mohr & Ms. Celine Lim
A conversation exploring connections between Buddhist and indigenous approaches to environmental ethics and climate action.
Policy
Nuclear Disarmament and Japanese Women’s Advocacy
Prof. Dr. Kathy R. Matsui, Advisor & Former IALRW President
Insights from Japanese women’s advocacy work on abolishing nuclear weapons and promoting peace.

Featured Speakers

Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter

Rev. Dr. Esther R. Suter

President, IALRW & Main Representative to the UN for IARF
She is an ordained minister in the Swiss Evangelical Church and serves as the Permanent Main Representative to the United Nations for IARF. She has extensive experience in international ecumenical work and interfaith dialogue, and regularly participates in UN sessions and conferences representing IARF’s interests and mission.
Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman

Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman

Advisor, IALRW & Former President (2014-2023)
Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman is a professor of Comparative Religion at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. She is an academic who is actively involved in social works and is especially active in interfaith engagements and initiatives, locally and internationally, and her publications on interfaith initiatives are references for such works.
Prof. Dr. Kathy R. Matsui

Prof. Dr. Kathy R. Matsui

Advisor to IALRW & Former President (2006-2014)
She is a peace educator facilitating conflict resolution and reconciliation workshops. She works with peace researchers and educators internationally in the International Institute on Peace Education, the Conflict Resolution and Peace Education Working Group of the Global Partnership for Prevention of Armed Conflict.
Dr. Thea Mohr

Dr. Thea Mohr

Council of Europe and IRICD Commission, Europe Buddhist Union
Dr. Thea Mohr is an internationally recognized expert in intercultural competence and cultural intelligence, with specialized focus on India, China, Japan, South Korea, Arab countries, and several European nations. A business economist and religious/cultural scientist by training, she holds certification as an intercultural trainer and coach.

Registration Information

The conference offers two participation options:

In-Person
930 MYR (approx. $210 USD)
Includes registration fee (220 MYR), conference package (710 MYR), all sessions, materials, specified meals, and cultural activities
Online
$10 USD
Includes access to all virtual sessions, digital conference materials, and interactive components

Registration is considered complete upon submission of the online form and receipt of payment. For complete details and to register, visit the IALRW Conference 2025 website.

We invite IARF members and friends to join this gathering to explore the power of dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries, and to support women’s leadership in addressing today’s challenges.

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