Dialog of Civilizations Platform by Gülen Institute was first held on January 23-25, 2009, at the Turquoise Center, Houston. The panel program was entitled "Role of Common Values in Mitigating Global and Local Issues" as the first meeting of the platform. The panel had five sessions:

- Government, Diplomacy, and Politics

- Media

- Religion, Social Issues, and Interfaith Dialog

- Philanthropy

- Education

 Panel Program 

As chairs and panelists, more than thirty participants presented their ideas and views on the concept, followed by having conversation with the audience. During the program it was emphasized that such sincere as well as serious programs are and will be contributing to the local and global peaceful coexistence and well being.