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.
Read more at: Council for Europe
http://sjpaderborn.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... in-lisbon/
Forum concept paper:
http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/Lisbo ... _09_en.pdf
(very interesting document)
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.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ISMAILI CENTRE LISBON
Media advisory - 138(2009)
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
[email protected]
www.coe.int
https://wcd.coe.int//ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=MA ... ged=A9BACE
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
[email protected]
www.coe.int
https://wcd.coe.int//ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=MA ... ged=A9BACE
Forum on ”Creating a culture of human rights through education” November 17, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Aga Khan Development Network, Europe, Portugal.
trackback
[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
Earlier related at Ismailimail
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/1 ... education/
Posted by ismailimail in Aga Khan Development Network, Europe, Portugal.
trackback
[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
Earlier related at Ismailimail
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/1 ... education/
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
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/922/Ismai ... sbon-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
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/922/Ismai ... sbon-Forum
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’?
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1150/mailshot
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’?
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1150/mailshot
“Bridging hearts, opening minds and doing things together” at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1401/
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.”
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1401/
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.”
Ismaili Centre Lisbon to host the Lisbon Forum 2015
"How to combat radicalisation and terrorism: prevention tools and shared knowledge in the Mediterranean and European space"
3-4 December, Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The Lisbon Forum is an excellent arena in which to strengthen contacts, dialogue and cooperation between various stakeholders as it represents an opportune moment for actors with recognised expertise to discuss the state of play in the region, exchange experience and good practice in light of recent events or acts of terrorism that are a shared area of grave concern for the European and Mediterranean space. This year the Lisbon Forum will be developed along three main axes:
Rule of Law and Democratic responses: A bulwark against radicalisation
Preventing radicalisation through education and training
Empowering young people and women to prevent and combat radicalisation
The Lisbon Forum 2015 will offer the opportunity to frame discussions in light of recent developments with the presentation of the outcomes of 3 important Council of Europe events organised in the weeks preceding the Forum:
http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/LF/LisbonForum_en.asp
"How to combat radicalisation and terrorism: prevention tools and shared knowledge in the Mediterranean and European space"
3-4 December, Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The Lisbon Forum is an excellent arena in which to strengthen contacts, dialogue and cooperation between various stakeholders as it represents an opportune moment for actors with recognised expertise to discuss the state of play in the region, exchange experience and good practice in light of recent events or acts of terrorism that are a shared area of grave concern for the European and Mediterranean space. This year the Lisbon Forum will be developed along three main axes:
Rule of Law and Democratic responses: A bulwark against radicalisation
Preventing radicalisation through education and training
Empowering young people and women to prevent and combat radicalisation
The Lisbon Forum 2015 will offer the opportunity to frame discussions in light of recent developments with the presentation of the outcomes of 3 important Council of Europe events organised in the weeks preceding the Forum:
http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/LF/LisbonForum_en.asp
The Lisbon Forum 2015 kicks off at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The Lisbon Forum 2015 with a focus on the theme “How to fight radicalization and terrorism: prevention mechanisms and shared knowledge in the European Mediterranean area”, kicked off with more than 50 speakers and a total of 250 participants from 40 countries.
The Forum in it’s 21st edition, is organized by Council of Europe’s North-South Centre, based in Lisbon, in cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network and the Anna Lindh Foundation and has been held at the Ismaili Centre since 2009.
The former President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, the winner of the North-South Prize and adviser to the King of Morocco, André Azoulay, the new Secretary of State for European Affairs, Margarida Marques, Director-General of the Council of Democracy Europe, Snezana Samardzic-Markovic, and Nazim Ahmad, the Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network to Portugal and the Lusophone countries are some of the speakers at the international Lisbon Forum 2015 meeting. Alaa Murabit, founder and president of the association “The Voice of Libyan Women” delivered the opening session’s address.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/ ... re-lisbon/
******
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon hosts Lisbon Forum 2015: Perspectives from Morocco
Lisbon 03/12/2015: The Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mrs Mbarka Bouaida, took part Thursday, December 3, 2015 in Lisbon, Lisbon Forum 2015 held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon,
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Bouaida, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in various parts of the world and similarly stressed the need to adopt a layered approach to combat extremism in all its forms.
In this regard, she stressed that the security approach alone is not enough to eradicate this scourge, emphasizing the different political, economic and social adopted by Morocco to the strengthening of democracy, with Morocco’s new constitution adopted in July 2011.
The Lisbon Forum 2015 (LF2015), chaired by the Adviser to His Majesty the King of Morocco, André Azoulay, was supported by a large Moroccan delegation composed of senior officials, parliamentarians and ‘associative actors alongside some 250 representatives of international organizations, ministries of Mediterranean States and European parliaments, local authorities and civil society.
The work of this meeting (LF2015) will focus on three fundamental axes, namely “the rule of law and democratic responses: a bulwark against radicalization”, “Prevention of radicalization through education and training” and “strengthening of youth and the role of women in preventing and combating radicalization”.
Held annually since 1994, the Lisbon Forum is a unique platform to bring together high-level participants from Europe, its neighboring regions and other continents to share experiences, best practices and expertise around themes related to promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/ ... m-morocco/
*******
Lisbon Forum: Fighting radicalisation and promoting dialogue
Following recent attacks in Paris, Bamako and Tunis, this year’s Lisbon Forum will focus on how to combat radicalisation and terrorism.
Some 300 government and NGO representatives, educators and legal experts from over 40 countries are scheduled to attend the 2 day event, which opens today.
Empowering women to prevent radicalisation is a forum highlight. Keynote speaker Dr. Alaa Murabit – founder of Voice of Libyan Women – addresses Islam’s impact on laws and societal structures involving gender.
Former white supremacist Robert Örell explains community based approaches to prevent radicalisation. He is director of Exit Sweden, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals leave white supremacy groups.
More information
http://www.humanrightseurope.org/2015/1 ... -dialogue/
The Lisbon Forum 2015 with a focus on the theme “How to fight radicalization and terrorism: prevention mechanisms and shared knowledge in the European Mediterranean area”, kicked off with more than 50 speakers and a total of 250 participants from 40 countries.
The Forum in it’s 21st edition, is organized by Council of Europe’s North-South Centre, based in Lisbon, in cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network and the Anna Lindh Foundation and has been held at the Ismaili Centre since 2009.
The former President of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, the winner of the North-South Prize and adviser to the King of Morocco, André Azoulay, the new Secretary of State for European Affairs, Margarida Marques, Director-General of the Council of Democracy Europe, Snezana Samardzic-Markovic, and Nazim Ahmad, the Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network to Portugal and the Lusophone countries are some of the speakers at the international Lisbon Forum 2015 meeting. Alaa Murabit, founder and president of the association “The Voice of Libyan Women” delivered the opening session’s address.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/ ... re-lisbon/
******
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon hosts Lisbon Forum 2015: Perspectives from Morocco
Lisbon 03/12/2015: The Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mrs Mbarka Bouaida, took part Thursday, December 3, 2015 in Lisbon, Lisbon Forum 2015 held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon,
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Bouaida, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in various parts of the world and similarly stressed the need to adopt a layered approach to combat extremism in all its forms.
In this regard, she stressed that the security approach alone is not enough to eradicate this scourge, emphasizing the different political, economic and social adopted by Morocco to the strengthening of democracy, with Morocco’s new constitution adopted in July 2011.
The Lisbon Forum 2015 (LF2015), chaired by the Adviser to His Majesty the King of Morocco, André Azoulay, was supported by a large Moroccan delegation composed of senior officials, parliamentarians and ‘associative actors alongside some 250 representatives of international organizations, ministries of Mediterranean States and European parliaments, local authorities and civil society.
The work of this meeting (LF2015) will focus on three fundamental axes, namely “the rule of law and democratic responses: a bulwark against radicalization”, “Prevention of radicalization through education and training” and “strengthening of youth and the role of women in preventing and combating radicalization”.
Held annually since 1994, the Lisbon Forum is a unique platform to bring together high-level participants from Europe, its neighboring regions and other continents to share experiences, best practices and expertise around themes related to promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/ ... m-morocco/
*******
Lisbon Forum: Fighting radicalisation and promoting dialogue
Following recent attacks in Paris, Bamako and Tunis, this year’s Lisbon Forum will focus on how to combat radicalisation and terrorism.
Some 300 government and NGO representatives, educators and legal experts from over 40 countries are scheduled to attend the 2 day event, which opens today.
Empowering women to prevent radicalisation is a forum highlight. Keynote speaker Dr. Alaa Murabit – founder of Voice of Libyan Women – addresses Islam’s impact on laws and societal structures involving gender.
Former white supremacist Robert Örell explains community based approaches to prevent radicalisation. He is director of Exit Sweden, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals leave white supremacy groups.
More information
http://www.humanrightseurope.org/2015/1 ... -dialogue/
Sultan Jessa: Ismaili Centre Lisbon – Design Inspired by Persian Gardens
| by ismailimail
|Posted on June 3, 2016
LISBON: Portugal – The imposing Ismaili Centre in Lisbon was designed by an Indian architect Raj Rewal, who sought and found inspiration from Persian garden designs.
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The eye-catching building in the heart of Lisbon encompasses traditional designs from Muslim civilizations.
Ismaili ladies gather for a social function
Ismaili ladies gather for a social function
The foundation stone for the centre was laid in December 1996.
Beautiful setting for Ismaili weddings
Beautiful setting for Ismaili weddings
It was officially opened by Portugal’s former President Jorge Sampaio in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam on July 11, 1998.
Ismaili Centre
Ismaili Centre
Today, the Ismaili Centre is not only a place for worship but also a social gathering place for weddings, meetings, educational seminars and a wide variety of other events.
