Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 12:42 pm Post subject: ACTIVITIES AT THE ISMAILI CENTRE LISBON
Lisbon Forum 2009 to held on 13-14 of November, in the Centre Ismaili in Lisbon
Posted on September 22, 2009 by paderbornersj
Lisbon Forum 2009
The main aim of the 2009 Lisbon Forum will be to promote the creation of a culture of human rights, through “quadrilogue” action, i.e. governments, parliamentarians, local and regional authorities and civil society.
This year the Forum will take place on 13-14 of November, in the Centre Ismaili in Lisbon, Portugal.
excerpt:
The organisers of the 2009 Lisbon Forum are the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe
and the Alliance of Civilisations, in partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network. Key
note speeches, shorter interventions and discussions will be held in English and French and
simultaneous interpretation to/from these two languages will be available during the conference.
And check out the participants:
Secretary General of the Council of Europe
High Representative of the United Nations for the Alliance of Civilisations (confirmed)
President of the European Commission
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights
High-level representatives from the Portuguese Government
High-level representatives from regional structures such as African Union, ALECSO,
ASEAN and other international organisations with which the Council of Europe has
signed a Co-operation Agreement and whose field of action is relevant to the NSC, e.g.
UNESCO, OSCE, Anna Lindh Foundation and OIF
Human Rights Education Experts from Africa, Asia, America, Europe and the Middle
East
Representatives from current (Slovenia) and upcoming (Switzerland) Presidency of the
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the Swedish Presidency of the
European Union
Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the
European Parliament
Members of the Executive Council of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
Committee of Regions of the European Union
Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe
Representatives from international and regional youth organisations
Representatives from the City of Lisbon
Representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network
Members of the diplomatic corps in Lisbon.
North-South Centre of the Council of Europe: the 2009 Lisbon Forum
“Creating a culture of human rights through education”
Date: 13-14 November 2009
Location: Aga Khan Development Network - Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
Organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in partnership with the Alliance of Civilizations and the Aga Khan Development Network, with the financial support of the European Commission and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Description: The Lisbon Forum is a platform for dialogue and for sharing experiences, expertise and good practices between Europe and the other continents, especially the Middle East, Africa and the countries on the south side of the Mediterranean. The Forum has been held by the North-South Centre since 1994. It focuses on issues at the heart of the mandate and actions of the Council of Europe: human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Intercultural dialogue plays a key role in this respect, both within European countries and in relation between Europe and the rest of the world.
During the 2008 session, a new process was launched devoted to the principle of universality of human rights and its implementation at international and regional level. A work programme was adopted for the upcoming years, focussing on the promotion, understanding and strengthening of human rights, as well as on present and future challenges in this field. Among various themes, “Creating a Culture of Human Rights through Education” was chosen for the 2009 Lisbon Forum.
The overall aim of the Lisbon Forum 2009 is to promote the creation of a culture of human rights, through “quadrilogue” action, i.e. governments, parliamentarians, local and regional authorities and civil society.
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe will address the opening session of the Forum, together with Jorge Sampaio, President of the forum and Special Representative of the UN Alliance for Civilizations and Deborah Bergamini, Chair of the Executive Council of the North-South Centre. Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights will launch the introductory session.
Practical information: The Forum, starting at 9 pm, will be open to the press.
Programme of the Forum
More information on the North-South Centre
Contact: Emilia Soares, North-South Centre, tel +351 93 452 4403
Council of Europe Directorate of Communication
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
pressunit@coe.int www.coe.int
Forum on ”Creating a culture of human rights through education” November 17, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Aga Khan Development Network, Europe, Portugal.
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[12/11/2009 17:00:00] The North-South Centre organised on 13 and 14 November the 2009 edition of the Lisbon Forum, with the aim to promote the creation of a culture of human rights, through ”quadrilogue” action, i.e. governments, parliamentarians, local and regional authorities and civil society. The Deputy Secretary General, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, and the Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, took part in the opening session.
Speech by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio
Video of the opening session [part 1]
Video of the opening session [part 2]
Video of the closing session
Concept paper
Programme
North-South Centre website
Ismaili Centre plays host to the 2009 Lisbon Forum
UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Dr Jorge Sampaio addresses the 2009 Lisbon Forum, which took place at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Portugal
During two days 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,” this year’s gathering was organised in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Since 1994, the Lisbon Forum has provided an important platform for dialogue and the sharing of experiences, expertise and good practices between Europe and other continents — particularly the Middle East, Africa and the southern Mediterranean countries. The North-South Centre is an autonomous institution of the Council of Europe that seeks to provide a framework for North-South co-operation and to raise awareness around issues of global interdependence.
