It’s Official – Melbourne wins Parliament of World’s Religions
Reverend Dirk Ficca, Executive Director, Council for the Parliament of the World’s Religions (CPWR) has announced that Melbourne has been chosen for the 2009 event.
The announcement was made at a briefing in Melbourne this week attended by State and Federal Government representatives including the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews, City of Melbourne representatives, religious leaders and media.
The State and Federal Government’s have each provided $2 million and the City of Melbourne will provide support valued at $500,000.
“To Australia, to the State of Victoria and to Melbourne, congratulations on your selection as the site for the next Parliament of World’s Religions,” said the Chicago based, Reverend Dirk Ficca.
“Although we experienced similar warm experiences in Singapore and Delhi, the enthusiastic support and the unanimous decision was Melbourne.
“Melbourne was chosen for its hospitality, warmth, openness, its religious and cultural diversity and its ability to host big events.
“We also wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau to bring our event to your city. Their dedication and professionalism has been outstanding.”
Reverend Ficca said that the parliament is a populist event that anyone can attend and the legacy that the event will leave is just as important as the event itself.
The PWR is the world’s largest multi-religious gathering and is expected to bring 10,000 visitors to Melbourne and inject more than $75 million into the Victorian economy. It will run for 8 days during early December 2009 and will include more than 400 programs and performances relating to spiritual practice, religious identity, and intra and inter-religious dialogue.
First held in Chicago in 1893, the PWR brings together the world’s religious and spiritual leaders and their followers to attend a series of conferences, congresses and debates where peace, diversity and sustainability is discussed and explored.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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