FUTURE AGENDA FOR CHANGE
(ISLAM & WEST)

As we enter the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, the world is witnessing a major transformation in the global balance of power impacting on the economy, foreign relations, environmental concerns and the quest for interfaith harmony. The US agenda of change is already evident after the historic election of Barack Hussain Obama. He has indicated his determination to promote a better relationship with the Muslim world within his first 100 days in office.

Muslim world leaders have also begun responding to the new directions of change. Recent examples are efforts by Muslim leaders to lower tensions in regions of conflicts like South Asia and the Middle East, notably after the Mumbai tragedy and the Gaza killings respectively. The main issue in the coming decade is likely to be the chequered relationship between the Muslim world and the west, which needs to move away from confrontation to cooperation.

This is a timely effort of the Council to organize a Round Table on 3rd February 2009 and provide opportunity to the ambassadors from Muslim countries to deliberate on these momentous developments, express and share their views on the issues together with eminent scholars and foreign policy experts in Pakistan. The purpose of this Round Table is to initiate a thought process sharing on common issues faced by the Muslim world.

The collective wisdom and strategy may keep sovereignty and solidarity of Muslim world and create relationship of mutual respect and partnership with the west, bringing global peace, harmony and tranquility.