Friday, January 17, 2025

Is it Possible to have a Peaceful World

RELATED , GLOBAL PEACE FORUM

The dream of a peaceful world has captivated humanity for centuries. While achieving perfect peace may seem like an unattainable utopia, many believe it is possible to create a world with significantly less violence and conflict.

There are several arguments in favour of this possibility:
* The decline of large-scale wars: In recent decades, the number of large-scale interstate wars has decreased significantly. This suggests a trend towards a more peaceful global order.
* The power of international cooperation: Organizations like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice have played a role in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful resolutions.
* The growing global interconnectedness: Increased communication and trade between countries can foster understanding and interdependence, making conflict less likely.
* The power of individual action: Every individual can contribute to creating a more peaceful world through their actions, such as promoting understanding, resolving conflicts peacefully, and advocating for non-violent solutions.


However, some challenges make achieving a completely peaceful world difficult:
* The persistence of local conflicts: While large-scale wars may be less common, regional conflicts and civil wars continue to cause immense suffering.
* The threat of terrorism: The rise poses a significant challenge to global security and peace.
* The arms race: The continued development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remains a major threat to peace.
* Economic inequality and social injustice: These issues can fuel resentment and conflict, making it difficult to achieve lasting peace.
Despite these challenges, many believe that a more peaceful world is possible. This requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of conflict, promotes international cooperation, and empowers individuals to be agents of peace.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

One Belt One Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as One Belt, One Road (OBOR), is a global development strategy launched by China in 2013 under President Xi Jinping. Its goal is to enhance global trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond by building infrastructure and broadening trade links. Here's a breakdown:

Key Components

The Silk Road Economic Belt (Land-based):
Focuses on reviving the ancient Silk Road trade route.
Connects China with Europe via Central Asia and the Middle East.
Includes highways, railways, pipelines, and industrial zones.

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (Sea-based):
Focuses on connecting China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe via sea routes.
Involves building and expanding ports and maritime infrastructure.

Objectives

Economic Development:
Boost trade and investment between participating countries.
Reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity.
Infrastructure Building:
Construct roads, railways, ports, airports, and energy projects.
Modernize underdeveloped regions, especially in Asia and Africa.

Global Influence:

Strengthen China's economic and political influence internationally.
Create interdependencies to enhance China's role in global governance.

Geographical Scope

The BRI spans over 140 countries across:
Asia
Europe
Africa
Parts of Oceania and Latin America

Notable Projects

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

A network of infrastructure projects linking China to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.
Aims to connect western China to the Arabian Sea.

Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port (Myanmar)
:
Provides China with direct access to the Indian Ocean.

Africa's Railway Networks:

Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway.
Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (Kenya).

European Connectivity:

Freight trains between China and European cities like Duisburg (Germany) and Madrid (Spain).

Controversies and Criticism (mostly by West)

Debt Diplomacy:

Critics argue that some BRI projects saddle participating countries with unsustainable debt.

Example: Sri Lanka leasing its Hambantota Port to China after struggling to repay loans.

Environmental Concerns:

Infrastructure projects have raised alarms about environmental degradation.

Transparency Issues:

Lack of clear processes for financing and project approvals.

Geopolitical Rivalries:

Some countries see the BRI as a means for China to expand its strategic dominance.

Impact

Economic Growth: Several countries have seen economic benefits through improved connectivity.
Strategic Influence: Strengthened China's ties with developing nations.
Global Polarization: Some nations, like the U.S. and India, view the BRI as a challenge to their strategic interests.

The Belt and Road Initiative remains a transformative but polarizing global development strategy, with its long-term success still a subject of debate. Would you like more details on any specific aspect?

Friday, January 10, 2025

Civil Society Institutions and their MANDATES in Hunza

 Dear Readers of this platform

I feel pleasure in sharing the MANDATES of all Voluntary Institutions in Hunza whose members have pledged their willingness to DELIVER towards a BETTER TOMORROW for the region. Please click the link against each to learn what you can expect them to do for Hunza through REORIENTATION and how each of us can contribute in an orderly manner through these Institutions.

