RSIS visiting fellow Jeanne Conceicao at NTU wrote that there are many constructive steps governments can take to strengthen societal bonds and social cohesion. To this end, President Halimah announced that the first International Conference on Cohesive Societies will be held in Singapore from 19-21 June 2019. The conference will serve as a platform to bring together local and international thought leaders to share their experiences and ideas on how to encourage collective action to bridge the widening divides within societies and strengthen social cohesion.