AKDN Representative Nazim Ahmad, Ismaili Council for Portugal President Amirali Bhanji, Karim Vissangy, and Secretary of State of European Affairs of Portugal, Pedro Lourtie together in the library of the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Portugal
The 2009 Lisbon Forum explored the role that education can play in the creation of a culture of human rights. In societies of diversity, education can teach people to acknowledge and explore their differences, and develop a sense of respect and appreciation for one another. Education targeted at girls can also improve conditions for women, and have a profound impact on a society’s respect for the dignity of the human person without regard to origin, faith or gender. Respect of human dignity lies at the heart of the ethics of Islam and other faith traditions.
Drawing on some of its earliest experiences in education, the AKDN can attest to this. In Africa and Asia, the 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, established some 200 schools in the first half of the 20th century, and strongly emphasised the importance of educating girls. As a result, thousands of underprivileged girls grew into women who could look to their future with optimism. They were able to raise the social and economic status of their families and communities, and adapt in the face of turbulent change that came with modernity and independence.
Dr Jorge Sampaio, UN High Representative for Alliance of Civilizations and Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe share a conversation at the 2009 Lisbon Forum. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Portugal
The Forum was chaired by Jorge Sampaio, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and a former President of the Portuguese Republic. Delegates from all over the world as well as the diplomatic corps in Portugal attended the event. Among the high-profile participants were Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for the Human Rights, and António Costa, the Mayor of Lisbon. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, addressed the Forum through a video message, and a message was also presented on behalf of Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.
As a representative of the organising entity and a special guest, AKDN Representative Nazim Ahmad was invited to address the Forum. He highlighted the close cooperation between the North-South Centre and the AKDN, describing contributions made in various areas of human development, including work in education and fostering pluralism in societies.
Forum participants agreed that human rights education has the potential to be “a tool of prevention in reducing incidences of human rights violations and conflict,” and should be integrated into formal education systems. However, it should equally be seen as a lifelong process, engaging youth and the broader public through informal learning opportunities.
AKDN Representative Nazim Ahmad, Dinah Azevedo Gomes, Ismaili Council for Portugal President Amirali Bhanji, and UN High representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Dr Jorge Sampaio participate in the proceedings of the 2009 Lisbon Forum hosted at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Portugal
Seniors in Portugal challenged to redefine the meaning of being “old”
Seniors take part in a theatre performance about mediation and dispute resolution during the Seniors in Movement programme held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Pirbhai
What defines being old? Is it reaching a particular age? Retiring from the workplace? And what meaningful roles can the elderly play in society today?
These and other matters were put forward at a recent gathering of seniors in Lisbon. Held at the Ismaili Centre, Seniors in Movement is a pilot programme that takes an integrated approach to the needs of the elderly. Seeking to stimulate the mind, body and soul, it combined a thought provoking seminar-workshop with physical exercise, meditation, a nutritious meal and dance-fuelled celebration.
“Today I came to this ‘Seniors in Movement’ programme,” said Julficar bhai with pride. “I’ve been a Mukhi Saheb; I was a member of the Council. Now I am 82 years old. I don’t participate in programmes for seniors, but today, this is different.”
Participants in the Seniors in Movement programme at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon listen intently during the seminar-workshop portion of the day. Photo: Pirbhai
Looking at ways to care more effectively for the aged is a major priority of the Jamati institutions. In keeping with guidance from Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Ismaili Council for Portugal is working to establish measurable indicators of quality of life that incorporate both material and spiritual aspects of health and wellness. The integrated approach of Seniors in Movement is being studied as a model, whose findings will hopefully contribute to even more effective programmes in the future.
“Being an elder is about assuming the responsibility to pass on our experience, to safeguard the ethics and morals of our grandchildren,” said Amir, one of the programme participants. “But before teaching, we have to learn.”
“It’s not that, what I learned in young age is not important,” he explained. “But the type of speech and language and how things are done in this new time is different — we have to catch up.”