1. REGIONAL & LOCAL COUNCILS (https://hisamullahbeg.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-constitution-of-shia-imami-ismaili.html)

  1. Serve the needs of the people towards an effective Development of the society.

  2. Analyse fundamental problems and their relationship to trends in the national and international development process.

  3. Make short term and long term programs and projects to achieve better quality of life in the region.

  4. Promote humanitarian emergency assistance in the event of natural or man made disasters.

  5. Make the information relating to the role and contribution towards development in various regions of the world.

  6. Work in close cooperation with AKDN LSOs and the government agencies within your jurisdiction


2. AKDN agencies (AKRSP, AKCSP)


       a.     GOAL ONE: In twenty five years’ time span, improve the economic conditions so that populations in Northern areas and Chitral can meet the ever increasing costs of health and education and also become SELF SUSTAINING.

       b.    GOAL TWO. Groom indigenous leadership capable of establishing democracy, (pre-requisite for meritocracy and pluralism) and also capable of planning for a better quality of life for their future without external inputs.

          c.     GOAL THREE: Facilitate establishment of Knowledge Society in the Program Area.


3. CENTRAL Institutions & the local Boards


4. TARIQA & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (conflict resolution).


5.         ECONOMIC PLANNING BOARD


6.         EDUCATION BOARD


7.         HEALTH BOARD


8.         HOUSING BOARD


9.       SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD


10.       YOUTH & SPORTS BOARD


11.       EDUCATION SERVICE


12.       HEALTH SERVICE


13.      FOCUS


14.      AGENCY FOR HABITAT


15.      TMS:    https://hunzaculturalforumhcfislamabad.blogspot.com/2019/11/mandate-of-tms.html


16.      BHT: https://hunzaculturalforumhcfislamabad.blogspot.com/2018/12/mandate-of-baltit-heritage-trust.html


17.      LSOs:

a.     GOAL ONE:  improve the economic conditions so that populations can meet the ever increasing costs of health and education and also become SELF SUSTAINING.

b.    GOAL TWO. Groom indigenous leadership capable of establishing democracy, (pre-requisite for meritocracy and pluralism) and also plan for a better quality of life for the future without external inputs.

 c.     GOAL THREE: Facilitate establishment of Knowledge Society in the Program Area.

18. GRANTS & REVIEW BOARD local branches (better tomorrow collections and IMAMAT grants)


19. MUKHIS & KAMRIAS


20. CONCILIATION & ARBITRATION (in resolutions of conflict).


Wednesday, December 11, 2024

PROPOSED - HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY

 Also, read ROAD MAP, RELATED

VISION: Historically ‘Hunzukutz’ believe in “Hunzuwe Suchi”. In the present age, the region is suffering ‘STARVATION’ in energy needs. The need for a platform of voluntary community service by sharing “Time, Knowledge and resources” is inevitable to solve the energy issue and usher in a better quality of life and economic transformation towards a ‘BETTER FUTURE’ for the population. The proposal is to establish and operate a ‘HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY’ in the collective ownership of all Hunzukutz. This goal can be achieved by a network of LSOs (8 of these are sponsored by AKDN, and about 72 others are established by conscientious groups).

MISSION: Establish distributed generation facilities through a mix of sustainable resources, with a priority on meeting existing energy needs and the ultimate goal of evolving HR capable of exporting specialized products to the world. 

STRATEGY:     The monetary resources will be raised from the investment of VO/WOs and willing individuals.

The treasurer will openly share the statement of account – income and expenditure – through the Internet on this blog (ACCOUNTS).

