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A one-day conference at The University of Western Australia this Sunday will explore the ways in which the tragic events of 9/11 provided the impetus for greater understanding, cooperation and interaction among Muslim people and others.

Speakers include Afghani female parliamentarian Malalai Joya, who has survived assassination attempts and is on Time Magazine's 100 most influential people list, Malaysian socio-political blogger Marina Mahathir and US Consul General Aleisha Woodward.

Conference convenor, Professor Samina Yasmeen, is Director of UWA's Centre for Muslim States and Societies which is hosting the event.

WHAT: Conference: Rebuilding Harmony - 9/11 Ten Years On

WHEN: 10am-3.30pm, Sunday, September 11, 2011

WHERE: The University Club (nearest entrance: carpark 3 off Hackett Drive,          Crawley)

SPEAKERS:

Malalai Joya, a secular Muslim critical of fundamentalists in the Taliban and the northern alliance.

Aleisha Woodward , US Consul General in Perth.  Ms Woodward completed a master's program in national security strategy at the US National War College at Fort McNair in Washington DC.  She served as Press and Cultural Attaché at the US embassy in Moldova, Consular Officer in London, and Public Diplomacy Officer at the Tokyo American Center, coordinating conferences and seminars on American society and foreign policy-related topics.

Marina Mahathir, eldest child of the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia , Tun Mahathir Mohammad .  She is well known as a leader in many non-governmental organisations such as the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and is currently an active socio-political blogger.

Jarrod McKenna, internationally recognised speaker, peace award recipient, blogger and activist based in Perth and a new addition to the Christian Engagement Team at World Vision Australia.

John Cleary, presenter of Sunday Nights on ABC local Radio.  He has been described as ‘one of Australia's leading commentators on religious affairs'.

Debra McDougall , Assistant Professor in Anthropology and Sociology at UWA.  She has carried out intensive long-term fieldwork in the Solomon Islands.  Her research covers many areas of social and political life in this island society.

Dr Wendy Southern , Deputy Secretary, Policy and Program Management Department of Immigration and Citizenship.  In 2010, she was awarded the Institute of Chartered Accountants' inaugural award for outstanding contribution to Australian administration.  She also has a PhD in geography from Australian National University.

Hon. Elizabeth Behjat , was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Council for the North Metropolitan Region in 2008, representing the Liberal Party.

Frank Sheehan , Senior Canon at St George's Cathedral.  He is also the School Chaplain and Director of the Centre for Ethics at Christ Church Grammar School.

Kathryn Sprigg , Australian photographer renowned for her candid style.  Though born and raised in WA, the backdrop for her work primarily originates from New York.

Dr Anne Aly , Research Fellow at Curtin University.  Her research focuses on Australian responses to the media discourse on terrorism.  In 2009, she was awarded the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO) Publications Award.

Samina Yasmeen, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at UWA, is a specialist in political and strategic developments in South Asia (particularly Pakistan), the role of Islam in world politics, and citizenship among immigrant women.

Note:  Any media wishing to attend will need to contact Michael Sinclair-Jones on 6488 3229 or 0400 700 783.

Registrations should be made through UWA Extension on (+61 8) 6488 2433 or online .

Media references

Vivegan Jayaretnam (+61 4) 50 532 271
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783