​​The Imam, civil society and sustainable goals
​​NOTE: This is only a sample of how I want the paper to develop through participation.
​​In most of the Farmans (speeches, interviews and meeting notes included) I have heard the term ‘civil society’ and ‘goals’ on numerous occasions. I am trying to compile and share this dropbox ‘living paper’ so that many mureeds those I know, can participate in improving and add contents from original and reliable sources that the contributors find missing. 
​​The ultimate aim: Starting step for action by individuals as well as institutions to embark on attaining SUSTAINABLE GOALS set by the Imam.
​​What is CIVIL SOCIETY:
​​The CIVIL SOCIETY is explained through this simple explanation,
​​"A vibrant and competent civil society is the cornerstone of a healthy and prosperous nation. It is where people themselves work to create change and build a better society, rather than rely solely on the government to do so. This notion first appeared in ancient Greece and Rome, and has become an essential component for a modern society to function anywhere in the world."
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TheIsmaili
The term civil society often appears in conversations amongst people concerned with social progress and positive change. But what does it actually mean, and why is it important? Explore some key...
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TheIsmaili - #QuoteOfTheWeek: Mawlana Hazar Imam discusses...
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TheIsmaili - #QuoteOfTheWeek: At an international...
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TheIsmaili - #QuoteOfTheWeek: Mawlana Hazar Imam discusses...
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​​https://twitter.com/i/status/1134489919815131137
​​“Quality of Life”: What is not understood is that this work is for us a part of our institutional responsibility -- it flows from the mandate of the office of Imam to improve the quality of worldly life for the concerned communities. “cosmopolitan ethic”, 'listen to the voices of the poor”,  “A Clash of Ignorance”, “Who is my Neighbor?” “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from the twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women.” (4:1),  “single soul created by a single Creator”, Of course my experience includes the religious faith in which I have been nurtured. I was born into a Muslim family, educated as a Muslim and spent many years studying the history of the faith and its civilisations. My commitment to the principle of tolerance also grows out of that commitment. faith and world. The two are so deeply intertwined that one cannot imagine their separation. They constitute a “Way of Life.” The role and responsibility of an Imam, therefore, is both to interpret the faith to the community, and also to do all within his means to improve the quality, and security, of their daily lives
​​What is your goal? To reduce poverty?
​​It is to improve the quality of life and that indeed involves reducing poverty, but it also provides people with the means to improve their quality of life. That is the goal.
​​Do foreign heads of state often ask for your advice?
​​Yes, that is true. Especially in countries where there is a large Ismaili community or strong institutions. And it also works the other way. I talk to them because I need to know what their thoughts are on the future, what is the best academic or economic institution.
​​Training and Implementation of ‘Civil Society Learning Material’:
​​WEB-CAST: DIAMOND JUBILEE GOALS:
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​​https://youtu.be/1mxaq095PBc
​​1. Poverty alleviation.
​​2. Stabilization and strengthening of institutions. 
​​3. Improvement in education from early childhood to tertiary education.
​​4. Improvement in infra-structure particularly water and energy.
​​“This endeavor was based on the ever increasing appreciation that the social change and the improvement in the quality of life of the various communities around the world is driven by capacities of civil society. Increasingly the role of the governments is expected to be an enabler for the civil society to grow positively. Fortunately in many of the countries where the Jamat is living public and private sectors recognize the need and benefit to integrate the civil society and it is within that context since the last ten years the AKDN has expanded its activities.”
​​“An important facet of modern development thinking is that societies can best strengthen themselves by mobilizing their own dynamic forces rather than relying on external support and direction.” (Gist of  REORIENTATE ordained by the Imam in 2002 through detailed TALIQAs -also read this guidance :https://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness-aga-khan/kfw-weiterdenken-thinking-ahead-event Hisam )
​​"The AKDN because of multiplicity of its activities in economics, health, education, cultural activities and others is exceptionally well placed to enhance the development of civil society in many countries of the world. It is led by generous men and women who offer their competencies and their time, many without any compensation so as to contribute to the improvement of quality of life in their societies. These initiatives draw support from our as well as other communities and institutions and their outcomes are measured against best practices. Both measuring device and optimization of performance are key contributors to positive outcomes, thus I wish to thank them today all those who have contributed and are contributing to our actions in various parts of the world through various entities and to say how much I admire and grateful for their work.
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​​Sustainable Goals:
​​1982:  The Imam set three goals while launching AKRSP.
​​1987: communication covering cultural preservation and Restoration of Baltit Fort. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bysj1_w9hCPsBi3qXKQNTWAiHgy95ZBkgGfsHNFhm8s/edit?usp=drivesdk. 
​​2002: The Imam asked the leadership to REORIENTATE in November 2002 with detailed written directions. Also ordained to evolve COUNTRY STRATEGY - for Pakistan.
​​2007;  The Imam introduced a major policy change in 2007 and got the Civil Society Learning Mateial compiled as also authored a book so that Institutions get strengthened towards better delivery.
​​1982 – 2017: The Imam sets a number of goals during the three jubilees (viz. Silver, Golden and Diamond) the last fourgoals `for the Diamond Jubilee and how they are to be achieved.
​​2015:   Three of the agencies, viz. AKESP, HSP & PBSP dissociated from NC and shifted from Karachi to Islamabad.
​​2019:  The Imam repeated the strategy through 3-points in his speech on 15 January 2019 in Germany.
​​2013 to date: Individual effort seeking Institutional adoption; in order to make achievement of the goals contextual to our region, showing that these are within reach of institutions and populations to make them comprehensible, I have invested about five lacs of my limited resources in the “idea demonstration projects” which I have covered through various posts on my blog titled “HunzaDevelopment Forum”. 
​​Watch Mawlana Hazar Imamdiscusses the power of strong civil society organizations , also click and watch CIVIL SOCIETY, LIVING DOCUMENT,ROAD_MAP
​​LATEST FROM OFFICIAL SITE
​​1982: TARGET 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.
​​2017:"An important facet of modern development thinking is that societies can best strengthen themselves by mobilizing their own dynamic forces rather than relying on external support and direction.”
​​What I have shared through the links to the documents is: The Imam has set four goals and how to achieve these.I have developed the "idea demonstration projects" and my ideas on how to implement for wider impact. Now all those interested on this topic can visit the site of these projects see them clarify any question, share better ideas and implement the way they deem more appropriate.
​​I hope the idea demonstration projects convey gist of following important messages to the populations in our region:
​​a. SELF HELP IS THE BEST HELP - teaching conveyed fourteen centuries back in time and continuing through the guidance system instituted in Ghadir-e-Khum - read webcast of 11th July 2017 and the speech on 15th January 2019.
​​b. I am not looking for the best technologies in the world to solve issues around our homes rather for solutions evolved by innovative human resources and sustainable options within reach.
​​c. Promote KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY towards attaining BETTER TOMORROW goals.
​​I expect our institutions collecting better tomorrow donations as well VO/WO saving scheme investments in proposed FLOATING HYDROELECTRIC GENERATOR/Pumping Station - a step towards HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY - will result in poverty alleviation through pumping water from rivers to irrigate barren lands and create jobs at village level. Once refined has the potential for export as well and Life-long learning centers towards world class education and skills to result in innovative HR. For details read my blog. Also go through the DJ goals set by MHI and guidance on how these are to be achieved - in short REORIENTATION desired as it is pending since introduction of 1998 constitution.