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AKU-ISMC speaks with diplomats at the Commonwealth Foundation
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| AKU-ISMC Senior Instructor Farid Panjwani spoke to diplomats at the Commonwealth Foundation |
AKU-ISMC Senior Instructor Farid Panjwani delivered a presentation to diplomats during a Commonwealth Foundation induction programme in September 2007.
Panjwani made his presentation to a group of diplomats from Commonwealth countries who, as part of their assignment in London, look after the Commonwealth affairs of their respective countries. The induction programme provides an introduction to the Commonwealth and its work, and is an opportunity to discuss issues related to Commonwealth policies.
Panjwani's presentation, Diplomacy in Multi-cultural Contexts and Reflections on AKU-ISMC's work with diplomats, focused on the importance of culture in diplomacy and the Institute's role in the area of cultural education about Muslims.
In the presentation, Panjwani focused on the increasing importance of culture in diplomacy in today's world. He noted that while in the past, diplomats were at the forefront of cultural contacts, today they are no longer the only point of contact between cultures. Rather, diplomacy itself is just one of the many ways in which cultures are coming into contact with each others. In addition to this, across the world, there is a heightened emphasis on cultural identity.
He proposed that while the literature on cultural diplomacy has traditionally seen culture either as a potential source of misunderstanding or as a potential conduit to reap economic and political rewards, there is a need now to underpin it by a deeper more humanistic goal - that of understanding 'the other', of humanising 'the other' and, in the process, understanding ourselves better. "In a time when we are facing ever increasing spectre of a 'clash of cultures," Panjwani stated, "I propose that it is precisely through accessing cultures of other groups that we can face and overcome this danger."
He suggested that the engagement with the arts and literature of other cultures may not only help us gain a better understanding of ethnic, religious and linguistic differences but also sensitise us to the deeper shared humanity that lies beneath these differences. Diplomatic work that respects culture in this spirit is necessary if it is to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding among nations.
In the second part of his presentation, Panjwani discussed various initiatives taken by the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations to promote a cultural understanding of Muslim societies, past and present. He discussed the various short courses that the Institute has offered, including those held for diplomats in Canada and Germany. He noted that the goal of supporting diplomacy through education about cultures underpins the Institute's work in the area of training for diplomats.
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