 

PROJECTS:   

1.      Short term: Establish 5 MW of solar energy as ‘DISTRIBUTED’ stations linked to each distribution transformer ( 200-KW, 100-KW, 75-KW and 25-KW)

2.    Long term: 100-MW through a mix of sustainable resources such as Hydroelectric – preferably through village-level manufacture of FLOATING HYDROELECTRIC GENERATOR & PUMPING STATION – SOLAR and WIND.  

NOTE: as technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more widespread adoption of these innovative renewable energy solutions.

AKDN | CIVIL SOCIETY

A vibrant and competent civil society is the cornerstone of a healthy and prosperous nation, essential to improving the quality of human life. At their best, civil society organisations demonstrate innovative, citizen-led approaches and effective management. They are able to mobilise local resources to solve particular issues in a sustainable way.

Yet, in many parts of the world, civil society suffers from a dearth of technical knowledge, human resources and financial means.

To address these gaps, AKDN builds robust civil society institutions that experiment, adapt and accommodate diversity. Founded on the ethics and values that drive positive change, these institutions harness the private energies of citizens committed to the public good.

Building an Enabling Environment

We also help develop an enabling environment that allows the private sector, particularly civil society, to fully contribute to national development. An effective and functioning state apparatus is essential for any developing country but, in AKDN’s experience, complex development agendas cannot be left only to the state. A nation’s growth – perhaps its survival – requires private initiative. Both for-profit businesses and non-profit civil society organisations must make full and effective use of the country’s human potential, generate material resources and develop a vibrant and robust socioeconomic base. An enabling environment is therefore essential to building civil society. 

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY

(Every organization should have a Code of Practice for Board members which is available to all stakeholders – AKDNGuideline Booklet No. 4)

All such organizations involve people who have committed themselves to improve the society in which they live by what they do and how they behave. Commitment and voluntarism may, however, not be enough for an effective organization – specific organizational skills are needed as well. And these skills can be learnt.

This document will ultimately contain the following Sections:

1. A Code of Conduct for the Governance (now)

2. Terms of Reference for all Members

3. Terms of Reference for all Committees and sub-committees (on a required basis)

 

1.                  MEMBERSHIP:    Basic to each member is the understanding that Governance (Boards or similar structures) are a part of the management function of any non-profit and non-government organization (also known as civil society organizations or CSOs). At its most basic, management can be defined as:     “ensuring that an organization has clear objectives, and makes the most effective and efficient use of resources in order to achieve those objectives”. Each or all the members have at least some or all of five separate roots:

·                     Philanthropy and the desire to help people who are considered less fortunate

·                     The desire to improve local communities through mutual aid and self-help

·                     The desire to improve conditions through political and economic action

·                     The desire to take on services provided by the public or private sectors, and

·                     The simple reality of shared interests.


The term “governance” is increasingly used for the big picture, long-term and legal aspects of ensuring that an organization is properly run, and “management” for ensuring that the work gets done within this framework. A governing body which is legally and financially responsible for the organization and responsible for setting and monitoring long and medium-term objectives, and developing policies.


Governance: are drawn from the executives of all participating LSOs listed in the preceding lines. The members are appointed or elected for three years.

EXECUTIVE STRUCTURE    Should have the understanding and regularly review the ethos and values that underpin the organization’s work, and ensure that Board members, volunteers and others involved with the organization understand these values and how they apply to their work. They are also expected to:

·                     Maintain a long-term overview of the organization and all its work

·                     Making strategic and major decisions about the organization’s objectives, policies and procedures

·                     Ensuring decision-making procedures are transparent people know who makes decisions and how they are made, and accountable (decisions are reported to the people who have a right to know about them)

·                     Ensuring that the needs and interests of relevant people and bodies are considered when making decisions

·                     Ensuring that adequate resources (especially people and money) are available to carry out activities, and making decisions about how to proceed when resources turn out not to be available

·                     Monitoring the work of the organization, especially progress towards objectives

·                     Ensuring appropriate action is taken when work is not being done, or is not being done properly

·                     Taking legal responsibility for the organization and all its actions

The body (All honorary workers) will consist of:

·                                             A chairman:   

·                                             A Vice-Chair

·                                             A Board Secretary

·                                             A Treasurer

The Chairperson’s/Vice Chairperson’s role has two parts, one practical, and the other institutional:

• Planning and running meetings of the body, ensuring that everything is covered and decisions are made when required, keeping order, helping the group deal with differences of opinion and conflicts, and being sure that everyone who wants has a chance to speak.

