The Global Ismaili CIVIC Day is more than just a gathering; it's a celebration of a centuries-old tradition rooted in serving humanity through voluntary service. Exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion, and care for the vulnerable, the broader Ismaili CIVIC initiative helps to improve lives in the communities where the Jamat lives — all year round.
Generosity and good citizenship
In the early days of the covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ismaili community assisted neighbouring communities by donating masks and care packages, and helped elderly and vulnerable members of society by delivering food and supplies. The initiative evolved into Ismaili CIVIC, which has since been making a positive impact worldwide. It's a testament to what the value of service can achieve in the realms of socio-economic development and ecological protection. In partnership with 600 organisations, members of the community from over 30 countries have selflessly given their time — almost 500,000 hours — in an effort to uplift the lives of their neighbours and improve the state of the environment.
This global initiative revolves around three core themes:
- Environmental stewardship: Reflecting a commitment to nurture and protect our planet, volunteers actively engage in initiatives aimed at carbon sequestration, dedicated to conserving and enhancing our environment's sustainability. It's a pledge to preserve Earth's beauty, to ensure it thrives for generations to come.
- Community health: Focusing on improving health outcomes, service is offered to those who lack access to basic services, in a commitment to extend a caring hand to those in need, especially during health-related emergencies. This theme epitomises the spirit of compassion, as volunteers make healthcare and provisions more accessible.
- Poverty alleviation: Embodying the belief that no one should endure needless suffering, Ismaili CIVIC works to reduce, and where possible, eliminate poverty. It's about helping others to help themselves; thus offering hope and brightening lives in all parts of the world.
Efforts to serve each of these areas are important in their own right, since they align with the teachings of Islam and are key areas of work for the AKDN. Under these themes, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers have helped to plant more than three million trees, cleared 163 kg of waste from beaches and cities, and organised blood drives that have likely helped to save many lives.
Acts of kindness across continents
Voluntary efforts have emerged from different corners of the world. Food, water, and medical supplies were offered to victims of the devastating floods last year in Pakistan. In Syria, collaborative school clean-ups with local communities have brought smiles to faces. In Hyderabad, India, a cost-free clinical camp catered to the health needs of more than 650 people. In the Far East, Ismaili CIVIC partnered with 12 government bodies and 49 civil society organisations for a variety of events including nature walks, eco fairs, and food packaging and distribution activities. And in the USA, 1,000 members of the Ismaili community formed 37 partnerships for a variety of service projects including tree planting for a cleaner and greener future.
Africa, too, is undergoing a surge of environmental protection efforts, as microforests and mangroves are being planted by coastal communities in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation. Already, four microforests have taken root in Tanzania, with five more on the way. This green revolution is expanding to Uganda, Kenya, and other African countries, helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere and thus preserve the earth’s beauty. In Canada, the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, on behalf of Mis Majesty King Charles III, issued a proclamation officially naming 24 September 2023 as Ismaili CIVIC Day, acknowledging the profound impact of this global initiative.
Malik Talib, Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders International Forum, shared his excitement about the initiative: “Caring for communities with whom we live, and preserving our planet for the well-being of future generations is a shared responsibility,” he said. “Ismailis worldwide have risen to this calling, understand its significance, and are ready to take action. They dedicate countless hours of their time and expertise, collectively making a profound impact in numerous communities across the globe.”
Ismaili CIVIC stands as a shining example of how communities can come together to forge stronger bonds, collaborate, and commit to improving the human condition. This year's Global Ismaili CIVIC Day on 24th September will feature an array of activities spanning over 30 countries, and numerous global and local partners including the Prince’s Trust, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Wildcoast Ecological Society. The event promises to be a celebration of humanity's very best attributes.
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For more information, look out for local announcements or visit the.ismaili/civic
