Conference: Economy and Peace - December 2006, Paris
Background
The economy has become the backbone of modern society. Social status is determined by economic power. Globalisation has given rise to millions of socially excluded people across the world. Such a materialistic society often breeds the yearning to acquire wealth by hook or by crook in order to enjoy socially acceptable status and recognition. The frustration of the socially excluded strata of society is often the breeding ground for revolt and violence at all levels of society.
The International Sufi School Khidmatul Khadim proposes an alternative economy through peaceful means towards the establishment of global peace and a reform of society where every human being can live in dignity and honour.
Such an economy geared towards individual and global peace ensures the welfare of one and all while protecting our environment against various ecological disasters which are threatening the survival of our planet. It is also the way to ensure fairness and ethics in world trade and economics, the pre-requisites for sustainable peace in today’s world.
The conference
The seminar was held in Paris on Saturday 09 December 2006.
Speakers were invited from various organisations to speak on issues such as economy, peace and social action, the promotion of international solidarity for equitable social development and sustainable peace, the link between peace and economic realities before and after conflicts and the economic and social dimensions of the Sabbath in Jewish tradition.
The International Sufi School Khidmatul Khadim presented its perspectives on an alternative economy by peaceful means using the models proposed by Wangari Mathai, 2004 Nobel Peace prize Winner, Muhammad Younous, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, William Penn, Founder of Pennsylvania and Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba, founder of the Khidmatul Khadim and the Peace City of Touba in Senegal.
POUT: An economy of peace through agro-ecology
The model proposed by the International Sufi School is presently being implemented in Senegal in a village named Pout in collaboration with the humanitarian organisation Third World Family Humanitarian. The International Sufi School calls for a return to the Earth and respect for its resources as the way towards sustainable peace building in the twenty first century.
The project in Pout comprises of an organic farming and agricultural project meant to awaken the consciousness of the villagers around the richness of the natural resources in their country and empower them to become the actors of their own economic development. This initiative also includes an environment project meant to raise awareness around pressing environment issues as well as a health and nutrition project.