• Ensuring that the organization sets and sticks to its policies and priorities, then serving as a spokesperson for the organization, making essential or emergency decisions between committee meetings, working closely with the manager to ensure work is being done properly and helping staff with difficulties.

3.                MEETINGS    It should meet every quarter. The venue/timing and Agenda will be disseminated by the Secretary at least 15 days in advance. Preferably a yearly schedule for regular meetings (Every three months) of the members for the entire year should be announced by Mid November each year. All interested “Hunzukutz” anywhere and also the committees constituted from time to time will participate. Emergent meetings may be held on the required basis with the consent of the chairman.  

4.                MINUTES AND ACTION PLANS        A standard format – preferably the template available in the MS Office suite - for Agenda as well as the recording of ‘Minutes’ /’Action plan’ will be used. Any concerned “Hunzukutz” may initiate a proposed item for inclusion in the Agenda at any time through all available means, such as E-Mail, telephone, written paper etc. on this or a similar format  The decisions on each item of the agenda will be on the basis of ‘majority vote’ if a clear ‘consensus’ does not emerge in the meeting.

5.                 TENURE AND ELECTIONS    The tenure of the ‘Executive Body’ will be for three years. The candidates proposed by members/General public will be chosen on the basis of at least 50% secret votes of the meeting participants held for this purpose.

Friday, December 6, 2024

IIS Publications - 2024












IIS News

Publications
The Institute of Ismaili Studies has been busy this year. We have published four new books and two translations of our previously published texts. Follow the links below to purchase directly from our publishers.




Dr Fârès Gillon | Available in Open Access

Editor and translator, Dr Fârès Gillon expertly ties together the disparate themes of the text to make it accessible to readers today. The Book of Unveiling is essential reading for anyone interested in early Fatimid doctrine and discourse. Dr Gillon originally published the text in French under the title Religion en Formation (Religion in Formation).

To learn more about The Book of Unveiling, watch this interview with Dr Fârès Gillon:



Watch the interview




Miklós Sárközy | Now available

This work is a fresh investigation of the history of the Alamut era of the Nizari Ismaili community, concentrating on the local politics of the remote mountainous Caspian region in northern Iran. Author Miklós Sárközy pulls from a variety of first- and second-hand sources to detail the interactions between the Nizaris and other regional powers in historic Mazandaran: detailing the antagonism and strained alliances between competing states. The text also includes translated extracts of Diwan-i Qa’imiyyat and other sources documenting the events of the Qiyama on 8 August 1164.



Learn more




Rahim Gholami | Now available

This text by Nāṣir-i Khusraw is considered to be an adaptation of Abu Ya’qub al-Sijistani’s Kitāb al-Yanābīʿ, contextualising the language and cultural content for a Persian audience. Khwan al-ikhwan stands as a significant work in Ismaili theology and philosophy, exemplifying the central role of ta'wil (esoteric interpretation). It also reflects how Ismaili da’is drew upon the learning of the age, including the conception of a geocentric cosmos, Aristotelian physics, and Neoplatonic philosophy, to conceptualize Ismaili understandings of the relationship between God and creation and the development of the soul in their ta’wil of authoritative Muslim sources including the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet and the Imams.





