Academic, faith and governmental leaders from around the world explored the connections between economic development and religious freedom at this week's G20 Interfaith Summit on Australia's Gold Coast.
The summit was organised and supported by the Centre for Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue at Griffith University, Queensland Government, United Arab Emirates Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and International Center of Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University.
Other sponsors and partners included IBAQ, Seekers Hub Global, Madin Academy, Adelaide University, Queensland Churches Together, Queensland Jewish Interfaith, Australian Baha'i Community, and Queensland Intercultural Society.
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Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, a member of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the event was "a refreshing setting for academic, governmental and religious leaders from all over the world."
"It is apparent from the growing body of research that nations and communities that value and foster religious freedom also enjoy stronger local and national economies."
"The interchange of ideas and the mixing of cultures and religious beliefs was extraordinary," he said. "It certainly is the beginning of something very special."
"As Latter-day Saints we follow Jesus Christ and events like this help us to find new ways to strengthen individuals, families and communities."
The second G20 Interfaith Summit will be held in Turkey in 2015.