Photographs by Sultan Jessa, who visited the centre for the second time a few days last week after visiting it in 1998.
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Ismaili ladies gather for a social function
Beautiful setting for Ismaili weddings
Ismaili Centre
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... n-gardens/
| by ismailimail
|Posted on June 3, 2016
LISBON: Portugal – The imposing Ismaili Centre in Lisbon was designed by an Indian architect Raj Rewal, who sought and found inspiration from Persian garden designs.
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The eye-catching building in the heart of Lisbon encompasses traditional designs from Muslim civilizations.
Ismaili ladies gather for a social function
Ismaili ladies gather for a social function
The foundation stone for the centre was laid in December 1996.
Beautiful setting for Ismaili weddings
Beautiful setting for Ismaili weddings
It was officially opened by Portugal’s former President Jorge Sampaio in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam on July 11, 1998.
Ismaili Centre
Ismaili Centre
Today, the Ismaili Centre is not only a place for worship but also a social gathering place for weddings, meetings, educational seminars and a wide variety of other events.
Photographs by Sultan Jessa, who visited the centre for the second time a few days last week after visiting it in 1998.
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Ismaili ladies gather for a social function
Beautiful setting for Ismaili weddings
Ismaili Centre
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... n-gardens/
OPEN HOUSE
http://www.openhouselisboa.com/places/centro-ismaili/
Centro Ismaili
Raj Rewal Associates e Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos
1998
Descrição
O Centro Ismaili, em Lisboa, estabelece pela primeira vez na Europa Continental um local em que os espaços de reunião dos Muçulmanos Ismailis complementam as instalações de uma rede internacional de instituições de desenvolvimento social, cultural e económico que servem pessoas de todas as fés, contextos e origens. Construído em torno de uma série de pátios, os seus edifícios combinam salas multiusos e áreas abertas, destinadas a funções sociais e encontros de carácter cultural e formativo.
Google translation:
Description
The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon for the first time established in Continental Europe a place where the meeting spaces of the Ismaili Muslims complement the facilities of an international network of social development institutions, cultural and economic serving people of all faiths, backgrounds and backgrounds. Built around a series of courtyards, its buildings combine multipurpose rooms and open areas, aimed at social functions and cultural and formative character encounters.
Visitas Comentadas
Sáb.
10:00
10:40
11:20
12:00
14:00
14:40
15:20
16:00
Dom.
10:00
10:40
11:20
12:00
14:00
14:40
15:20
16:00
Visita sábado 10h com Júlio Appleton, visitas sábado 10h40 e domingo 11h20 com Vera Ramos, restantes visitas com Guias do Centro Ismaili
Visitors during the 2014 Lisboa Open House weekend joined thousands who have toured the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon since it’s inauguration in 1998. Ismaili Council for Portugal
Architecture and values shared during Open House at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
Over the weekend of 11–12 October, the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon took part in Lisboa Open House, an annual event to raise awareness about spaces of architectural and cultural value. Visitors learnt about the relationship between the architecture of the building and the history and values of a Muslim community that has been in Portugal for decades.
https://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentres/lisbon
http://www.openhouselisboa.com/places/centro-ismaili/
Centro Ismaili
Raj Rewal Associates e Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos
1998
Descrição
O Centro Ismaili, em Lisboa, estabelece pela primeira vez na Europa Continental um local em que os espaços de reunião dos Muçulmanos Ismailis complementam as instalações de uma rede internacional de instituições de desenvolvimento social, cultural e económico que servem pessoas de todas as fés, contextos e origens. Construído em torno de uma série de pátios, os seus edifícios combinam salas multiusos e áreas abertas, destinadas a funções sociais e encontros de carácter cultural e formativo.
Google translation:
Description
The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon for the first time established in Continental Europe a place where the meeting spaces of the Ismaili Muslims complement the facilities of an international network of social development institutions, cultural and economic serving people of all faiths, backgrounds and backgrounds. Built around a series of courtyards, its buildings combine multipurpose rooms and open areas, aimed at social functions and cultural and formative character encounters.
Visitas Comentadas
Sáb.
10:00
10:40
11:20
12:00
14:00
14:40
15:20
16:00
Dom.
10:00
10:40
11:20
12:00
14:00
14:40
15:20
16:00
Visita sábado 10h com Júlio Appleton, visitas sábado 10h40 e domingo 11h20 com Vera Ramos, restantes visitas com Guias do Centro Ismaili
Visitors during the 2014 Lisboa Open House weekend joined thousands who have toured the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon since it’s inauguration in 1998. Ismaili Council for Portugal
Architecture and values shared during Open House at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
Over the weekend of 11–12 October, the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon took part in Lisboa Open House, an annual event to raise awareness about spaces of architectural and cultural value. Visitors learnt about the relationship between the architecture of the building and the history and values of a Muslim community that has been in Portugal for decades.
https://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentres/lisbon
Exhibition tells story of oldest Ismaili community in Europe
https://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentr ... ity-europe
TheIsmaili.org
22 September 2016
Two years ago, the oldest Ismaili Muslim community in Europe celebrated 100 years since it’s arrival on the continent. In July, an exhibition that recounts their story was inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon.
That the Spain Jamat is the oldest continuously settled Ismaili community in the Western world is a little known fact to many.
Ashad Ali Haji arrived in Europe in 1912 and settled in Paris. Born Ali Jamal Meghji and originally from Junagadh (in the British Indian province of Kathiawar), he was the only surviving son of the well-known Mukhi Jamal Meghji. With the eruption of World War I, he decided to move to Spain, a neutral country in that conflict. It was there that he established the first Ismaili community in Western Europe.
Today, the Spain Jamat come from diverse origins but is united in its Ismaili Muslim identity. The exhibition celebrates the remarkable story of the family of Ashad Ali Haji, which 102 years later is now in its fifth generation. Through stories shared and recounted by members of the family, it offers an important porthole on Ismaili history.
The inauguration coincided with the celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 59th Imamat Day, and members of the Spain Jamat attended in large numbers. They were joined by the Jamat and institutional leaders from Portugal.
The opening of the exhibition was preceded by a dinner that celebrated the bonds that unite the Iberian Jamat.
******
Google Translate:
Conference with Sister Jina and other Plum Village community Monjas
Tradition of Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh
Organization: Portuguese Buddhist Union and Circle of Entre-Being | Patronage: Ismaili Centre in Lisbon and Lisbon City Hall
6 October | from 19h00 to 21h00
Location: Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
All are welcome to join an introduction to the practice of mindfulness in the tradition of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, led by Sister Jina (Sister Chan Dieu Nghiem) accompanied by two other nuns from Plum Village.
The Mindfulness is the practice of deep touch every moment of everyday life; while we are sitting, walking, eating, drinking tea and even to work. When we are able to deeply touch the life in the present moment, we can touch the many healing elements that are available to us, cultivating peace and joy within us and around us.
During the event we will be introduced to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and together we will experience an afternoon of mindfulness practice, we can apply to our daily lives at home and at work. There will be guided sitting meditation, walking meditation and "Tangerine meditation."
http://www.uniaobudista.pt/index.php/ev ... ncia-plena
Conferência , com Sister Jina e outras Monjas da comunidade de Plum Village
Tradição do Mestre Budista Zen Thich Nhat Hanh
Organização: União Budista Portuguesa e Círculo do Entre-Ser | Alto Patrocínio: Centro Ismaili de Lisboa e Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
6 de Outubro | das 19h00 às 21h00
Local: Centro Ismaili de Lisboa
Todos são bem vindos a juntar-se a uma introdução à prática da consciência plena na tradição do Mestre Budista Zen Thich Nhat Hanh, conduzida pela Sister Jina (a Irmã Chan Dieu Nghiem) acompanhada por outras duas monjas de Plum Village.
A Consciência Plena é a prática de tocar profundamente cada momento da vida quotidiana; enquanto estamos sentados, a caminhar, a comer, a beber chá e mesmo a trabalhar. Quando somos capazes de tocar profundamente a vida no momento presente, podemos tocar os muitos elementos curativos que estão disponíveis para nós, cultivando paz e alegria dentro de nós e à nossa volta.
Durante o evento seremos introduzidos aos ensinamentos de Thich Nhat Hanh e experienciaremos juntos uma tarde de prática de consciência plena, que podemos aplicar às nossas vidas quotidianas em casa e no trabalho. Haverá meditação sentada guiada, meditação a andar e "meditação da tangerina".
https://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentr ... ity-europe
TheIsmaili.org
22 September 2016
Two years ago, the oldest Ismaili Muslim community in Europe celebrated 100 years since it’s arrival on the continent. In July, an exhibition that recounts their story was inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon.
That the Spain Jamat is the oldest continuously settled Ismaili community in the Western world is a little known fact to many.
Ashad Ali Haji arrived in Europe in 1912 and settled in Paris. Born Ali Jamal Meghji and originally from Junagadh (in the British Indian province of Kathiawar), he was the only surviving son of the well-known Mukhi Jamal Meghji. With the eruption of World War I, he decided to move to Spain, a neutral country in that conflict. It was there that he established the first Ismaili community in Western Europe.
Today, the Spain Jamat come from diverse origins but is united in its Ismaili Muslim identity. The exhibition celebrates the remarkable story of the family of Ashad Ali Haji, which 102 years later is now in its fifth generation. Through stories shared and recounted by members of the family, it offers an important porthole on Ismaili history.
The inauguration coincided with the celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 59th Imamat Day, and members of the Spain Jamat attended in large numbers. They were joined by the Jamat and institutional leaders from Portugal.
The opening of the exhibition was preceded by a dinner that celebrated the bonds that unite the Iberian Jamat.