Learn more






Omar Alí-de-Unzaga | Available for pre-orderEditor and translator Dr Omar Alí-de-Unzaga has crafted an in-depth introduction to allow readers to easily cross-reference the text with its context while reading, a new approach for the series. The Epistles of the Brethren of Purity was a medieval encyclopaedic text associated with the early Ismaili movement that fosters humanistic and cosmopolitan ethics. This volume in particular focuses on the ethical makeup of people and how we interact with both divine and human law.



Learn more

IIS Open Access
As part of our ongoing initiatives to make IIS publications more accessible to our academic and community audiences, we have released 14 books in Open Access, in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing. Check out the listing below to access the titles that fall under each series. Each book is now free to read in digital formats (e.g., on your computer, tablet, phone, or eReader).

Open Access


Shiʿi Heritage Series

This series was launched in 2014 to promote a better understanding of the doctrines and practices of Shiʿi Islam in historical and contemporary manifestations. Because each book pulls from different sources, each one can appeal to different audiences.

Open Access books in the series:

The Book of Unveiling: Early Fatimid Doctrine in the Kitab al-Kashf attributed to Jaʿfar b. Mansur al-Yaman

The Renaissance of Shiʿi Islam: Facets of Thought and Practice

Words of Power: Hurufi Teachings between Shi’ism and Sufism in Medieval Islam

A History of Shiʿi Islam Ismaili Heritage Series

This series shines a spotlight on Ismaili history, thought, and traditions. These books take a historical, academic approach and provide a lot of detail on the subjects they cover. Rich with citations, these books are excellent for researchers of these subjects.

Open Access books in this series:

Nasir Khusraw, the Ruby of Badakhshan: A Portrait of the Persian Poet, Traveler and Philosopher.

Central Asian Ismailis: An Annotated Bibliography of Russian, Tajik, and other sources.

Ecstasy and Enlightenment: The Ismaili Devotional Literature of South Asia

Other Open Access books

Texts, Scribes, and Transmission: Manuscript Cultures of the Ismaili Community and Beyond

A Companion to the Muslim World

Civil Society in the Muslim World: Contemporary Perspectives

The First Aga Khan: Memoirs of the 46th Ismaili Imam

A Modern History of the Ismailis: Continuity and Change in a Muslim Community

An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Vol 2: Ismaili Thought in the Classical Age

Diversity and Pluralism in Islam: Historical and Contemporary Discourses Amongst Muslims.



Upcoming Events
What happened to half of humanity? | Arabic and Islamic History
Yasmin Amin explores the Qur’anic term al-insān al-kāmil and its application to both men and women in an Arabic-language lecture on 9 January at 4:30pm BST.

Al-Sijistānī Explains the Qāʾim: who, when, what | Islamic History and Thought
Paul E Walker explores the Qāʾim, and his role in spiritual resurrection, in early Ismaili thought through the work of al-Sijistani. The latest Islamic History and Thought lecture will be held online on 13 February at 17.00 BST

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more updates.






Events at IIS
Missed one of our recent Lectures?
Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch up on our latest research, publications, events, and interviews
  • Theologies of Truth and Salvation in Catholic Christianity and Ash'ari Islam
    Dr Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour analytically and critically compares the historical development of Catholic theologies of truth and salvation with similar developments in Islamic theological traditions.
  • Time for Atoms
    Dr David Bennett examines three key problems that illustrate kalām reckoning with developments in contemporaneous theories of time and causality: volition and the temporal process of thought; the so-called “ceasing instant” problem (when did “now” end?); and the Muʿtazilite theory of secondary causality (the efficacy of intermediate, generated states).

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Impact of Saadi the poet on eastern civilization

Saadi of Shiraz, a renowned Persian poet, writer, and philosopher who lived during the 13th century.

He is celebrated for his works Gulistan (The Rose Garden) and Bustan (The Orchard), which are collections of prose and poetry filled with moral tales, philosophical reflections, and social commentary. His writings have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be widely read and admired for their wisdom and literary beauty.

