Europe
International Women’s Day brings women from around the world to the Ismaili Centre, London
Women from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate, identify their strengths and hear about inspirational women. The event was organised by the Women’s Activities Portfolio of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom, and was the third consecutive time that the Ismaili community marked the occasion in the UK.
Transforming values into reality — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 2)
Concluding a two-part series, Eboo Patel, the Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core, discusses how his organisation overcomes the faith line and promotes religious pluralism by bringing young people together to engage in dialogue and service to the community. (Read the first part of this interview here.)
The shared value of religious pluralism — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 1)
In the first of a two-part series, TheIsmaili.org spoke with Eboo Patel, the Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core, an organisation that promotes mutual respect and pluralism among young people from different religious traditions. Patel shares his understanding of religious pluralism and explains what motivates him in his work.
New breed of social entrepreneurs foster ethical enterprise
The notion that enterprise should be conscious of its impact on society rather than focusing exclusively on the pursuit of profit, has long been part of the Muslim ethic. It is also an increasingly visible trend in business that is finding new vitality in the era of social media.
Ismaili Centre plays host to the 2009 Lisbon Forum
In November, the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon was the venue of the 2009 Lisbon Forum, an annual event of the North-South Centre. Focused on the “creation of a culture of human rights through education,” the gathering was organised in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Mawlana Hazar Imam receives “Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009”
Mawlana Hazar Imam received the Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009 (2009 Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year Award) presented to him by Le Nouvel Economiste, at a ceremony held on 17 December at the Cour des Comptes in Paris.
Ismaili Student Network introduces young Ismailis to university life
Abeed Mohamed is one of a number of young Ismailis who left home for the first time this autumn, to begin life as a university student. The Ismaili Student Network helped him and other UK students to prepare for this important transition.
“Rays of Light” shines on both sides of the Atlantic
Following successful showings in Paris and Lisbon, Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat had its North American debut in August in Atlanta. A Golden Jubilee International Programme, this exhibition depicts 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, against the backdrop of the 1 400 year history of Ismaili Imamat.
Lifelong learning graduates empowered by their achievements
The idea that learning extends from the cradle to the grave underpins the philosophy of the ICEU Lifelong Learning Programme. The programme’s impact on the lives of participants has been as broad as the range of subjects that they have pursued.
Volunteer search and rescue team is the highlight of FOCUS event
In May, Focus Humanitarian Assistance celebrated its 15th anniversary with An Evening with Focus, held at the Ismaili Centre, London. The event created awareness of the integral role that FOCUS and its volunteers play in communities around the world.
From Kyoto to Copenhagen: The next step in the fight against climate change
Twelve years ago, Abyd Karmali witnessed the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Drawing on his experience, he discusses the crucial importance of the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen in addressing the current reality of the climate change crisis.
TheIsmaili.org launches Nutrition Centre and unveils a new design
A refreshed look and feel and several new features provide a richer, easier and more informative user experience. The redesign accompanies the launch of a new web-based Nutrition Centre together with the Aga Khan Health Board (UK).
Eight hundred year-old Cambridge University awards Mawlana Hazar Imam an honorary degree
In a colourful and historic ceremony held on Friday, 12 June, the University of Cambridge conferred upon Mawlana Hazar Imam an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Hazar Imam became the first Muslim to receive the distinction in the University’s long and storied history.
London exhibition provides insight into the life and legacy of a prominent Persian ruler
A major exhibition on the Safavid Emperor Shah Abbas I, whose rule of Persia spanned the 16th – 17th centuries is on at the British Museum in London. It provides a historical and cultural introduction to Persian culture and achievement, and situates it within the wider context of world events in the same period.
Ceremony marks graduation of the first class of the ICEU Lifelong Learning Programme
Seventy-four learners were joined by their families and senior Jamati leaders from across Europe as they graduated with a Certificate in Lifelong Learning awarded by the London School of Economics. The ceremony marked an important milestone for the graduates as well as the Ismaili Council for the European Union.
International agreement signed between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat
An historic international agreement was signed between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat on matters relating to religion, cooperation, culture and education. The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Luis Amado and Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (em Português)
A changing climate: Exploring the social impact of global warming
In February, an eminent panel convened in London as part of the Ismaili Centre Lecture Series to discuss global warming and its impact on the developing world. The panel turned its attention to the social impact of climate change, particularly in the developing world.
Lessons I learnt last summer
In this reflective piece, Aliyyah Giga, an alumnus of The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Summer Programme on Islam, shares some personal lessons that she drew from her experience of the programme.
Engaging discussion on modernity accompanies launch of new book
A new book, recently launched at the Ismaili Centre in London, draws attention to the rich and varied ways in which Muslims have embraced modernity. Dr Amyn B Sajoo discusses the importance of memory in tempering different flavours of modernity influenced by forces such as ideology and the marketplace.
