DEARBORN — Scholars, religious figures and cultural leaders from around the world will come here for a renowned multicultural diversity conference on October 25, 2007.

Entitled “Engaging the Other: The Power of Compassion,” this international conference will focus on difficult issues of race relations, identity, stereotypes and prejudice. The four day event will attract participants from across the country, and feature several prominent Arab American and American Muslim speakers and panelists.

ADC Michigan Director of Policy and Community Affairs, Nadia Fadel, has been working closely with the CBI toward the development of the conference. Fadel, who will also serve as a presenter during the event, spoke of the deep, impactful message behind “Engaging the Other.”

“This event highlights the strides made by individuals, organizations and multicultural communities to cultivate diversity awareness and social justice,” she stated. “ADC is proud to play a role in this groundbreaking initiative, and we look forward to participating in this highly anticipated event.”

CBI Director Steve Olweean, who is coordinating the conference for the second year, spoke about the uniqueness of the initiative, which is aimed at serving diverse communities.

“The core purpose of this gathering is to invite over more of the public in an attempt to stimulate constructive dialogue within the community,” Olweean said. “The more we can talk about these practical issues, the more we can work together to find solutions. We want to identify certain issues and raise the level of awareness within communities.”

“This conference will focus on why people are polarized and often create demonic images of each other, whether they’re looking across the world or across the street,” he continued. “In today’s world, learning how to move past such artificial barriers to cultivate a shared consciousness of peace are simply practical survival skills for all of us.”

Olweean claimed that the decision to hold the event in Dearborn was based on the rich cultural diversity of the city and the Metro Detroit area as a whole.

“This is a time of dramatic upheaval throughout the world, including our nation and local communities,” Olweean stated. “The Detroit area in particular really called out for a conference like this. Dialogue has broken down, and people are being faced with new challenges. Whether in a local community or on a larger scale, it is imperative to maintain dialogue and figure out how to bridge gaps.”

Among the scheduled presenters are several local community leaders, including The Arab American News Publisher Osama Siblani, ADC Michigan Regional Director Imad Hamad, Imam Hassan Qazwini of the Islamic Center of America and Hajji Najah Bazzi.

The conference will include interactive workshops, dialogue sessions, art exhibits, networking events and numerous panels and lectures. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali will be honored with the Ashley Montagu Peace Award for his dedicated work to promote international peace.

The “Engaging the Other” conference will take place from October 25-28, 2007, at the Dearborn Inn Marriott Hotel. Registration is open to the public. For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.cbiworld.com or call (269) 665-9393.