ACRP and Consulus Launch Global “Cities of Dialogue Index” to Benchmark Interfaith Harmony as a Driver for Investment and Talent
The Cities of Dialogue Index is the world's first framework measuring how interfaith harmony drives investment, talent, and economic growth.
- (1888PressRelease) March 18, 2026 - SINGAPORE - To mark the historic 50th Anniversary of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP), a transformative new global benchmark-the Cities of Dialogue Index (CDI)-was officially unveiled today. Developed in partnership with global creative change firm Consulus, the index is designed to track how a city’s openness to interfaith dialogue and freedom of belief directly correlates with economic stability, investment attractiveness, and the ability to retain global talent.
The announcement comes ahead of the ACRP 50th Anniversary Assembly in November 2026, which returns to its founding roots in Singapore. The CDI will serve as the world’s first longitudinal framework to quantify the "peace dividend" of inclusive urban environments. By measuring dialogue activities, workplace religious freedom, and government policy support, the index provides a roadmap for cities to leverage their cultural and religious diversity as a strategic economic asset. In the first year of the index, only 50 cities from Asia will be featured out of an invited shortlist of 200.
Measuring the Economic Power of Dialogue
Unlike traditional social indexes, the Cities of Dialogue Index focuses on the intersection of faith and finance. It operates on the premise that cities with robust interfaith frameworks are less prone to social volatility, making them "safe harbors" for long-term capital and diverse professional talent.
The index is built on three core pillars:
- Dialogue Vitality: The frequency and impact of cross-cultural engagement initiatives.
- Faith-Fluency at Work: The prevalence of inclusive corporate policies that accommodate diverse beliefs
- Governance for Cohesion: The level of institutional and budgetary support for interfaith stability.
"As we celebrate 50 years of ACRP, we must move beyond symbolic gestures toward measurable impact. The Cities of Dialogue Index is a bold step in that direction. We believe that when a city actively fosters dialogue, it creates a foundation of trust that is essential for human flourishing. This index will show the world that interfaith harmony is not just a moral imperative, but a foundational requirement for a stable and prosperous society,” Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary General of ACRP said.
Freddy Nicolas, Global Chair of Consulus, stated "At Consulus, our experience with global benchmarks such as the Design Power Index has shown that what is measured becomes what leaders manage and improve.
The Cities of Dialogue Index introduces a practical framework that allows cities to assess how dialogue, freedom of belief, and inclusive governance strengthen social stability and economic competitiveness.
In an increasingly complex world, cities that cultivate dialogue are not only more cohesive—they become magnets for global talent, long-term investment, and sustainable growth. We are honored to serve as the knowledge partner for ACRP in building this new global benchmark for inclusive cities."
About the Partners
ACRP (Religions for Peace Asia): Founded in 1976, ACRP is the world’s largest regional body of religiously inspired leaders working for peace, justice, and human dignity across Asia and the Pacific.
Consulus: Founded in Singapore in 2004, Consulus is a global creative change firm working with persons, organisations, and cities in their transfiguration toward an Economy of Communion. With a presence in 23 countries, Consulus believes that purpose and unity are essential to innovation and inclusive growth. Consulus shapes economic impact through indexes, such as the Economy of Communion, Design and Impact, and Multifaith Economy.
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