******
Google Translate:
Conference with Sister Jina and other Plum Village community Monjas
Tradition of Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh
Organization: Portuguese Buddhist Union and Circle of Entre-Being | Patronage: Ismaili Centre in Lisbon and Lisbon City Hall
6 October | from 19h00 to 21h00
Location: Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
All are welcome to join an introduction to the practice of mindfulness in the tradition of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, led by Sister Jina (Sister Chan Dieu Nghiem) accompanied by two other nuns from Plum Village.
The Mindfulness is the practice of deep touch every moment of everyday life; while we are sitting, walking, eating, drinking tea and even to work. When we are able to deeply touch the life in the present moment, we can touch the many healing elements that are available to us, cultivating peace and joy within us and around us.
During the event we will be introduced to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and together we will experience an afternoon of mindfulness practice, we can apply to our daily lives at home and at work. There will be guided sitting meditation, walking meditation and "Tangerine meditation."
http://www.uniaobudista.pt/index.php/ev ... ncia-plena
Conferência , com Sister Jina e outras Monjas da comunidade de Plum Village
Tradição do Mestre Budista Zen Thich Nhat Hanh
Organização: União Budista Portuguesa e Círculo do Entre-Ser | Alto Patrocínio: Centro Ismaili de Lisboa e Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
6 de Outubro | das 19h00 às 21h00
Local: Centro Ismaili de Lisboa
Todos são bem vindos a juntar-se a uma introdução à prática da consciência plena na tradição do Mestre Budista Zen Thich Nhat Hanh, conduzida pela Sister Jina (a Irmã Chan Dieu Nghiem) acompanhada por outras duas monjas de Plum Village.
A Consciência Plena é a prática de tocar profundamente cada momento da vida quotidiana; enquanto estamos sentados, a caminhar, a comer, a beber chá e mesmo a trabalhar. Quando somos capazes de tocar profundamente a vida no momento presente, podemos tocar os muitos elementos curativos que estão disponíveis para nós, cultivando paz e alegria dentro de nós e à nossa volta.
Durante o evento seremos introduzidos aos ensinamentos de Thich Nhat Hanh e experienciaremos juntos uma tarde de prática de consciência plena, que podemos aplicar às nossas vidas quotidianas em casa e no trabalho. Haverá meditação sentada guiada, meditação a andar e "meditação da tangerina".
Lisbon Forum 2016
Migration and human rights
How to structure effective collective action?
Best practices and shared knowledge in the Mediterranean and European space
24-25 November 2016
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Draft Programme
http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/LF/Li ... 016_en.pdf
Migration and human rights
How to structure effective collective action?
Best practices and shared knowledge in the Mediterranean and European space
24-25 November 2016
Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
Draft Programme
http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/LF/Li ... 016_en.pdf
Photography workshop in Portugal transforms students behind the lens
https://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentr ... nts-behind
TheIsmaili.org
30 November 2016
The camera is well known for its power to capture, but over the course of a seven day workshop, a group of students in Lisbon learned firsthand of its power to transform. Not only the camera’s power to transform the way things are viewed through a lens, but also its power to transform the person behind the lens.
Twenty students aged 14 to 17 years old, of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, were celebrated in a graduation ceremony held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon before an audience of more than 200 people, including their families. Each student had completed the Fredric Roberts Photography Workshop, which was conducted in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal. At the end of the ceremony, an exhibition of the students’ favourite photographs was opened to the public.
João Costa, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Education, congratulated all of the students on their work and for the fantastic evolution that each of them had undergone. Delivering remarks in Portuguese, he appreciated the creative process behind each photograph and said that their quality left him speechless and filled with emotion.
The initiative led by the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal, he said, demonstrates the essential role of art as part of a quality education, in which the relationship established between a student and art should have value in itself and not simply as an add-on to other areas of the curriculum.
“This course has been a turning point in my life,” said Archana, a Nepalese participant aged 17 years old. “It gave me the opportunity to learn from professional photographers, who have taught us the whole concept of photography and its huge impact on society and people’s minds.”
The workshop was divided in two parts: a formal classroom portion, where the students learned the technical details about how to use a professional camera, and field work, in which the students practiced what they had been taught by taking photographs in areas where the Aga Khan Foundation is currently working. The students travelled to Pendão and Tapada das Mercês in Sintra and Vale de Alcântara in Lisbon to photograph civil society and social cohesion at work, and to Porto Salvo to capture activities in the lives of senior citizens. They also visited early childhood centres where AKF runs Early Child Development programmes.
The best photos from each of these locations were gathered in what Fred Roberts calls the “the stories”.
The main achievement was not only the technical knowledge that each student acquired but also the personal evolution they underwent, which raised their self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to express and connect with the world and communities around them. Fredric Roberts recognises this transformational change every time he runs a workshop.
“We always find kids amazing,” he says. “The workshop is about transformation, and to see this kind of transformation — that’s why we come. We see it happen here clearly and dramatically.”
Roberts was joined by a team of internationally renowned photographers: Sarah Meghan Lee, Wendy Walsh, Mike Sakas, Thomas Kelly, and Arthur Ollman. AKF Portugal worked closely with all of them to ensure a smooth and fruitful workshop, which Roberts appreciated.
“Everyone was fully involved from the top to the bottom; that gives us the freedom to concentrate on the students,” he said. “We were able to give our full attention to teaching and mentoring, which was exactly what we went here for.”
At their graduation, all the students had the chance to make short speeches. They thanked their mentors and AKF, and expressed their feelings on the transformational process.
David, a 17 year-old Portuguese student remarked that “during this week I found that I had the ability to be much more: a confident man.”
https://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentr ... nts-behind
TheIsmaili.org
30 November 2016
The camera is well known for its power to capture, but over the course of a seven day workshop, a group of students in Lisbon learned firsthand of its power to transform. Not only the camera’s power to transform the way things are viewed through a lens, but also its power to transform the person behind the lens.
Twenty students aged 14 to 17 years old, of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, were celebrated in a graduation ceremony held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon before an audience of more than 200 people, including their families. Each student had completed the Fredric Roberts Photography Workshop, which was conducted in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal. At the end of the ceremony, an exhibition of the students’ favourite photographs was opened to the public.
João Costa, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Education, congratulated all of the students on their work and for the fantastic evolution that each of them had undergone. Delivering remarks in Portuguese, he appreciated the creative process behind each photograph and said that their quality left him speechless and filled with emotion.
The initiative led by the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal, he said, demonstrates the essential role of art as part of a quality education, in which the relationship established between a student and art should have value in itself and not simply as an add-on to other areas of the curriculum.
“This course has been a turning point in my life,” said Archana, a Nepalese participant aged 17 years old. “It gave me the opportunity to learn from professional photographers, who have taught us the whole concept of photography and its huge impact on society and people’s minds.”
The workshop was divided in two parts: a formal classroom portion, where the students learned the technical details about how to use a professional camera, and field work, in which the students practiced what they had been taught by taking photographs in areas where the Aga Khan Foundation is currently working. The students travelled to Pendão and Tapada das Mercês in Sintra and Vale de Alcântara in Lisbon to photograph civil society and social cohesion at work, and to Porto Salvo to capture activities in the lives of senior citizens. They also visited early childhood centres where AKF runs Early Child Development programmes.
The best photos from each of these locations were gathered in what Fred Roberts calls the “the stories”.
The main achievement was not only the technical knowledge that each student acquired but also the personal evolution they underwent, which raised their self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to express and connect with the world and communities around them. Fredric Roberts recognises this transformational change every time he runs a workshop.
“We always find kids amazing,” he says. “The workshop is about transformation, and to see this kind of transformation — that’s why we come. We see it happen here clearly and dramatically.”
Roberts was joined by a team of internationally renowned photographers: Sarah Meghan Lee, Wendy Walsh, Mike Sakas, Thomas Kelly, and Arthur Ollman. AKF Portugal worked closely with all of them to ensure a smooth and fruitful workshop, which Roberts appreciated.
“Everyone was fully involved from the top to the bottom; that gives us the freedom to concentrate on the students,” he said. “We were able to give our full attention to teaching and mentoring, which was exactly what we went here for.”
At their graduation, all the students had the chance to make short speeches. They thanked their mentors and AKF, and expressed their feelings on the transformational process.
David, a 17 year-old Portuguese student remarked that “during this week I found that I had the ability to be much more: a confident man.”
Photographs From Lisbon Forum 2016
https://twitter.com/NotTemina/status/80 ... wsrc%5Etfw
https://www.flickr.com/photos/councilof ... 7017232805
https://twitter.com/NotTemina/status/80 ... wsrc%5Etfw
https://www.flickr.com/photos/councilof ... 7017232805
A compendium of news and events at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon.
http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... ary-lisbon
http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... ary-lisbon
WEBCAST: Aga Khan Ensemble in Portugal
This is a LIVE WEBCAST of a Navroz concert by the Aga Khan Ensemble being held at the Portuguese Parliament on Tuesday, 21 March 2017. It is expected to begin at 5:00 PM Lisbon time (GMT).
If you are having trouble viewing this webcast, please see the troubleshooting note below.
The Aga Khan Music Initiative's Aga Khan Ensemble will perform Navroz concerts at the Portuguese Parliament and the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 21 and 23 March 2017. The Ensemble brings together leading artists whose performance will celebrate the richness and diversity of cultures that honour Navroz (Nowruz) — the Welcoming of Spring.
The event at the Portuguese Parliament will take place on Tuesday at 5:00 PM GMT (Lisbon time) and will be webcast at TheIsmaili.org/live.
