Informed by some of the core values of Islam: peace, service, compassion and caring for the vulnerable, Ismaili CIVIC projects take place throughout the year. Each year, Global Ismaili CIVIC Day (GICD) brings members of the community together in over 30 countries to celebrate the positive impacts the Jamat makes in communities across the globe.
Since the inaugural Global Ismaili CIVIC Day in 2021, Ismaili CIVIC has worked tirelessly with local partners and authorities to create lasting impact.In its fourth year,one key area of focus will be on providing aid to those affected by natural disasters, while also actively working to preserve the environment and address the multiple impacts contributing to these extreme weather patterns.
Each year summer temperatures increase, while Europe, Asia, and Africa experienced the hottest summers recorded since 1850.
Meanwhile, a recent report showed that global total precipitation almost hit a record high. Countries have been hit by floods and the UN states around 1.7 million individuals this year have struggled with heavy rainfalls in eastern parts of India. Pakistan has also suffered from flooding and resulting damage caused during the year. As a result, a growing need exists to find and contribute to sustainable solutions to protect our Earth, its natural resources, and inhabitants.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has a variety of initiatives across developing countries supporting those impacted by natural disasters.
AKDN agencies support close to 40,000 local emergency first response volunteers, while more than 600 avalanche-prone settlements have AKDN’s community-managed weather monitoring posts to send out early warning alerts of possible disasters. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) has also upgraded 50,000 private dwellings to optimise energy and enhance safety against hazards.
Building on these efforts, over the past year, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers have worked diligently to not only provide assistance to those affected by natural calamities but also contribute to mitigating the environmental challenges caused by human activity.
In March 2024, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers gathered to support 4,000 individuals based in Matola and Marracuene in Mozambique after they experienced heavy rainfalls. Similarly, in Kenya, which experienced exceptionally heavy rains this year, support to flood victims was provided by delivering packages with food items and other essentials. Later in September, floods in Bangladesh devastated communities across 11 districts in the eastern regions. Over 5.8 million people were affected, and more than 1 million trapped in flood-isolated areas, with children remaining one of the most vulnerable groups in the crisis. Here, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers came together to provide in-kind contributions to those most affected.
Previous assistance by Ismaili CIVIC volunteers have been noted and celebrated in major media outlets. For example, in 2022, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers worked together to provide relief for those impacted by the floods in Pakistan. Their incredible efforts were recognised and honoured in one of the UAE’s national newspapers, Gulf News.
This year, preparations are well under way for another Global Ismaili CIVIC Day, to take place on 29 September. Volunteering together can have a significant positive impact on the quality of life of individuals and communities, and has personal benefits too. As the thirteenth-century poet-philosopher Jalal al-Din Rumi said: “If you become a helper of hearts, springs of wisdom will flow from your heart.”
To learn how you can get involved in GICD this year, visit: the.ismaili/civic.