Beginning a journey: The Certificate in Lifelong Learning
Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly-globalising world. New forms of communication are allowing access to information that was once hard to reach, and the rate at which people around the world are sharing new types of knowledge is growing.
Kronos Quartet and Qasimov Ensemble come together at London’s Barbican Hall
In commemoration of the precious nights of Ramadan and the advent of Eid ul-Fitr, mystical harmonies from Central Asia and classical melodies of the Occident were performed before a distinguished audience at London’s prestigious Barbican Hall.
France visit diary
Mawlana Hazar Imam granted the final Darbar of his Golden Jubilee in Paris, and was joined by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya. Hazar Imam also met with senior government and Jamati leaders in France, and signed an agreement between the AKDN and the French Republic.
Welcoming the world to France: Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s final Golden Jubilee visit
The announcement of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Paris has filled the Jamat with happiness. The excitement is palpable, as the France Jamat prepares to host Hazar Imam’s final visit of the Golden Jubilee.
A Mystical Journey is on its way to Paris
After being enthusiastically received by more than 40 000 people during sold-out tours across Canada and the United States, A Mystical Journey will be staged at Le Palais des Congrès de Paris in France on 12 December 2008.
Euroventures Conference 2008: Accelerated growth through cross-border collaboration
Amidst a global atmosphere of financial uncertainty, the second annual Euroventures Conference featured a series of speakers that focused on opportunities instead of obstacles. Over 250 Ismaili entrepreneurs and professionals from ten countries across Europe gathered from 4 – 5 October at Le Palais des Congrès de Paris.
Reflecting the Jamat’s heritage
The Golden Jubilee Visual Arts Exhibition, which toured the United Kingdom earlier this year, provided a platform for those with artistic talent to capture this special Jubilee period in our history through their own creative expression.
The Ismaili Centre opens its doors to Londoners
For one weekend in September, The Ismaili Centre opened its doors to the public. It featured in Open House London, an architectural exhibition aimed at opening eyes and minds to good design in the British capital.
Second Euroventures Conference aims to build on past success
The 2008 Euroventures Conference will take place in Paris between 4 – 5 October 2008. The two-day symposium will feature many successful business leaders from Europe and other parts of the world., and promises unique networking opportunities.
World Cup boccia champion determined to represent his country at the Paralympics
Hopeful of being able to compete in London in 2012 after he narrowly missed out on a place at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, Boccia World Cup gold medallist Ali Lalani discussed his sport, his inspirations, and his future aspirations with Zahid Lalani.
Portuguese Jamat explores the Path of Princes
During the six-month run of the Path of Princes exhibition at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, the Portuguese Jamat had the opportunity to explore our historical traditions and share their insights with the wider Portuguese society.
Two cities inextricably linked by a shared heritage and common values
During the past year, Sameer Kassam served as a volunteer with the Aga Khan Development Network in Salamieh and in Cairo. In addition to gaining an understanding of the AKDN’s work and local impact, Kassam also noted the links between the two cities.
Jamat rejoices during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit
With murids from countries around the world at the Darbar, Mawlana Hazar Imam's recent Golden Jubilee Visit to London was a time of celebration. Volunteers from across the United Kingdom took pleasure in welcoming and accommodating the Jamat from around the world.
Programme in France helps families to develop financial forward-thinking
Good financial planning can help a family prepare for financial and economic changes. The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for France recently launched a special programme specifically geared to families that promotes financial independence and well-being.
Portugal visit diary
During his visit to Portugal, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with senior government leaders, including the President and the Prime Minister, and together with the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Catholic University of Portugal and the Aga Khan University. Hazar Imam also met with senior Jamati leaders and granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar in Lisbon.
Portuguese youth commemorate the Golden Jubilee through art
Preparations for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Portugal are well under way. In addition to all the work the volunteers and Scouts have been doing to prepare for the festivities, the young people of the Jamat have also embarked on an exciting art project.
United Kingdom visit diary
Between 2 – 8 July 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the United Kingdom, where Her Majesty the Queen hosted a dinner in his honour. Hazar Imam also met with senior UK government leaders, including the Prime Minister, as well as senior Jamati and institutional leaders, and granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar at the ExCeL centre.
Road to the Games: UK athletes receive send-off ahead of the Golden Jubilee Games
Ismaili athletes from the United Kingdom and other European countries were fêted at a send-off ahead of the Golden Jubilee Games. The dinner event, hosted by the Jamati leadership, provided the players with encouragement and inspiration to prepare them for their journey.
Road to the Games: The united colours of the France Jamat
The Golden Jubilee Games in Kenya will provide a platform for Jamati athletes from France, Belgium, Switzerland and Ivory Coast to demonstrate their athletic talent and enthusiasm on a global stage. Seventeen athletes from the French jurisdiction will travel to Nairobi.