The Aga Khan Ensemble is a collective of master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin, South Asia, Central Asia, West Africa, and China. Venerated performers and composer-arrangers who appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, these leading artistic collaborators also serve as teachers, mentors and curators who enrich the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.
Linking countries and continents, and present and past through explorations of diverse forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary concert music, the Ensemble contributes strongly to the Music Initiative’s mission to invigorate cultural and intellectual pluralism in the nations it serves. In forging this contribution, the Aga Khan Ensemble brings to life a new body of artistic work that is at once seamless, surprising, and exuberantly original.
http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... e-portugal[/b]
This is a LIVE WEBCAST of a Navroz concert by the Aga Khan Ensemble being held at the Portuguese Parliament on Tuesday, 21 March 2017. It is expected to begin at 5:00 PM Lisbon time (GMT).
If you are having trouble viewing this webcast, please see the troubleshooting note below.
The Aga Khan Music Initiative's Aga Khan Ensemble will perform Navroz concerts at the Portuguese Parliament and the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 21 and 23 March 2017. The Ensemble brings together leading artists whose performance will celebrate the richness and diversity of cultures that honour Navroz (Nowruz) — the Welcoming of Spring.
The event at the Portuguese Parliament will take place on Tuesday at 5:00 PM GMT (Lisbon time) and will be webcast at TheIsmaili.org/live.
The Aga Khan Ensemble is a collective of master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin, South Asia, Central Asia, West Africa, and China. Venerated performers and composer-arrangers who appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, these leading artistic collaborators also serve as teachers, mentors and curators who enrich the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.
Linking countries and continents, and present and past through explorations of diverse forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary concert music, the Ensemble contributes strongly to the Music Initiative’s mission to invigorate cultural and intellectual pluralism in the nations it serves. In forging this contribution, the Aga Khan Ensemble brings to life a new body of artistic work that is at once seamless, surprising, and exuberantly original.
http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... e-portugal[/b]
WEBCAST: Aga Khan Ensemble Navroz performance at Ismaili Centre Lisbon
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The Aga Khan Music Initiative's Aga Khan Ensemble will perform a Navroz concert at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 23 March 2017. The Ensemble brings together leading artists whose performance will celebrate the richness and diversity of cultures that honour Navroz (Nowruz) — the Welcoming of Spring.
The event at the Ismaili Centre will take place on Thursday at 9:15 PM GMT (Lisbon time) and will be webcast at TheIsmaili.org/live.
The Aga Khan Ensemble is a collective of master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin, South Asia, Central Asia, West Africa, and China. Venerated performers and composer-arrangers who appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, these leading artistic collaborators also serve as teachers, mentors and curators who enrich the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.
Linking countries and continents, and present and past through explorations of diverse forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary concert music, the Ensemble contributes strongly to the Music Initiative’s mission to invigorate cultural and intellectual pluralism in the nations it serves. In forging this contribution, the Aga Khan Ensemble brings to life a new body of artistic work that is at once seamless, surprising, and exuberantly original.
http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... nce-lisbon
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The Aga Khan Music Initiative's Aga Khan Ensemble will perform a Navroz concert at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 23 March 2017. The Ensemble brings together leading artists whose performance will celebrate the richness and diversity of cultures that honour Navroz (Nowruz) — the Welcoming of Spring.
The event at the Ismaili Centre will take place on Thursday at 9:15 PM GMT (Lisbon time) and will be webcast at TheIsmaili.org/live.
The Aga Khan Ensemble is a collective of master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin, South Asia, Central Asia, West Africa, and China. Venerated performers and composer-arrangers who appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, these leading artistic collaborators also serve as teachers, mentors and curators who enrich the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.
Linking countries and continents, and present and past through explorations of diverse forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary concert music, the Ensemble contributes strongly to the Music Initiative’s mission to invigorate cultural and intellectual pluralism in the nations it serves. In forging this contribution, the Aga Khan Ensemble brings to life a new body of artistic work that is at once seamless, surprising, and exuberantly original.
http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... nce-lisbon
Portugal’s President tours Ismaili Centre
Source: SULTAN JESSA
Portugal’s President visits Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon is a wonderful place for many activities including weddings. (Sultan Jessa/Photo)
LISBON – Portugal: Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was warmly greeted by followers of the Aga Khan when he visited the imposing Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.
He was officially welcomed by Nazim Ahmed, diplomatic representative of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal, Rahim Firozali, president of the National Council of Portugal and several other community leaders.
Rebelo de Sousa was taken on a conducted tour of the centre where he was many activities in progress.
Portugal’s President poses with children (Nuro Ismael/Photo)
In an interview, a government official told me President Rebelo de Sousa was impressed by the centre and enjoyed meeting and mingling with Ismailis.
The official said he heard conversations about the president’s father inaugurating the Maputo Jamat Khana in Mozambique many years ago.
The president participated in children’s activities and posed for pictures with young and old.
Hazar Imam has already announced Portugal will become the world headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat.
The exquisite Henrique Mendonca Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations to house the Imamat institutions.
Hazar Imam was officially welcomed to Portugal in May 2016 (see photograph).
Portugal has one of the largest concentrations of the Ismaili Muslims believed to number around 10,000.
Photos and more at:
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... li-centre/
Source: SULTAN JESSA
Portugal’s President visits Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon is a wonderful place for many activities including weddings. (Sultan Jessa/Photo)
LISBON – Portugal: Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was warmly greeted by followers of the Aga Khan when he visited the imposing Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.
He was officially welcomed by Nazim Ahmed, diplomatic representative of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal, Rahim Firozali, president of the National Council of Portugal and several other community leaders.
Rebelo de Sousa was taken on a conducted tour of the centre where he was many activities in progress.
Portugal’s President poses with children (Nuro Ismael/Photo)
In an interview, a government official told me President Rebelo de Sousa was impressed by the centre and enjoyed meeting and mingling with Ismailis.
The official said he heard conversations about the president’s father inaugurating the Maputo Jamat Khana in Mozambique many years ago.
The president participated in children’s activities and posed for pictures with young and old.
Hazar Imam has already announced Portugal will become the world headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat.
The exquisite Henrique Mendonca Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations to house the Imamat institutions.
Hazar Imam was officially welcomed to Portugal in May 2016 (see photograph).
Portugal has one of the largest concentrations of the Ismaili Muslims believed to number around 10,000.
Photos and more at:
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... li-centre/
Portuguese President visits Jamat at Ismaili Centre, expresses nation’s gratitude
THEISMAILI.ORG
29 May 2017
His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, visited the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 29 April 2017, where he received a warm welcome from hundreds of members of the Portuguese Jamat.
Ismaili Girl and Boy Scouts lined a red carpet at the entrance of the Ismaili Centre, where President Marcelo was greeted upon his arrival by Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, and senior officials of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat.
The President toured the Ismaili Centre, meeting and speaking with Ismailis of all ages, and pausing for photographs with them. The tour included visits to the chahar-bagh and fruit gardens, the Jamatkhana prayer hall and the Council Chamber, where he spent a moment signing the Ismaili Centre’s visitor’s book.
Looking in on classrooms where religious education is taught, President Marcelo delighted in the company of some of the youngest members of the Jamat, who were eager to tell him about what they learn each week. Afterwards, he received a standing ovation from hundreds of Jamati members who had gathered in the Centre’s social hall.
The President brought a profound message of solidarity and gratitude for the Jamat.
“We are brothers of the same path,” he said. “I am here to thank you — for this path we travel along, together.”
“Thank you for your strength, your unity, the ability to project into the future, the education, the upbringing of these girls, these boys, these young people, for the same principles, the same love for humanity, for others, the same openness, the same tolerance, the same acceptance of difference,” said the President.
“But also, for the same love for Portugal,” he said. “This touches my heart so deeply, and that is why I consider myself your brother, and feel you as my brothers and my sisters.”
Ismaili Council President Rahim Firozali expressed the Jamat’s deep appreciation for President Marcelo’s presence at the Ismaili Centre, which marked his first visit as the country’s head of state. He also expressed the Ismaili community’s gratitude for the Portuguese President’s long friendship with the community, which stretches back several decades all the way to Mozambique.
The Ismaili Council President recalled that in the late 1960s, a 19-year-old President Marcelo had visited the Maputo Jamatkhana, where his father, Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa, then Governor-General of Mozambique, had participated in an event and was received by the Jamati leaders of the day.
The mood at the Ismaili Centre was decisively festive, and the President was flocked by many who wished to greet him, take a selfie with him, and to share a word. But it was the President’s own words of generous gratitude that resonated most strongly.
“With you, Portugal has become richer, more open, more tolerant, more understanding, more plural, more universal,” President Marcelo told the Ismaili gathering. “Thank you. Thank you, in the name of Portugal.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/p ... -gratitude
THEISMAILI.ORG
29 May 2017
His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, visited the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 29 April 2017, where he received a warm welcome from hundreds of members of the Portuguese Jamat.
Ismaili Girl and Boy Scouts lined a red carpet at the entrance of the Ismaili Centre, where President Marcelo was greeted upon his arrival by Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, and senior officials of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat.
The President toured the Ismaili Centre, meeting and speaking with Ismailis of all ages, and pausing for photographs with them. The tour included visits to the chahar-bagh and fruit gardens, the Jamatkhana prayer hall and the Council Chamber, where he spent a moment signing the Ismaili Centre’s visitor’s book.
Looking in on classrooms where religious education is taught, President Marcelo delighted in the company of some of the youngest members of the Jamat, who were eager to tell him about what they learn each week. Afterwards, he received a standing ovation from hundreds of Jamati members who had gathered in the Centre’s social hall.
The President brought a profound message of solidarity and gratitude for the Jamat.
