The 3rd Executive Council meeting was held on July 1, 2007 and was preceded by the Hajj Forum and the Health Forum which took place on June 30, 2007. All of these events were hosted by Dar es Salaam Jamaat in Tanzania.
THE HAJJ FORUM: ‘UNIQUE AND FORWARD THINKING’
The Hajj Forum was described by one participant as “unique and forward thinking”. Facilitated by Shan-e-Abbas Hassam and Dr. Munir Datoo, the purpose of this meet was to bring together Hajj group coordinators from across the world to find ways to increase co-operation and reduce duplication of work. Various topics were discussed including the concept of satellite clinics, information sharing and helping smaller groups.
The Forum resolved the following two key points of action, which were subsequently presented to the Executive Council on the following day and approved:
- The World Federation will provide up-to-date Hajj health information to all Hujjaj Groups
- The Regional Federations will take the lead in bringing together Hajj Groups within their respective regions and creating regional strategies
Al Haj Munnawer Rattansey, President of the Council of European Jamaats who attended on behalf of the European Hajj Mission described the event as: ‘an important forum, focused and with a clear direction for the future. The work now begins...’ .
THE HEALTH FORUM: ‘EXCHANGING IDEAS’
The Health Forum commenced after Zohrain salaat. Although invitees included health professionals from around the world, the majority of the participants were from East Africa. This program was facilitated by Dr. Muhsin Sheriff, Dr. Munir Datoo and Shan-E-Abbas Hassam. Dr. Sheriff presented the Forum with various statistics reflecting the health of our community, particularly in East Africa. The event began with an address from Al Haj Aunalibhai Khalfan, Chairman of the Central Health Board of Africa Federation. Aunalibhai commended the participants for their attendance, and spoke of the hard work at the Africa Federation level. In addition, he asked the Forum to think about creating a strategy for the future. The participants then broke into groups and discussed those issues they felt were important.
The Health Forum resolved that the health issues facing our community needed a new direction and instead of looking at solving immediate medical issues, the community institutions should consider altering their course of thought to focus on public health (i.e. those issues which threaten the overall health of the Khoja Shia Muslim Community).
Dr. Muhsin Sheriff stated: ‘This new shift in thinking is of critical importance. It underlines the importance of allowing our health professionals to be part of our decision making. Our outcome today is now critical, this change in thinking will mean a change in policies at the Jamaat Level, Regional Federation level and The World Federation level.
THE 3RD EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING
President’s Report
The President’s report to the Executive Council meeting included many changes that have taken place since the last Executive Council Meeting which was held in Karachi in February 2007. The President, Dr. Ahmed Hassam presented an update on the 5 new departments of The World Federation, the appointment of 5 Assistant Secretary Generals and new developments at the Secretariat.
Mubaligheen Training Programme Update
Shifting gears, The Executive Council heard an update on the Mubaligheen Training Programme by Jafferbhai Dharamshi who thanked the community for its support. He emphasized that this project was the most important program in our Community’s history.
India Documentary Trailer
The Council was shown a trailer of the India Documentary, which was composed by the youth participating in the The World Federation’s projects in India over the last two decades. The documentary was well received and will be released later this year.
Application of the Council of European Jamaats
The Council of European Jamaats lodged their application to become a member of The World Federation. A postal vote has gone out to all World Federation councilors.
The World Federation would like to thank Al Haj Anverbhai Dharamshi and the dedicated team of volunteers from Dar es Salaam Jamaat for their hard work, timely organization and sincere efforts in preparing and carrying out this meeting.
For more information, email secretariat@world-federation.org.