Running a marathon with a global impact
In April 2008, Zahira Virani ran the Flora London Marathon, pushing her limits while raising funds for development initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation. Shaneen Makhani spoke with her to learn what motivated her, and how she managed to juggle her training with her family and work commitments.
Economic trends in Europe: Seeing risks as opportunities
Uncertainty always signals a need for caution. But spectacular payoffs, writes Professor Alnoor Bhimani, can also accrue from the opportunities that are presented by uncertainty.
Lifelong learning: A priority for the European Jamat
The ability to adapt and continue learning is an essential skill in a fast-paced and rapidly-changing world. The Ismaili Council for the European Union has launched a programme which aims to turn learning into a continuous and natural process in the life of every Ismaili in Europe.
Portuguese Jamat celebrates the launch of three new publications
The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon recently hosted the launch of three new publications from the Institute of Ismaili Studies. The event featured special keynote addresses by Professor Azim Nanji and Dr. Omar Ali-de-Unzaga.
A buzz in the air at NSF 2008
The 2008 National Sports Festival at Keele University saw nearly 900 participants from six different countries compete in 23 sporting categories. In addition to competitive sports, there was entertainment and activities for all.
Objectif Monde offers windows on a changing world
Objectif Monde brought together 250 students and young professionals from the French-speaking Jamats of Europe and West Africa to discuss career opportunities and trends in a rapidly changing world. We spoke with the organizers about the event and their thoughts on the future.
The “cosmopolitan ethic” explored
The 2007 Ismaili Centre Lecture Series concluded with addresses by Rageh Omar and Jan Aarte Scholte focusing on cosmopolitanism and identity, exploring ideas of tolerance and social justice in a pluralistic society. This gives way to the 2008 Lecture series which focuses on the theme Sharing the Narrative of Progress.
Ensemble joins with Royal Philharmonic to deliver captivating performances
In March, the Ismaili Community Ensemble, together with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, dazzled audiences with rousing performances in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee at the Ismaili Centre in London.
Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya visit the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya today toured the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon. They are in Portugal for the opening of “The Path of Princes: Masterpieces of the Aga Khan Museum Collection” exhibition at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.
A rich history of the Scout Movement in Portugal
The history of Scouting in the Portuguese Ismaili community began in 1934 in Mozambique. The Scouting tradition continued as members of the Jamat emigrated from Mozambique to Portugal. Today, the Ismaili Scout group in Portugal is the second largest group in the country.
Portugal issues commemorative stamps
In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam, and in recognition of the contributions of the Ismaili community in Portugal, Correios de Portugal (Portuguese Mail Services) has issued commemorative stamps featuring photos of the Centro Ismaili, Lisbon.
Educational trends in Europe
Globalisation and the rapid emergence of new academic institutions have created an environment where students are offered more educational choices than ever before. Alnoor Bhimani, Professor at the London School of Economics identifies some educational trends and issues which will have an effect on the educational decisions made by European Jamat over the next decade.
Building the post-conflict civil society: discussion at Ismaili Centre London
A panel of notable academics and specialists assembled at The Ismaili Centre, London on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 to discuss the role of faith in post-conflict emerging states.
Aga Khan Museum Collection tours Europe
Currently touring Europe, rare masterpieces of Islamic art, from the Aga Khan Museum Collection are contributing to a wider understanding of Islam's rich artistic and cultural history. The Aga Khan Museum Collection has been appreciated by not only the Jamat but also members of the general public.
Rethinking savings strategies
The transformation of demographic trends in the European Union have led to a reshaping of the economic environment as well. In light of these changes, members of the European Jamat need to re-evaluate their savings strategies and career choices in order to ensure financial security.
European Jamat prepares for the knowledge society
With lifelong learning and cross-border economic collaboration becoming integral to success in today's meritocratic society, the Jamat needs to build upon its diverse resources in order to take advantage of the many opportunities and address the challenges presented by globalisation.
Euroventures Conference builds bridges across borders
In order facilitate effective business connections within members of the Jamat in Europe, the Euroventures programme organised a weekend-long conference in Portugal that brought together leaders in the entrepreneurial and professional domains within and outside the Jamat.
Intercultural Dialogue workshops held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The Council of Europe, an organisation promoting democracy and human rights in Europe, will be launching a White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Portugal, and other international organisations.
Ismaili Centre London participates in Fete de la Musique
The Social Hall at The Ismaili Centre in London, was filled with people of all ages eager to hear the spectacular fusion of sounds from an incredible mix of western and eastern instruments on 21 June 2007, as part of the Exhibition Road Music Day festivities.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in Europe
Over the past 50 years, the European Union has grown in size, influence, and scope, and the decisions made by the Union touch the lives of every citizen in Europe. Similarly, in his 50 years as spiritual leader of the global Ismaili community, Mawlana Hazar Imam has overseen the growth of Jamati and Imamat institutions, as well as the growth of the Jamat as it spread across various regions around the world.
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