Environmental Responsibility
A group of Ismaili students from Afghanistan and Tajikistan made the most of a difficult situation when they were unable to return home from the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the abundance of spare time they were suddenly given, the students planned and implemented an organic farm on the school grounds.
Prince Hussain visited the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon yesterday to inaugurate an exhibition of artwork designed by students from the Portugal Jamat’s Talim (religious education) classes, inspired by The Living Sea photo exhibition currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon.
In November 2019, Prince Hussain offered a series of guided tours to Ismaili youth and children visiting his photographic exhibit in Lisbon. The exhibition features over 100 photos depicting the beauty, fragility, and diversity of marine life, reflecting Prince Hussain’s ecological and environmental concerns.
Young climate activist Dilangez Azizmamadova from Tajikistan, was among 100 Green Ticket winners from across the globe to participate in the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York today, 21 September 2019.
The faith of Islam teaches followers to care for Allah’s creation, encouraging us to look after the natural resources which have been gifted to us, and not to waste or disrupt the delicate balance of nature. Since we only inhabit the earth for a relatively short time, each of us has a responsibility to leave behind a better social and physical environment for the next generation.
Science has provided humankind with countless advancements, but also the ability to cause damage to the environment. Through awareness, education, and action, small steps at the individual level can lead to collective positive change. In this vein, Ismailis across the United States have taken steps to help sustain the planet’s resources for the future.
Today, climate change affects every country on every continent. It has become a global challenge that requires local engagement. In response, the Jamat in the United Arab Emirates has actively participated in environmental programming in the country, acting as stewards for a sustainable, green future.
Younger generations invariably inherit the earth from those who came before. It is often these youngsters who are leading action to create positive change in their surroundings. Here are some examples of inspiring stories of young members of the Jamat working to introduce sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in their communities.
Earlier this year, the secondary Bait-ul Ilm students of Antananarivo in Madagascar gave birth to a project entitled Green STEP, in collaboration with civil society organisations in the country, in order to better serve the physical and social environment around them.
Last month, the Quebec Secondary Bait-ul Ilm team, in partnership with Ismaili CIVIC, organised its first ever Ismaili CIVIC Youth day. Secondary students between the ages of 12 and 18 from Brossard, Laval, Montreal, and Sherbrooke gathered, rolled up their sleeves, and actively contributed to their communities, serving both the natural and social environments in which they live.
The.Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Abyd Karmali, OBE, Managing Director and Climate Financing Executive at a multinational financial institution, and Vice Chair of the Aga Khan Foundation (UK) National Committee. Abyd discusses his perspective on the interaction between humankind and nature, and the implications of climate change in today’s rapidly changing world.
An enthusiastic group of students at the Khorog campus of the University of Central Asia (UCA) have formed an initiative to promote awareness of ecological issues and encourage participation in environmentally sustainable practices.