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Event Summary: 2025 West Dialog Summit
📍 Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
📅 June 28–29, 2025
The 2025 West Dialog Summit brought together scholars, interfaith leaders, youth advocates, and community organizers for a dynamic two-day convening at Pepperdine University. Set against the stunning backdrop of Malibu’s coastline, the event offered a robust program of keynote talks, panel discussions, and practical workshops—fostering critical conversations on interfaith engagement, civic identity, and emerging tools for building dialogue in a changing world.
Day One Highlights
The summit opened with heartfelt Welcoming Remarks by Nevzat Celik, setting the stage for a weekend of listening and learning. The morning sessions included:
- “Dialogue 2.0” by Dr. Ahmet Kurucan (via Zoom), who spoke on redefining dialogue in a digital, post-pandemic era.
- “Holy Journey” by Diane, Kelly, and Scott, who shared stories of spiritual exploration that led them to interfaith engagement.
- Dr. Alp Aslandoğan presented on “Hizmet and Muslim Audiences,” offering insights into the movement’s evolving role in interfaith work.
- Osman Oztoprak (Zoom) addressed American political culture, bridging liberalism, conservatism, and civic engagement.
- Father Alexei Smith reflected on Nostra Aetate, a foundational Vatican II document that reshaped Catholic interfaith relations.
- Milia Islam Majid shared insights on the challenges and responsibilities of Muslims in interfaith spaces.
Later in the afternoon, participants attended interactive workshops focused on:
- Dialogue strategies to commemorate the U.S. 250th anniversary
- Creative approaches using arts, music, and sports
- Practical applications of GenAI in dialogue and event planning
Pepperdine University Dean Dr Dyron Daughtry welcomed the participants to the campus at the start of the evening program. The day ended with a vibrant Çay Çekirdek session led by Ibrahim Barlas, a relaxed yet powerful community storytelling circle.
Day Two Highlights
Day Two opened with remarks from Dr. Zaman Stanizai, inviting participants to center reflection and action. The morning sessions featured:
- A presentation by Firdevs Dilekci on the Online Dialog Certificate Program for Youth, highlighting the importance of structured interfaith education for emerging leaders.
- “Why Chaplaincy?” by Imam Abdul Hafiz, exploring the growing relevance of spiritual care in diverse settings.
- Dr. Kerim Balcı (Zoom) examined the rise of populism and its implications for pluralism.
- Aziz and Gülsüm Türkoğlu led a best practices discussion on grassroots successes in interfaith initiatives.
- A book presentation by former NBA player and human rights advocate Enes Kanter, who shared personal reflections from his memoir In the Name of Freedom, offering an impassioned call for moral courage, global justice, and interfaith solidarity.
The youth leadership panel featured Almira H. and Firdevs D., who energized the room with their perspectives on advocacy and youth engagement.
In the final session, Ibrahim Anlı (Zoom) presented on the Marrakesh Declaration, reaffirming the commitment to religious minority rights in Muslim-majority nations. The summit concluded with powerful closing remarks by Hilal C. and Gökhan Dorum.
Workshop Topics
Participants explored hands-on themes such as:
- Interfaith and intra-faith collaboration
- The evolving Muslim-American identity
- GenAI in event planning and community building
- Stages of dialogue and sustaining long-term relationships
- Celebrating civic milestones through inclusive storytelling
- Using creative mediums to enhance engagement
Reflections & Outcomes
Across surveys and conversations, attendees praised the summit’s diversity of voices, depth of topics, and opportunities for authentic connection. Many cited the youth-led sessions and practical workshops as especially impactful. Several attendees expressed plans to launch local initiatives, incorporate GenAI into community organizing, or join the online dialog certificate program introduced by Firdevs D.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 West Dialog Summit affirmed the power of inclusive dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. Organizers are already planning future gatherings—with a special focus on youth leadership, civic engagement, and digital tools to enhance community-building.
With sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and volunteers—West Dialog continues its commitment to fostering understanding and belonging through meaningful conversation.
Please rsvp here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-dialog-summit-tickets-
You’re Invited!
🌐 West Dialog Summit
June 28–29, 2025
📍 Elkins Auditorium, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
Join us for the West Dialog Summit—a two-day gathering of thought leaders, scholars, faith practitioners, and community organizers exploring the evolving landscape of dialogue in today’s world. This summit will feature powerful talks, engaging workshops, and interactive sessions on topics ranging from interfaith engagement and American political culture to emerging technologies and youth advocacy.
