Algazelus's Coffee Break Corner

Assalammualaykum. wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!  Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed fellow ambassadors and distinguished guests, As a Muslim professional from Mindanao with fourteen years of experience working alongside various leaders, stakeholders, and sectors on programs aimed at improving the Philippines, I stand before you to explore a metaphor that resonates deeply with our shared aspirations and challenges: "swimming in uncharted waters." These waters symbolize the complexities and uncertainties that we face in our journey toward peace, development, and inclusive progress. The Philippines, with its rich archipelago, vibrant cultures, and diverse communities, has tremendous potential. However, we also confront the biggest challenge of appropriating budgets for developmental projects and programs that can turn this potential into reality. As we navigate these murky waters, our compass must be our commitment to equity, justice, and inclusivity. Let us begin by examining one

  "Finally, after all these years of experience working in the field of humanitarianism and peacebuilding, and creating a space for duty bearers to participate in crafting community-based approaches to strengthening peace, security and promoting social cohesion, these are some of the fruits to harvest. This opportunity offered by Watsons is incredible. I am more passionate and have the courage to do more." I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected for the 2024 Western Union Foundation Fellowship, thanks to the efforts of the Watson Institute ! The application process was a mix of excitement and struggle. I had doubts about being accepted and shortlisted. Even during the final interview, although I felt some relief, I still had lingering doubts about my chances, especially considering I was competing with applicants from all over the world. Just give a brief background: Out of 2900 applications from around the world, only 30 people were selected for this cohort, r

PeaceScapes: Algazelus Notes 16 March 24  A QUICK NOTE ON THE VERSE “FOR DUST YOU ARE AND UNTO DUST, YOU SHALL RETURN” (SURAH AL-HAJJ, 22:10) اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى الِ سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي الْعَالَيْنَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ As Muslims, we are taught to be humble and recognize our place in the world. We are reminded that in the eyes of God, no one is any better or worse than anyone else. In the Quran, Allah describes this thinking in the phrase, “For dust you are and unto dust, you shall return” (Surah al-Hajj, 22:10). This phrase is a reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, in the end, we are all made of the same material. We have the same origin and will have the same destination.  This is why Allah tel