“We are brothers of the same path,” he said. “I am here to thank you — for this path we travel along, together.”
“Thank you for your strength, your unity, the ability to project into the future, the education, the upbringing of these girls, these boys, these young people, for the same principles, the same love for humanity, for others, the same openness, the same tolerance, the same acceptance of difference,” said the President.
“But also, for the same love for Portugal,” he said. “This touches my heart so deeply, and that is why I consider myself your brother, and feel you as my brothers and my sisters.”
Ismaili Council President Rahim Firozali expressed the Jamat’s deep appreciation for President Marcelo’s presence at the Ismaili Centre, which marked his first visit as the country’s head of state. He also expressed the Ismaili community’s gratitude for the Portuguese President’s long friendship with the community, which stretches back several decades all the way to Mozambique.
The Ismaili Council President recalled that in the late 1960s, a 19-year-old President Marcelo had visited the Maputo Jamatkhana, where his father, Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa, then Governor-General of Mozambique, had participated in an event and was received by the Jamati leaders of the day.
The mood at the Ismaili Centre was decisively festive, and the President was flocked by many who wished to greet him, take a selfie with him, and to share a word. But it was the President’s own words of generous gratitude that resonated most strongly.
“With you, Portugal has become richer, more open, more tolerant, more understanding, more plural, more universal,” President Marcelo told the Ismaili gathering. “Thank you. Thank you, in the name of Portugal.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/p ... -gratitude
The Ismaili Centre Lisbon celebrates 20 years during Diamond Jubilee Celebration
During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, tours were arranged for members of the Jamat to visit the Ismaili Centre and its gardens.
Two decades ago, on 11 July 1998, Mawlana Hazar Imam and then-President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio officially opened the Ismaili Centre Lisbon. The Centre’s 20th anniversary coincided with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Lisbon earlier this month, during which thousands of visitors attended the building and its gardens for guided tours.
As part of a network of Ismaili Centres across the globe, the establishment of the Centro Ismaili in Lisbon in 1998 heralded a new chapter in the history of the Jamat in Portugal. Its opening marked the growing presence of the Ismaili Community in Portugal, many of whom had fled violence in Mozambique and other parts of the world.
At the Opening Ceremony of the building and its grounds, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “The inauguration of the Centro Ismaili today symbolises both the welcome accorded by the Government of Portugal, the response of the Ismaili community to this land of harmony and opportunity, and its permanent commitment to Portugal. These new buildings and the spaces within and around them, are in rich symbolism; drawing on the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and around the world. The array of facilities included is a reflection of the core values of the Ismaili community.”
During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, tours were arranged for members of the Jamat to visit the Ismaili Centre and its gardens. Alongside the International Arts Festival, Jubilee Concerts, Exhibitions, and other activities, over 24,000 people from all over the world visited and toured the Ismaili Centre while in Lisbon in July 2018.
Tour guides lead Sara Sadrudin spoke of the honour of hosting thousands of visitors for this unique moment in our history, saying “Globally, Ismaili Centres express the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and all over the world. As volunteer tour guides and ambassadors of these landmark buildings, it was an immense privilege to have the opportunity to welcome our brothers and sisters from different parts of the world to the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.”
Nadim Pabani from the UK, who served with the tours team in Lisbon, brought his many years of experience gained as a STEP teacher and tour guide at the Ismaili Centre London. Speaking about the groups of visitors who came to see the Centre in Lisbon, he said “To be able to see so many members of the Jamat and beyond, from so many different traditions in the Jamat coming together in one place, with such happiness and such unity, has been really really inspirational.” Remarking on the architecture of the Centre itself, Nadim continued “There’s so much symbolism and power in the design of the building, and to know that we can share that with people in the Jamat and outside the Jamat is something I will take away with me when I go back to London.”
As visitors will have noticed, the various spaces of the Ismaili Centre are unique in that each allows for a variety of different uses. Volunteer Shumaila Galibdin explained that, “The Ismaili Centre (Lisbon) is a place where I can find the most peace, especially in its gardens. It is also a place that incorporates many different dimensions of our lives — not only as a place to pray, but also a place to celebrate together, to learn, and to work together for a bigger purpose. It’s a place where we can put into action the ethics of Islam.”
Scouts Leader Safik Cassamo sees the Ismaili Centre Lisbon as an important milestone in his experience with the Scouts.
“I was present in the construction of the Ismaili Centre as a Scout. I followed the whole process, and it ended up being an important mark for me as a Scout,” Cassamo said. “With the change, we had to learn to grow with rules … we started to have the responsibility of taking care of something that belonged to us, which helped us to grow, both in terms of our way of thinking, and as Scouts.”
The Centre’s design undergirds a distinct purpose. As an ambassadorial building and marker of the Ismaili community’s permanent presence in Portugal, it reflects the core values of the Ismaili community. It is a building that in its layout expresses the values of pluralism and harmony being simultaneously rooted in Muslim heritage, while modern in its expression.
The design of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon takes its inspiration from a diversity of architectural traditions from across the Muslim world, reflecting the Muslim heritages of Andalusia, Persia, Mughal India, and Turkey. The Centre’s architecture is also firmly rooted in its local context: its use of lioz and granite stone for example, echoes that of the Monastery Jeronimos in Lisbon. Characterised by its use of geometry and the fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces the Centre draws heavily from elements of Islamic design. The Centre’s many outdoor spaces; its cloisters, and interior and exterior gardens are reminiscent of those at Alhambra in Granada, Spain, echoing the Moorish influence across the Iberian Peninsula.
As a place of communal gathering, spiritual contemplation, and quiet reflection, the Centro Ismaili also serves as a space in which partnerships are cultivated and bridges of friendship extended to surrounding communities. Sara Jamal, Building Manager at the Ismaili Centre, explained that over time, the Centre “started being an open space to the surrounding community, in which we wanted to invite people to know who we are, how we practice our faith, and how we view life.”
Now, 20 years after its opening, the Ismaili Centre Lisbon enters a new period in its history. The establishment of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon has reaffirmed Portugal’s status as a country of opportunity, peace, and pluralism. In his address to the Parliament of Portugal on 10 July 2018, Mawlana Hazar Imam remarked, “We know that we face a demanding future. But as we engage with those demands, the Ismaili Imamat will draw strength from our continuing sense of partnership with the people and the Government of Portugal. So let us, then, go forward together, bound by our shared past, committed to our shared values, and inspired by our shared hopes for a constructive, purposeful future.”
https://the.ismaili/news/lisbon-celebra ... elebration
During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, tours were arranged for members of the Jamat to visit the Ismaili Centre and its gardens.
Two decades ago, on 11 July 1998, Mawlana Hazar Imam and then-President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio officially opened the Ismaili Centre Lisbon. The Centre’s 20th anniversary coincided with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Lisbon earlier this month, during which thousands of visitors attended the building and its gardens for guided tours.
As part of a network of Ismaili Centres across the globe, the establishment of the Centro Ismaili in Lisbon in 1998 heralded a new chapter in the history of the Jamat in Portugal. Its opening marked the growing presence of the Ismaili Community in Portugal, many of whom had fled violence in Mozambique and other parts of the world.
At the Opening Ceremony of the building and its grounds, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “The inauguration of the Centro Ismaili today symbolises both the welcome accorded by the Government of Portugal, the response of the Ismaili community to this land of harmony and opportunity, and its permanent commitment to Portugal. These new buildings and the spaces within and around them, are in rich symbolism; drawing on the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and around the world. The array of facilities included is a reflection of the core values of the Ismaili community.”
During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, tours were arranged for members of the Jamat to visit the Ismaili Centre and its gardens. Alongside the International Arts Festival, Jubilee Concerts, Exhibitions, and other activities, over 24,000 people from all over the world visited and toured the Ismaili Centre while in Lisbon in July 2018.
Tour guides lead Sara Sadrudin spoke of the honour of hosting thousands of visitors for this unique moment in our history, saying “Globally, Ismaili Centres express the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and all over the world. As volunteer tour guides and ambassadors of these landmark buildings, it was an immense privilege to have the opportunity to welcome our brothers and sisters from different parts of the world to the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.”
Nadim Pabani from the UK, who served with the tours team in Lisbon, brought his many years of experience gained as a STEP teacher and tour guide at the Ismaili Centre London. Speaking about the groups of visitors who came to see the Centre in Lisbon, he said “To be able to see so many members of the Jamat and beyond, from so many different traditions in the Jamat coming together in one place, with such happiness and such unity, has been really really inspirational.” Remarking on the architecture of the Centre itself, Nadim continued “There’s so much symbolism and power in the design of the building, and to know that we can share that with people in the Jamat and outside the Jamat is something I will take away with me when I go back to London.”
As visitors will have noticed, the various spaces of the Ismaili Centre are unique in that each allows for a variety of different uses. Volunteer Shumaila Galibdin explained that, “The Ismaili Centre (Lisbon) is a place where I can find the most peace, especially in its gardens. It is also a place that incorporates many different dimensions of our lives — not only as a place to pray, but also a place to celebrate together, to learn, and to work together for a bigger purpose. It’s a place where we can put into action the ethics of Islam.”
Scouts Leader Safik Cassamo sees the Ismaili Centre Lisbon as an important milestone in his experience with the Scouts.
“I was present in the construction of the Ismaili Centre as a Scout. I followed the whole process, and it ended up being an important mark for me as a Scout,” Cassamo said. “With the change, we had to learn to grow with rules … we started to have the responsibility of taking care of something that belonged to us, which helped us to grow, both in terms of our way of thinking, and as Scouts.”