📅
Summit Highlights Include:
- Dialogue 2.0 with Dr. Ahmet Kurucan
- Hizmet & Muslim Audiences with Dr. Alp Aslandoğan
- Understanding American Political Culture with Osman Oztoprak
- Reflections on Nostra Aetate with Father Alexei Smith
- Youth Leadership and Advocacy Panels
- Workshops on AI, Arts, Civic Celebrations & Dialogue Tools
- Cay Cekirdek
- Special Zoom Guests: Kerim Balcı, Ibrahim Anlı, and others
With perspectives from Christian, Muslim, and interfaith voices, we’ll reflect on the past, examine the present, and imagine the future of dialogue in the U.S. and beyond.
🧠 Workshops will address:
- Interfaith & Intra-faith collaboration
- The role of Muslims in interfaith spaces
- Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence through dialogue
- Innovative uses of arts, sports, and GenAI in event planning
- Building and sustaining dialogue relationships
🎤 Speakers include:
Dr. Ahmet Kurucan • Dr. Alp Aslandoğan • Father Alexei Smith • Milia Islam-Majid • Dr. Sophia Pandya • Imam Abdul Hafiz • Dr. Kerim Balcı • Dr. Osman Oztoprak • and many more.
🕊️ Let’s build bridges, inspire one another, and co-create a more dialogic future.
We look forward to welcoming you!
West Dialog Summit
27-29 June
Program
Day 1 – June 28, Saturday
8:00 – 8:50 Breakfast
8:50 – 9:10 Welcoming Speech by Nevzat Celik and Abraham Barlas
9:10 – 9:40 Dialogue 2.0, Ahmet Kurucan, QnA, via zoom
9:40 – 10:10 Holy Journey, Diane & Kelly & Scott
10:10 – 11:10 Hizmet & Muslim Audience, Alp Aslandogan, QnA (MTH)
11:10 – 11:25 Break
11:25 – 12:25 Understanding American Political Culture: Conservatism, Liberalism & Civic Engagement, Osman Oztoprak (QnA) via zoom
12:25 – 12:55 Nostra Aetate, Father Alexei
12:55 – 1:25 Engagement of Muslims in Interfaith Dialogue, Milia Islam Majid (MTH)
1:25 – 2:30 Break / Snacks & Prayer
2:30 – 3:45 Workshop 1 (2 Dia, 1MTH parallel sessions)
3:45 – 4:05 Break
4:05 – 5:20 Workshop 2 (2 Dia, 1MTH parallel sessions)
5:20 – 7:30 Dinner
7:30 – 8:30 Break
8:30 – 8:40 Welcome by Dyron Dougherty
8:40 – 9:30 Cay Cekirdek-Ibrahim B
Day 2 – June 29, Sunday
8:00 – 8:50 Breakfast
8:50 – 9:10 Opening Day remarks Zaman Stanizai,
9:10 – 9:40 Betul Dumlu & Firdevs Dilekci (P4)
9:40 – 10:20 Why Chaplaincy, Imam Abdul Hafiz (MTH)
10:20 – 11:10 Rise of Populism by Kerim Balci via zoom
11:10 – 11:25 Break
11:25 – 11:55 Best Practice, Aziz & Gulsum Turkoglu, QnA
11:55 – 12:25 Book Introduction, Sophia Pandya
12:25 – 12:55 Youth Advocacy – Hilal Balik, Berra Taner, QnA
12:55 – 1:10 Break
1:10 – 1:40 Marrakesh Declaration, Ibrahim Anli (Dia/MTH), ZOOM
1:40 – 2:20 Closing Remarks Hilal C 10 min, Gokhan Dorum 10 min
Workshops:
W1: 1. MTH: Engagement of Muslims in Interfaith Dialogue
2. DIA: Event suggestions for celebrating 250th Anniversary of declaration of Independence
3. DIA: Exploring new ideas. Utilizing arts, music and sports in dialog.
W2: 1. MTH: Interfaith & Intra-faith Dialogue Collaboration
2. DIA: Application of GenAI in event management, Nurdin Kaparov
3. DIA: 1. Stages of Dialogue, Building new and maintaining relationships