As people live longer lives, it is important that they continue to feel they have purpose and are able to make a meaningful contribution in their old age. Amir pointed out that one way is for grandparents to be involved with their grandchildren. “My granddaughter of 10 years old, teaches me to work on computers, and in turn I read her stories from the Institute of Ismaili Studies curriculum. I was a trader all my life and let me tell you, that’s a great deal!”
Following the seminar, participants took part in a gym class led by a gymnastics teacher who taught them exercises that are especially suited to the elderly.
A fitness instructor leads the senior participants in exercises that are particularly suited to their age group. Photo: Pirbhai
A fitness instructor leads the senior participants in exercises that are particularly suited to their age group. Photo: Pirbhai
The trainer explained that as the body ages, workouts should be moderated and less strenuous. “Nevertheless, we must continue to exercise our muscles to ensure a good quality of life,” he said. The fitness session was complimented with a discussion about nutrition and the benefits of a balanced diet that led to a healthy lunch of mainly vegetarian and fat free fare.
In the afternoon, a theatre session had been organised by the National Conciliation and Arbitration Board around mediation and dispute resolution. The actors in the play were also seniors, and participants found ways to relate the concepts to their own life experiences.
“In my days, I used to drive a truck across the jungle in Mozambique — I met so many different people, many different cultures,” said Sadru bhai, a participant. “On the road I came across so many issues, that sometimes I had to improvise solutions just to get to the end of the day. That taught me to be open-minded and to be tolerant to other people’s needs.”
“That’s mediation,” he pointed out, adding “I could tell you stories that you wouldn’t believe!”
The programme ended with music, dance and a laughter therapy yoga session. At the end of the full and busy day, the picture of seniors dancing, laughing and cheering once again prompted the question: At what age is a person really supposed to be called ‘old’?
Bridge-building between cultures and religions through dialogue and cooperation is an important means to promote a peaceful and humanistic society. Recognising this, the Ismaili community and Jamati institutions in Portugal have long been supportive of efforts to share knowledge in areas as diverse as social development, citizenship and social inclusion.
In August, the third edition of the Summer School of the Alliance of Civilizations — an initiative of the United Nations — took place in Portugal. The Aga Khan Development Network, a long time Alliance of Civilizations partner, was among more than one hundred countries and international organisations supporting the programme.
Titled Bridging Hearts, Opening Minds and Doing Things Together, Summer School welcomed over 140 youngsters, representing national student organisations and voluntary associations of more than 60 countries. It sought to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to grapple with diversity, and see it as an asset in building mutual trust, engaging in cultural exchange.
Dr Farid Panjwani delivers his presentation at the UN Alliance of Civilizations session held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for PortugalThe Ismaili Centre, Lisbon — described as “a symbol of peace and tolerance for different cultures and religions” by Dr Helena Barroco, diplomat and Special Advisor for the Alliance of Civilizations — was chosen as the venue for a Summer School lecture on “Muslims and Modernity”. Delivered by Dr Farid Panjwani, a professor at Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, the lecture discussed diversity and pluralism within Islam.
Islam is not a monolithic concept, as it is often portrayed in the media, said Dr Panjwani, but rather a multidimensional phenomena. This is a fact that new generations and modern education systems are slowly coming to realise.
“When talking to young people we get a sense that there is an increasing recognition that there is no other way but to recognise this diversity among Muslims,” he says, which is “a source of good.” He adds that “the educational system can play an important role here. There is now a growing recognition that education systems need to bring out this diversity.”
Ismaili Council for Portugal President, Amirali Bhanji, Helena Barroco, Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for the Alliance of Civilizations, and AKDN Resident Representative for Portugal and Mozambique Nazim Ahmad at the Alliance of Civilizations Summer School session held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for PortugalAmong the other speakers were academics and personalities such as Anna Walch of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, as well as Professor Daryoush Poor and Dr Laila Halani from The Institute of Ismaili Studies. The nine-day programme addressed cultural violence, tolerance and respect for diversity and the importance of pluralism in societies. The role of women and youth as active agents of change was discussed, as International Youth Day was celebrated.
Ismaili Centres around the world contribute in many ways to promoting recognition for the value of diversity, and this UN Alliance of Civilizations programme presented another such opportunity. During a question and answer session at the Ismaili Centre, a young delegate from Uganda, said that Summer School participants “have the responsibility — when returning to their countries, to their organizations — to explain to others, the true notion of pluralism: [One] that emphasises what unites us, a concept very different from tolerance that limits [us] to forbear our differences.”
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