The Centre’s design undergirds a distinct purpose. As an ambassadorial building and marker of the Ismaili community’s permanent presence in Portugal, it reflects the core values of the Ismaili community. It is a building that in its layout expresses the values of pluralism and harmony being simultaneously rooted in Muslim heritage, while modern in its expression.
The design of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon takes its inspiration from a diversity of architectural traditions from across the Muslim world, reflecting the Muslim heritages of Andalusia, Persia, Mughal India, and Turkey. The Centre’s architecture is also firmly rooted in its local context: its use of lioz and granite stone for example, echoes that of the Monastery Jeronimos in Lisbon. Characterised by its use of geometry and the fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces the Centre draws heavily from elements of Islamic design. The Centre’s many outdoor spaces; its cloisters, and interior and exterior gardens are reminiscent of those at Alhambra in Granada, Spain, echoing the Moorish influence across the Iberian Peninsula.
As a place of communal gathering, spiritual contemplation, and quiet reflection, the Centro Ismaili also serves as a space in which partnerships are cultivated and bridges of friendship extended to surrounding communities. Sara Jamal, Building Manager at the Ismaili Centre, explained that over time, the Centre “started being an open space to the surrounding community, in which we wanted to invite people to know who we are, how we practice our faith, and how we view life.”
Now, 20 years after its opening, the Ismaili Centre Lisbon enters a new period in its history. The establishment of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon has reaffirmed Portugal’s status as a country of opportunity, peace, and pluralism. In his address to the Parliament of Portugal on 10 July 2018, Mawlana Hazar Imam remarked, “We know that we face a demanding future. But as we engage with those demands, the Ismaili Imamat will draw strength from our continuing sense of partnership with the people and the Government of Portugal. So let us, then, go forward together, bound by our shared past, committed to our shared values, and inspired by our shared hopes for a constructive, purposeful future.”
https://the.ismaili/news/lisbon-celebra ... elebration
Lisbon Forum
An annual event since it was established in 1994 by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, the Lisbon Forum has been a distinctive platform bringing together high-level participants from Europe, neighbouring regions and other continents to share experience, good practice and expertise.
Themes of the Forum have been closely related to the core mission of the Council of Europe: to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Following developments in the region and a refocusing of the Centre’s mission to contribute to the Council of Europe’s policy towards its neighbouring regions, recent editions of the Forum have sought to address key challenges faced by countries of the Southern Mediterranean and explore possibilities for renewed cooperation with Europe.
These recent editions have been supported by the joint EU/ CoE Programme “Strengthening democratic reform in the Southern Neighbourhood” (South Programme). SPII, a second phase of the South Programme started in 2015, calls for sustained action in the field of democratic governance in the southern Mediterranean based on acknowledged Council of Europe expertise in supporting the building of pluralist democracies across Europe and beyond. SPII will continue to support the organisation of the Lisbon Forum by the North-South Centre insofar as it contributes “Towards strengthened democratic governance in the Southern Mediterranean.”
Lisbon Forum 2018
"Youth, Peace and Security in the Euro-Mediterranean region"
A contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015)
15-16 November - Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
https://www.coe.int/en/web/north-south- ... sbon-forum
An annual event since it was established in 1994 by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, the Lisbon Forum has been a distinctive platform bringing together high-level participants from Europe, neighbouring regions and other continents to share experience, good practice and expertise.
Themes of the Forum have been closely related to the core mission of the Council of Europe: to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Following developments in the region and a refocusing of the Centre’s mission to contribute to the Council of Europe’s policy towards its neighbouring regions, recent editions of the Forum have sought to address key challenges faced by countries of the Southern Mediterranean and explore possibilities for renewed cooperation with Europe.
These recent editions have been supported by the joint EU/ CoE Programme “Strengthening democratic reform in the Southern Neighbourhood” (South Programme). SPII, a second phase of the South Programme started in 2015, calls for sustained action in the field of democratic governance in the southern Mediterranean based on acknowledged Council of Europe expertise in supporting the building of pluralist democracies across Europe and beyond. SPII will continue to support the organisation of the Lisbon Forum by the North-South Centre insofar as it contributes “Towards strengthened democratic governance in the Southern Mediterranean.”
Lisbon Forum 2018
"Youth, Peace and Security in the Euro-Mediterranean region"
A contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015)
15-16 November - Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
https://www.coe.int/en/web/north-south- ... sbon-forum
Portugal Jamat hosts World Leadership Alliance at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon
The Ismaili Centre Lisbon hosted an evening reception for the World Leadership Alliance - Club of Madrid last month. The event included a special viewing of Prince Hussain’s photographic exhibition The Living Sea.
Former heads of state and government, and key personalities from around the world gathered at the Ismaili Centre for a reception organised by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Council for Portugal, to coincide with the Education for Shared Societies conference which took place at the Gulbenkian Foundation on 16-17 October 2018 in Lisbon.
The 110 attendees were joined by notable Portuguese personalities such as the former President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio, who inaugurated the Ismaili Centre in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1998, the former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, and the current Secretary of State for Education João Costa.
During his welcome remarks, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, thanked the respected statesmen and stateswomen present saying, “We acknowledge and are deeply appreciative of your efforts to strive for a better world, where all have a place, irrespective of origin, race, or creed, and where all may have equal access to education, health care, and social advancement.”
The President of the Club of Madrid and former Latvian president, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, thanked the Ismaili community and said, “We hope that this event will remind us that being responsible for governance and for foreign affairs is easier if you are dealing with people who have (an) inner spiritual conviction.”
The World Leadership Alliance - Club of Madrid is composed of 95 former presidents and prime ministers from 65 countries, and is the largest forum of former heads of state and government. As a non-profit organisation, its aim is to strengthen democratic leadership and governance, and address crisis and post-crisis situations.
Its Education for Shared Societies conference brought together leaders of civil society and academia to identify transformative practices for schools to employ in introducing a curriculum on pluralism, diversity, mutual understanding, and respect for others.
Prior to the event, an exhibition entitled The Living Sea, comprising of photographic work by Prince Hussain was inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre. The exhibit, which focuses on the underwater environment and shines a positive light on aquatic life, was highly commended by guests.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/portugal-jamat ... nce-lisbon
The Ismaili Centre Lisbon hosted an evening reception for the World Leadership Alliance - Club of Madrid last month. The event included a special viewing of Prince Hussain’s photographic exhibition The Living Sea.
Former heads of state and government, and key personalities from around the world gathered at the Ismaili Centre for a reception organised by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Council for Portugal, to coincide with the Education for Shared Societies conference which took place at the Gulbenkian Foundation on 16-17 October 2018 in Lisbon.
The 110 attendees were joined by notable Portuguese personalities such as the former President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio, who inaugurated the Ismaili Centre in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1998, the former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, and the current Secretary of State for Education João Costa.
During his welcome remarks, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, thanked the respected statesmen and stateswomen present saying, “We acknowledge and are deeply appreciative of your efforts to strive for a better world, where all have a place, irrespective of origin, race, or creed, and where all may have equal access to education, health care, and social advancement.”
The President of the Club of Madrid and former Latvian president, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, thanked the Ismaili community and said, “We hope that this event will remind us that being responsible for governance and for foreign affairs is easier if you are dealing with people who have (an) inner spiritual conviction.”
The World Leadership Alliance - Club of Madrid is composed of 95 former presidents and prime ministers from 65 countries, and is the largest forum of former heads of state and government. As a non-profit organisation, its aim is to strengthen democratic leadership and governance, and address crisis and post-crisis situations.
Its Education for Shared Societies conference brought together leaders of civil society and academia to identify transformative practices for schools to employ in introducing a curriculum on pluralism, diversity, mutual understanding, and respect for others.
Prior to the event, an exhibition entitled The Living Sea, comprising of photographic work by Prince Hussain was inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre. The exhibit, which focuses on the underwater environment and shines a positive light on aquatic life, was highly commended by guests.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/portugal-jamat ... nce-lisbon
Webcast: 20th anniversary of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon
His Excellency the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will attend the Ismaili Centre Lisbon on Tuesday 18 December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening.
This celebratory occasion will include the inauguration of an exhibition entitled “The Ismaili Centre: 20 Years Celebrating Pluralism,” as well as the planting of a tree in the surrounding Garden of Olives. The event is expected to begin at approximately 5 PM GMT, and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/webcast-20 ... rce=Direct
His Excellency the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will attend the Ismaili Centre Lisbon on Tuesday 18 December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening.
This celebratory occasion will include the inauguration of an exhibition entitled “The Ismaili Centre: 20 Years Celebrating Pluralism,” as well as the planting of a tree in the surrounding Garden of Olives. The event is expected to begin at approximately 5 PM GMT, and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/webcast-20 ... rce=Direct
2018, December 18 - Portugal President, his Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attended the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon in the presence of the ex-president of Portugal, the Speaker of the Parliament, the Mayor of Lisbon and many dignitaries. In his speech, he commended the Ismaili community and the work of the AKDN and thanked H.H. The Aga Khan. President de Sousa planted an olive tree for the occasion. Incidently, the Jamatkhana extension of the Lourenco Marques (now Maputo) Jamatkhana in Mozambique was inaugurated in 1968 by Governor General Dr. Baltazar Rebello de Sousa, father of the present President of Portugal. Small world! 
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/u9NHTI7DIj0
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/u9NHTI7DIj0
President of Portugal visits Ismaili Centre Lisbon to celebrate its 20th anniversary
His Excellency the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, attended a celebratory event at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon in December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening.
The President was warmly welcomed to the Ismaili Centre by the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic Nazim Ahmad, the President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal Rahim Firozali, and by the Aga Khan Scouts of Lisbon.