Saadi's poetry and prose often focus on themes of love, compassion, social justice, and the importance of human connection. Some of his most famous verses include:

 * "The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence."

 * "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."

His contributions to Persian literature and his enduring message of humanism have earned him a place among the greatest literary figures of all time.

 Works, particularly Gulistan and Bostan, are filled with timeless wisdom and insightful observations that have become ingrained in the cultural fabric of many Eastern societies. While it's challenging to pinpoint exact phrases that are used daily in households, many of his ideas and proverbs are referenced and adapted in everyday conversations.

Here are some examples of Saadi's wisdom that has resonated with people across generations:

Proverbs and Sayings:

 * "The world is a mirror; whatever you show, you will see." This emphasizes the idea that our actions and attitudes reflect back on us.

 * "He who is a slave to his stomach seldom worships God." This highlights the importance of moderation and spiritual pursuits.

 * "A wise man sees what he wants, while a fool sees only what he does not want." This emphasizes the power of positive thinking and focusing on the good.

 * "The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together." This acknowledges the duality of life and the coexistence of joy and pain.

Anecdotes and Stories:

 * The Story of the Dervish and the King: This tale highlights the importance of humility and gratitude, even in the face of adversity.

 * The Story of the Man Who Lost His Shoe: This story teaches us to appreciate what we have and not to dwell on what we lack.

 * The Story of the Man Who Was Afraid of the Dark: This story emphasizes the importance of facing our fears and not letting them control us.

While these are just a few examples, Saadi's works are filled with countless other anecdotes and proverbs that have become part of the cultural lexicon of many Eastern societies. His insights into human nature, morality, and spirituality continue to inspire and enlighten people today.

It's important to note that while Saadi's words are often quoted and referenced, the exact phrasing and context may vary depending on the specific language and cultural context. However, the underlying message and wisdom remain timeless and universal.  


A Selection of Moral Anecdotes from Saadi Shirazi

Saadi Shirazi, a renowned 13th-century Persian poet, was a master of weaving profound moral lessons into captivating tales. Here's a selection of his moral anecdotes, drawn from his celebrated works, Bustan and Gulistan:

The Dervish and the King

A dervish, known for his simple lifestyle and profound wisdom, was once invited to a king's palace. The king, impressed by the dervish's reputation, showered him with gifts and honours. However, the dervish remained unmoved, content with his simple life.

When the king asked him why he didn't seem to appreciate the lavish gifts, the dervish replied, "Your Majesty, I have everything I need. Your gifts are like water to a fish in the sea. They are superfluous to my contentment."

Moral: True contentment lies within oneself, not in material possessions.
The Man and the Serpent

A man was walking through a forest when he saw a serpent coiled beneath a tree. Sensing the man's fear, the serpent spoke, "Fear not, kind sir. I am harmless. In fact, I can grant you a wish."

Intrigued, the man wished for a bag of gold. The serpent granted his wish, but warned him, "Remember, wealth can be a curse as well as a blessing."

The man, heedless of the warning, soon became obsessed with his wealth, neglecting his family and friends. Eventually, he lost everything and realized the truth of the serpent's words.

Moral: Material possessions can be fleeting and should not be the sole pursuit in life.

The Traveler and the Two Dogs

A weary traveler, seeking shelter from a storm, came across a ruined house. Inside, he found two dogs, one large and one small. The large dog growled at him, while the small one wagged its tail.

The traveller, fearing the larger dog, chose to stay with the smaller one. However, as soon as the storm subsided, the larger dog, who had been protecting the house, left. The smaller dog revealed to be a wolf in disguise, attacked the traveller.

Moral: Appearances can be deceiving. Judging people by their actions, not their words or outward appearance is wise.

These are just a few examples of the many moral tales Saadi Shirazi shared. His stories continue to inspire and teach readers centuries later, offering timeless wisdom on humility, gratitude, and the true meaning of happiness.

Would you like to explore a specific theme or anecdote from Saadi's works?