How can a better understanding of the Islamic faith help strengthen social cohesion? 

What steps can national security agencies take to ensure diverse communities feel valued? 

And how can the public service more effectively attract and retain staff from these communities? 

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Islamic scholar and community leader Shaykh Ahmed Abdo, along with former Commonwealth Counter Terrorism Coordinator Tony Sheehan, join Olivia Shen to discuss how Australian governments can lay the groundwork of community engagement outside of crisis, in order to grow resilience and trust among diverse communities. 

Shaykh Ahmed Abdo is an Islamic scholar and community leader in Sydney, as well as being a teacher and a mentor. Ahmed advises a range of government agencies on Islam and interfaith dialogue. 

Tony Sheehan is a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College. He spent 32 years in government, including as the Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. 

Olivia Shen is a Director in the Executive and Professional Development Program at the ANU National Security College. 

Show notes: 

• ANU National Security College scholarships: find out more 

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