Dialogues Across Difference

The University of Queensland

In a shared effort to strengthen understanding, respect and cohesion across our UQ community, we have developed a campus culture speaker series “Dialogues Across Difference”.

  1. Episode 1

    Episode 1 | Why is it so hard to talk?

    Over the past decade, having respectful conversations and debate, especially about the big issues, has become more challenging.  We live in a world where trust is declining, information is non-stop and algorithms are feeding us more of what we already believe. We will explore how we can have better, more respectful conversations and debate – even when we don’t agree. SPEAKERS Moderator : Professor Heather Zwicker, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Campus, Culture and Leadership) Professor Matthew Hornsey (Perspective: Declining trust in science) Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA (Perspective: Truth, trust and healing) Dr Bethany Mackay (Perspective: Polarisation and safety)

    50 min

  2. Episode 2

    Episode 2 | The fraught context

    This episode unpacks the complexities of modern debate, examining the factors that make discussions challenging. We will look at the current socio-political environment as a catalyst for disagreement, emotional intensity, and how misinformation and polarisation is contributing to fraught conversations.  SPEAKERS Moderator: Co-moderators Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) Professor Kath Gelber and UQ Union President Jaafar Jabur Dr Anne Kruger (Perspective: Misinformation and disinformation) Dr Kiri Ingram (Perspective: Online radicalisation) Professor Andrew Phillips (Perspective: Social media) Shahzaib Farhan (Perspective: Students’ lived experiences - social media and young adults)

    56 min

  3. Episode 3

    Episode 3 | Tools for civil discourse

    In this episode, speakers will share practical tools for having respectful and inclusive debates. We’ll talk about how to actively listen, understand different perspectives, challenge ideas (not people), and practice empathy—so everyone feels heard and valued. SPEAKERS Moderator: School of Political Science and International Studies Head of School Professor Katrina Lee-Koo Associate Professor Morgan Brigg (Perspective: Tools from mediation) Professor Thelma Parker (Perspective: Tools for collaboration)

    32 min

  4. Episode 4

    Episode 4 | Building Peace in a Divided World

    In this episode, Bishop Daniel Abot, a former “Lost Boy of Sudan,” shares his powerful lived experience and reflections on racism, peacebuilding, and engagement across difference. Drawing on his experience as a refugee and advocate, Bishop Abot offers insights into belonging and meaningful change, inviting listeners to reflect on their role in fighting racism and building a more inclusive, compassionate future. This episode was recorded in acknowledgement of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March).

    34 min
See All Season 1 (4)

About

In a shared effort to strengthen understanding, respect and cohesion across our UQ community, we have developed a campus culture speaker series “Dialogues Across Difference”.

Information

  • Creator
    The University of Queensland
  • Episodes
    5
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The University of Queensland
  • Show Website
    Dialogues Across Difference