Other guests at the event included President of the Assembly of the Republic Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues; Former President of Portugal Dr Jorge Sampaio, who opened the Ismaili Centre in 1998; Mayor of Lisbon Fernando Medina; as well as leaders of Jamati and AKDN institutions.
The celebration began with the planting of a tree in the garden of the Ismaili Centre by His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Historically, the olive tree has been a symbol of peace and friendship both in the Abrahamic religious traditions, and in ancient Greek mythology. The tree was given pride of place alongside the one planted by Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Sampaio at the opening ceremony 20 years ago.
This was followed by the inauguration of an exhibition entitled “The Ismaili Centre: 20 Years Celebrating Pluralism.” The exhibition highlights a number of events held in the building over the last 20 years, where visitors have engaged with a diversity of cultures, and a sharing of knowledge and experiences.
The inauguration of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon 20 years ago represents a long-term relationship between the Ismaili community and Portugal. During this time, projects have been developed and opportunities have been created in a place where values are rooted in a harmonious connection between the past, present, and future.
As Mawlana Hazar Imam said during the Opening Ceremony of the Centre on 11 July 1998, “The inauguration of the Centro Ismaili today symbolises both the welcome accorded by the Government of Portugal, the response of the Ismaili community to this land of harmony and opportunity, and its permanent commitment to Portugal. These new buildings and the spaces within and around them, are in rich symbolism; drawing on the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and around the world. The array of facilities included is a reflection of the core values of the Ismaili community, its organisation, its discipline, its social conscience, the importance of its community organisations, and its attitude toward the society in which it exists.”
Nazim Ahmad delivered a speech to gathered guests where he mentioned the significance of the Centre to the establishment and integration of the community in Portugal. Furthermore, he took the opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the construction of the building — especially to former Mayors of Lisbon Dr Nuno Abecasis and Dr João Soares, who secured the land, and awarded the license for construction of the Centre respectively — and to the President of the Republic at the time, Dr Jorge Sampaio.
In his remarks, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the Ismaili Centre represents the hard work and dedication of many people, and that it is a meeting point of cultures, religions, and views of the world. He spoke about the presence of the Ismaili community in Portugal and how, when settling in the country decades ago, “the community brought with it a life full of values, full of commitment, energy, and a will to help to build Portugal.” He went on to state that the Ismaili Centre Lisbon is a symbol of this enriching presence.
The programme included performances by the Ismaili and the Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Choirs.
At the end of the ceremony, His Excellency the President was presented with a replica of tiles from the Ismaili Centre Lisbon as a token of recognition of his support for Portugal’s Ismaili community.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/president-port ... nniversary
His Excellency the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, attended a celebratory event at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon in December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening.
The President was warmly welcomed to the Ismaili Centre by the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic Nazim Ahmad, the President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal Rahim Firozali, and by the Aga Khan Scouts of Lisbon.
Other guests at the event included President of the Assembly of the Republic Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues; Former President of Portugal Dr Jorge Sampaio, who opened the Ismaili Centre in 1998; Mayor of Lisbon Fernando Medina; as well as leaders of Jamati and AKDN institutions.
The celebration began with the planting of a tree in the garden of the Ismaili Centre by His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Historically, the olive tree has been a symbol of peace and friendship both in the Abrahamic religious traditions, and in ancient Greek mythology. The tree was given pride of place alongside the one planted by Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Sampaio at the opening ceremony 20 years ago.
This was followed by the inauguration of an exhibition entitled “The Ismaili Centre: 20 Years Celebrating Pluralism.” The exhibition highlights a number of events held in the building over the last 20 years, where visitors have engaged with a diversity of cultures, and a sharing of knowledge and experiences.
The inauguration of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon 20 years ago represents a long-term relationship between the Ismaili community and Portugal. During this time, projects have been developed and opportunities have been created in a place where values are rooted in a harmonious connection between the past, present, and future.
As Mawlana Hazar Imam said during the Opening Ceremony of the Centre on 11 July 1998, “The inauguration of the Centro Ismaili today symbolises both the welcome accorded by the Government of Portugal, the response of the Ismaili community to this land of harmony and opportunity, and its permanent commitment to Portugal. These new buildings and the spaces within and around them, are in rich symbolism; drawing on the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and around the world. The array of facilities included is a reflection of the core values of the Ismaili community, its organisation, its discipline, its social conscience, the importance of its community organisations, and its attitude toward the society in which it exists.”
Nazim Ahmad delivered a speech to gathered guests where he mentioned the significance of the Centre to the establishment and integration of the community in Portugal. Furthermore, he took the opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the construction of the building — especially to former Mayors of Lisbon Dr Nuno Abecasis and Dr João Soares, who secured the land, and awarded the license for construction of the Centre respectively — and to the President of the Republic at the time, Dr Jorge Sampaio.
In his remarks, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the Ismaili Centre represents the hard work and dedication of many people, and that it is a meeting point of cultures, religions, and views of the world. He spoke about the presence of the Ismaili community in Portugal and how, when settling in the country decades ago, “the community brought with it a life full of values, full of commitment, energy, and a will to help to build Portugal.” He went on to state that the Ismaili Centre Lisbon is a symbol of this enriching presence.
The programme included performances by the Ismaili and the Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Choirs.
At the end of the ceremony, His Excellency the President was presented with a replica of tiles from the Ismaili Centre Lisbon as a token of recognition of his support for Portugal’s Ismaili community.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/president-port ... nniversary
Ismaili Centre Lisbon hosts Africa Day
Earlier this month, the Ismaili Centre Lisbon participated in the annual commemoration of Africa Day, hosting a gathering of guests to enjoy diverse sounds, colours, and tastes, and to reflect on Africa’s future. Africa Day is commemorated on 25 May every year to mark the foundation of the African Union, which works to achieve greater unity, cooperation, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.
The event was organised by the Group of Ambassadors of African countries in Portugal with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network. The chief guest on this occasion was the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Teresa Ribeiro, who joined other participants, including the Head of State Protocol, the Diplomatic Adviser of the Presidency of the Republic, Senior Officers of the Foreign Office, the Diplomatic Community, and members of African communities and civil society organisations based in Portugal, and leaders of Imamat and Jamati institutions.
As in previous years, the programme featured a craft fair, a fashion parade, a luncheon, and musical performances, and was an opportunity to reflect on the development of the countries on the African continent, as highlighted in the remarks made during the official proceedings.
Luzia Moniz, President of the Platform for the Development of African Women (PADEMA) noted the recent devastation in Mozambique caused by hurricane Idai, highlighting the importance of working to address climate change, and preserving the planet for future generations.
Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, highlighted the connections between the Ismaili community and Africa, as well as the important presence of AKDN agencies in many countries of Africa. He noted that the “confidence in the African continent as well as the commitment to improve the quality of life for the people in Africa remains unwavering.”
AKDN institutions work in 11 countries in Eastern, Western, and North Africa, across social development, economic development, and culture. In Portuguese-speaking Mozambique in particular, AKDN has been active in health, education, agriculture, and humanitarian assistance since 1998.
In her keynote address, Secretary of State Teresa Ribeiro highlighted Portugal’s role in aiding the socio-economic development of African countries, and reiterated the commitment to cooperate with other countries in order to assist communities to address their challenges.
The Ismaili Centre Lisbon played host to Portugal’s celebration of Africa Day for the third consecutive year, emphasising its multipurpose nature and the welcoming atmosphere of its building and gardens. The Centre stands as a symbol of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community, and aims to serve civil society in Portugal, through the creation of bridges between people and cultures, along with the promotion of knowledge and pluralism — all in a spirit of dialogue and respect.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/lisbon-hosts-africa-day
Earlier this month, the Ismaili Centre Lisbon participated in the annual commemoration of Africa Day, hosting a gathering of guests to enjoy diverse sounds, colours, and tastes, and to reflect on Africa’s future. Africa Day is commemorated on 25 May every year to mark the foundation of the African Union, which works to achieve greater unity, cooperation, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.
The event was organised by the Group of Ambassadors of African countries in Portugal with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network. The chief guest on this occasion was the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Teresa Ribeiro, who joined other participants, including the Head of State Protocol, the Diplomatic Adviser of the Presidency of the Republic, Senior Officers of the Foreign Office, the Diplomatic Community, and members of African communities and civil society organisations based in Portugal, and leaders of Imamat and Jamati institutions.
As in previous years, the programme featured a craft fair, a fashion parade, a luncheon, and musical performances, and was an opportunity to reflect on the development of the countries on the African continent, as highlighted in the remarks made during the official proceedings.
Luzia Moniz, President of the Platform for the Development of African Women (PADEMA) noted the recent devastation in Mozambique caused by hurricane Idai, highlighting the importance of working to address climate change, and preserving the planet for future generations.
Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, highlighted the connections between the Ismaili community and Africa, as well as the important presence of AKDN agencies in many countries of Africa. He noted that the “confidence in the African continent as well as the commitment to improve the quality of life for the people in Africa remains unwavering.”
AKDN institutions work in 11 countries in Eastern, Western, and North Africa, across social development, economic development, and culture. In Portuguese-speaking Mozambique in particular, AKDN has been active in health, education, agriculture, and humanitarian assistance since 1998.
In her keynote address, Secretary of State Teresa Ribeiro highlighted Portugal’s role in aiding the socio-economic development of African countries, and reiterated the commitment to cooperate with other countries in order to assist communities to address their challenges.
