The QI Group participated in the 2nd World Muslim Leadership Forum held in London on September 6, 2012 through Executive Chairman, Vijay Eswaran who was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled,“The New Hope for the Next Generation”.
In line with this year’s theme, World Muslim Leaders: The Next Generation, Eswaran spoke about the importance of soft power, which is the ability to achieve desired outcomes by co-opting peopleinstead of coercing them.
“It takes great courage to be a great moderate,” said Eswaran, emphasising on the need for people to co-exist peacefully. He pointed out how soft power was exercised by famous Muslim leaders of the past: Saladin (founder of the Ayyubid dynasty) defeated his enemies yet won their respect through his honourable deeds; Akbar the Greattreated religious leaders of non-Muslim faiths with much consideration.
Eswaran went on to cite his home country of Malaysia as a classic role model of a gentler Islam, having embraced a culture of welcoming in a borderless world. “’I leave the doors open to all winds of the world, but I let my feet remain embedded in my motherland,’” he stated, quoting Gandhi.
When asked about his thoughts on media from an Islamic perspective, Eswaran replied, “Media (and social media) today has become the fastest way to communicate, an instantaneous way to engage people. The youth of today have opportunities to become successful if they were gaged by what they make of themselves. With the power of media and technology at your disposal, it’s all about ‘you’ and how you empower yourself to better yourself.”
Other renowned speakers who addressed the forum were H.E. Shaukat Aziz, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan; and Lauren Booth, an English broadcaster and journalist.
At this crucial juncture in the development of the Muslim world, the WMLF’s 2012 conference aims to play an important role in supporting current and emerging leaders – the forum connects the leaders of today and tomorrow to discuss and debate issues that affect the global Muslim community and its future. It also highlights positive government initiatives and leadership, as well as the contributions of Muslims from across the globe.
QI Group is proud to have been part of this internationally reputed forum that promises to be an effective platform forfinding some of the best practices and solutions, and opportunities for sharing experiences and networking.
