The efforts to promote social cohesion should be considerate of its socio-political and economic determinants. Social cohesion space should never be allowed to shrink as a matter of socio-political and economic development. In the post globalized era, the advent of social media has completely changed the nature and dynamics of social connections key to social cohesion.
These remarks were made by Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) during the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops’ Virtual Annual Alumni Gathering held by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
The CII Chairman said that the youth should cultivate their critical thinking skills to be able to promote social cohesion, effective peacebuilders, future leaders and productively participate in the decision-making processes. One of the most critical aspects in the youth leadership development process is cordial relations between students and teachers and encouragement of students to ask questions, think outside the box and generate new knowledge.
Conflicts are bound to happen as a natural occurrence resulting from interactions between citizens and states, but there is no room for any other option but dialogue for peaceful resolution.
Dr. Samman Abbas, Assistant Commissioner, Mardan, speaking at the same event, noted that the nations’ true wealth and social capital lies investment in and development of the young and bright minds. To be able to see opportunities, the young should cultivate a mindset where they believe in the importance of process and value of small and determined steps, instead of thinking about the hurdles and hardships around. They should set their goals and then find out the ways to achieve them in the best ways possible and practical. Don’t get caught up in the undue criticism and societal pressures.
Merely desiring and talking about change is not enough, instead be the change you want to bring. “I always wanted to be an independent woman who can take decisions for herself. I always criticized the patriarchal set up of our society. So, I broke this chain. I became the change. I worked hard to be here. But today, when I am here, I see so many young people aspiring for this position. But they are not guided in the right direction. They are wasting their time just by aspiring and not trying to find out the ways”, she noted while urging the youth leaders as part of the event to be consistent and perseverant and never shy away from being different from others around.
Leadership is about having a vision inclusive of communal development needs and inspiring support and devotion from others – who believe what you believe – to achieve that vision.
There are some inherent flaws in the system of education that need to be addressed; most importantly, the lack of opportunities for critical thinking. Youth can play an important role in identifying these issues in the light of modern educational and youth development needs. Our system of education also needs to respond to cohesion needs of the society and not just the market needs.
Mrs. Shagufta Khalique, educationist, said that the purpose of reiterating the core concepts and discussions had during the capacity building workshops is to prompt them (alumni) step outside their comfort zones, and voluntarily take leadership roles in their respective communities and steps for social development.
Mr. Shams Momand, Project Manager, CRSS, while moderating the virtual gathering, urged the youth participants to continue to promote core ideas for active citizen ownership of responsibilities and diversity.
Mr. Malik Mustafa, Team Leader, Ulasi Taroon, said that the social contract with the state and other members of the society demands responsible citizenship and entitlement to fundamental constitutional rights is just one part of it; rights only come with responsibilities. The potential youth possesses can do wonders not only for themselves but for the entire society; just a matter of unleashing it.
The event was participated by around 60 students from different universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province; shared success stories of their initiatives for positive social changes and presented poetic tributes anchored in the messages of peace and harmony.
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of CRSS that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the youth – in the universities across KP – in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.