The Ismaili Centre Lisbon played host to Portugal’s celebration of Africa Day for the third consecutive year, emphasising its multipurpose nature and the welcoming atmosphere of its building and gardens. The Centre stands as a symbol of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community, and aims to serve civil society in Portugal, through the creation of bridges between people and cultures, along with the promotion of knowledge and pluralism — all in a spirit of dialogue and respect.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/lisbon-hosts-africa-day
Webcast: An evening with Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
Join us from the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, on Friday 28 June to learn about the work of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), and its efforts to improve the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia. Mr Onno Ruhl’s presentation will focus on the strategy and approach of AKAH with real life case studies, providing a glimpse into the agency’s work in action. The event is expected to begin at 8:45 PM UTC+1 and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.
The Board of FOCUS Europe, and the National Council of Portugal, invites you to participate, via webcast, in the event in which Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), will speak about the Ismaili Imamat’s vision for AKAH and present the work of the agency, which is focused on improving the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia.
Launched in 2016, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat brings together several existing AKDN agencies engaged in improving habitats and resources. The Focus Humanitarian Assistance field units in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, involved in providing humanitarian relief, were also brought under the AKAH.
AKAH is deeply involved in projects related to water sanitation and safety, environmental stewardship, home reconstruction, disaster prevention, among many more, helping thousands of people to improve their quality of life.
FOCUS Europe continues to work closely with AKAH by providing financial resources to decrease the vulnerability and increase resilience of the Jamat living under the constant threat of natural disasters.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/webcast-ev ... cy-habitat
Join us from the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, on Friday 28 June to learn about the work of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), and its efforts to improve the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia. Mr Onno Ruhl’s presentation will focus on the strategy and approach of AKAH with real life case studies, providing a glimpse into the agency’s work in action. The event is expected to begin at 8:45 PM UTC+1 and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.
The Board of FOCUS Europe, and the National Council of Portugal, invites you to participate, via webcast, in the event in which Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), will speak about the Ismaili Imamat’s vision for AKAH and present the work of the agency, which is focused on improving the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia.
Launched in 2016, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat brings together several existing AKDN agencies engaged in improving habitats and resources. The Focus Humanitarian Assistance field units in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, involved in providing humanitarian relief, were also brought under the AKAH.
AKAH is deeply involved in projects related to water sanitation and safety, environmental stewardship, home reconstruction, disaster prevention, among many more, helping thousands of people to improve their quality of life.
FOCUS Europe continues to work closely with AKAH by providing financial resources to decrease the vulnerability and increase resilience of the Jamat living under the constant threat of natural disasters.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/webcast-ev ... cy-habitat
Ismaili Centre Lisbon participates in Open Gardens Festival
On a sunny weekend earlier this summer, the gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, along with other flourishing green spaces in the surrounding area, participated in the third edition of the Open Gardens Festival, welcoming visitors, and sharing its diverse flora with the public.
During the weekend, visitors had the opportunity to explore the large open spaces that make up part of the Ismaili Centre complex and discover the great variety of species of plants, mostly Mediterranean, spread over the four main gardens that surround the building - the Pine Garden, the Garden of Fruits, the Jacarandas Garden and the Olive Garden – as well as the six patios inside the building, two of them being the Char Bagh and the Spring Courtyard on the ground level.
The stunning outdoor spaces were conceived by the Centre’s architect, Raj Rewal, who worked in collaboration with the landscape architects Anne Chatelut and Françoise Cremmel, and were later developed by the Portuguese company PROAP under the coordination of the architect João Ferreira Nunes.
The gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon contribute to the preservation of green areas in the city, and promote a sense of sustainability and respect for nature, all within a serene urban context. Landscape architect Vera Ramos noted that, “The gardens are an essential and inseparable part of this complex. In its courtyards and paths that were carefully designed to walk freely and to encourage introspection, visitors will find over 100 botanical species that come from all over the world.”
After several weeks of odd weather in Lisbon, the first day of the festival started with a sunny morning, lighting up the Ismaili Centre’s gardens and warmly welcoming hundreds of visitors, including 185 of whom participated in guided tours of the Centre.
The tours were conducted by the official tour guides of the Ismaili Centre, who accepted the challenge to offer tours exclusively of the gardens for the first time. Tour guide Rahim Sacoor said, “It was a unique opportunity to be able to learn more about our Gardens at the Ismaili Centre, about the complexity and symbolism surrounding the selection process for every single plant, and to be able to convey this information to people who were genuinely interested to hear more about what we had to share.”
On the second day of the festival, the sunny weather remained, which allowed hundreds more visitors to appreciate the flowering and blossoming of the different species, as well as the rich colours and scents. Vera Ramos continued, “As a living entity, the garden transforms itself over time; each visit is unique and unrepeatable. During the visits in May, the species in prominence were the fire tree of Illawarra (Brachychiton acerifolius) and the jacarandas, with their exuberant blooms.”
“The Ismaili Centre’s gardens are a little paradise in the middle of the city. It was very interesting to discover through our guided tour, that the gardens comprise a very wide range of plants and species. It was incredible - we loved it.” said Rute Montenegro, one of the Centre’s visitors during the Festival.
The Ismaili Centre’s gardens are a relatively recent addition to the northern area of the city, which previously made it an unknown place to many. However, participation in events such as Open Gardens, Open House, and the cultural festival Sons pela cidade has had a significant impact to the building in terms of recognition as a complex not only for the Ismaili community but one that welcomes others, and promotes dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/centres/lisbon-part ... s-festival
On a sunny weekend earlier this summer, the gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, along with other flourishing green spaces in the surrounding area, participated in the third edition of the Open Gardens Festival, welcoming visitors, and sharing its diverse flora with the public.
During the weekend, visitors had the opportunity to explore the large open spaces that make up part of the Ismaili Centre complex and discover the great variety of species of plants, mostly Mediterranean, spread over the four main gardens that surround the building - the Pine Garden, the Garden of Fruits, the Jacarandas Garden and the Olive Garden – as well as the six patios inside the building, two of them being the Char Bagh and the Spring Courtyard on the ground level.
The stunning outdoor spaces were conceived by the Centre’s architect, Raj Rewal, who worked in collaboration with the landscape architects Anne Chatelut and Françoise Cremmel, and were later developed by the Portuguese company PROAP under the coordination of the architect João Ferreira Nunes.
The gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon contribute to the preservation of green areas in the city, and promote a sense of sustainability and respect for nature, all within a serene urban context. Landscape architect Vera Ramos noted that, “The gardens are an essential and inseparable part of this complex. In its courtyards and paths that were carefully designed to walk freely and to encourage introspection, visitors will find over 100 botanical species that come from all over the world.”
After several weeks of odd weather in Lisbon, the first day of the festival started with a sunny morning, lighting up the Ismaili Centre’s gardens and warmly welcoming hundreds of visitors, including 185 of whom participated in guided tours of the Centre.
The tours were conducted by the official tour guides of the Ismaili Centre, who accepted the challenge to offer tours exclusively of the gardens for the first time. Tour guide Rahim Sacoor said, “It was a unique opportunity to be able to learn more about our Gardens at the Ismaili Centre, about the complexity and symbolism surrounding the selection process for every single plant, and to be able to convey this information to people who were genuinely interested to hear more about what we had to share.”
On the second day of the festival, the sunny weather remained, which allowed hundreds more visitors to appreciate the flowering and blossoming of the different species, as well as the rich colours and scents. Vera Ramos continued, “As a living entity, the garden transforms itself over time; each visit is unique and unrepeatable. During the visits in May, the species in prominence were the fire tree of Illawarra (Brachychiton acerifolius) and the jacarandas, with their exuberant blooms.”
“The Ismaili Centre’s gardens are a little paradise in the middle of the city. It was very interesting to discover through our guided tour, that the gardens comprise a very wide range of plants and species. It was incredible - we loved it.” said Rute Montenegro, one of the Centre’s visitors during the Festival.
The Ismaili Centre’s gardens are a relatively recent addition to the northern area of the city, which previously made it an unknown place to many. However, participation in events such as Open Gardens, Open House, and the cultural festival Sons pela cidade has had a significant impact to the building in terms of recognition as a complex not only for the Ismaili community but one that welcomes others, and promotes dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/centres/lisbon-part ... s-festival
Google translation of the original article in Portuguese
A treasure for future generations
The articles on the gardens of the Ismaili Center have made reference mainly to plant species present in it, but a landscape architecture project involves many other issues, which are clearly evident in the gardens of the Center.
Let us begin by adapting to the site (relief, soil type, solar orientation, view system), the relationship with architecture, mastery of volumes, shapes and proportions. All of this can be done with a variety of materials, not just plants - light as well as stone, iron, wood and water. Plants - flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns - are selected by size, shape, texture, and are organized into vertical and horizontal planes that are more or less subtle to the visitor in multiple and dynamic relationships.
The traffic and access scheme is another key element that must be integrated in a harmonious and coherent way.
In the end, all of these elements should be a unit that is easy to read and comfortable to use. Have you ever wondered what Ismaili Center would look like without the garden surrounding it?
https://the.ismaili/portugal/um-tesouro ... -futuras-1
A treasure for future generations
The articles on the gardens of the Ismaili Center have made reference mainly to plant species present in it, but a landscape architecture project involves many other issues, which are clearly evident in the gardens of the Center.
Let us begin by adapting to the site (relief, soil type, solar orientation, view system), the relationship with architecture, mastery of volumes, shapes and proportions. All of this can be done with a variety of materials, not just plants - light as well as stone, iron, wood and water. Plants - flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns - are selected by size, shape, texture, and are organized into vertical and horizontal planes that are more or less subtle to the visitor in multiple and dynamic relationships.
The traffic and access scheme is another key element that must be integrated in a harmonious and coherent way.
In the end, all of these elements should be a unit that is easy to read and comfortable to use. Have you ever wondered what Ismaili Center would look like without the garden surrounding it?
https://the.ismaili/portugal/um-tesouro ... -futuras-1