Written by: Kamran Mofid

Published: 04 March 2011

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Prof. Kamran Mofid, a retired academic, is an author, activist, blogger, independent scholar and researcher. He is the founder of Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative (GCGI- founded at an international conference in Oxford in 2002), Co-founder/Editor, GCGI Journal, which is hosted at Wilmington College, Ohio, USA, a Patron of the Human Values Foundation, a founding member of World Dignity University, a member of the Advisory Board of Cortona Friends/Todi Week Forum, a TFF Associate, and a Research Committee member of the Centre For Global nonkilling. Mofid also volunteers at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust,  Patient Partners’ Forum, and the Trust’s Patient & Public Involvement in Research Steering Group, as well as at his local medical surgery, Sky Blue Medical Group, Patient/GP Participation Group.

Mofid received his BA and MA in economics from the University of Windsor, Canada, in 1980 and 1982 respectively. In 1986 he was awarded his doctorate in economics from the University of Birmingham, UK. In 2001 he received a Certificate in Education in Pastoral Studies at Plater College, Oxford. 

Mofid sees that the current and dominant neoliberal economic model does not hold answers to the human condition and that ethical values and motivation have other roots; complementary to create a coherent whole. Mofid firmly believe that we all can make a difference, contribute to change within our own lives, the lives of those around us, and our sacred earth, our home. 

Mofid, thus, finally has chosen activism, volunteerism, values-led, spiritual economics and education as his field of service to humanity and the planet, and has always sought coherence between his values and his work.

From 1980 to 2000 Mofid was Economic Tutor, Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the universities of Windsor (Canada), Birmingham, Bristol, Wolverhampton, and Coventry (UK). In 2010 Mofid was appointed Adjunct Professor to the Dalhousie School of Business Administration, Halifax, Canada. 

Mofid's work is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on Economics, Business, Politics, International Relations, Theology, Culture, Ecology, Ethics and Spirituality. Mofid's writings have appeared in leading scholarly journals, popular magazines and newspapers. His books include Development Planning in Iran: From Monarchy to Islamic Republic , The Economic Consequences of the Gulf war, Globalisation for the Common Good, Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Globalisation for the Common Good , Promoting the Common Good (with Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, 2005), and A non-Violent Path to Conflict Resolution and Peace Building (Co-authored, 2008). 

A Selection of Kamran Mofid Books 

Dr. Mofid was the instigator, Co-founder and the Associate Director (1996-1999) of the Centre for the Study of Forgiveness and Reconciliation at CoventryUniversity.

“The Centre was officially inaugurated on 11 March 1996, when its distinguished patron, Mary Robinson, the President of Ireland, delivered the inaugural lecture at Coventry Cathedral.”

Centre for the Study of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Coventry and I: The story of a boy from Iran who became a man in Coventry

Before I say more about myself, let me share with you the philosophy, the vision and values of my educational belief, which in turn has guided me to found the GCGI. Here I am most humbly inspired by Lao Tzu,a mystic philosopher of ancient China, considered the founder of Taoism. He said:

Some say that my teaching is nonsense.

Others call it lofty but impractical.
But to those who have looked inside themselves,

this nonsense makes perfect sense.
And to those who put it into practice,
this loftiness has roots that go deep.
I have just three things to teach:
simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and in thoughts,
you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,

You reconcile all beings in the world.

Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative (GCGI): Where we connect our intellect with our humanity

To understand, appreciate, and face the challenges of the contemporary world requires us to focus on life’s big picture. Whether it is war and peace, economics and the environment, justice and injustice, love and hatred, cooperation and competition, common good and selfishness, science and technology, progress and poverty, profit and loss, food and population, energy and water, disease and health, education and family, we need the big picture in order to understand and solve the many pressing problems, large and small, regional or global. 

The “Big Picture” is also the context in which we can most productively explore the big perennial questions of life - purpose and meaning, virtues and values.

In order to focus on life’s bigger picture and guided by the principles of hard work, commitment, volunteerism and service; with a great passion for dialogue of cultures, civilisations, religions, ideas and visions, at an international conference in Oxford in 2002 the Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative (GCGI) and the GCGI Annual International Conference Series were founded.

We recognise that our socio-economic problems are closely linked to our spiritual problems and vice versa. Moreover, socio-economic justice, peace and harmony will come about only when the essential connection between the spiritual and practical aspects of life is valued. Necessary for this journey is to discover, promote and live for the common good. The principle of the common good reminds us that we are all really responsible for each other – we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers – and must work for social conditions which ensure that every person and every group in society is able to meet their needs and realize their potential. It follows that every group in society must take into account the rights and aspirations of other groups, and the well-being of the whole human family.

One of the greatest challenges of our time is to apply the ideas of the global common good to practical problems and forge common solutions. Translating the contentions of philosophers, spiritual and religious scholars and leaders into agreement between policymakers and nations is the task of statesmen and citizens, a challenge to which Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative (GCGI) adheres. The purpose is not simply talking about the common good, or simply to have a dialogue, but the purpose is to take action, to make the common good and dialogue work for all of us, benefiting us all.

What the GCGI seeks to offer - through its scholarly and research programme, as well as its outreach and dialogue projects - is a vision that positions the quest for economic and social justice, peace and ecological sustainability within the framework of a spiritual consciousness and a practice of open-heartedness, generosity and caring for others. All are thus encouraged by this vision and consciousness to serve the common good.

The GCGI has from the very beginning invited us to move beyond the struggle and confusion of a preoccupied economic and materialistic life to a meaningful and purposeful life of hope and joy, gratitude, compassion, and service for the good of all.

Perhaps our greatest accomplishment has been our ability to bring Globalisation for the Common Good into the common vocabulary and awareness of a greater population along with initiating the necessary discussion as to its meaning and potential in our personal and collective lives.

In short, at Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative we are grateful to be contributing to that vision of a better world, given the goals and objectives that we have been championing since 2002. For that we are most grateful to all our friends and supporters that have made this possible.

The values of the GCGI, which we hold very dearly

We value caring and kindness

We value passion and positive energy

We value service and volunteerism

We value simplicity and humility

We value trust, openness, and transparency

We value values-led education

We value harmony with nature

We value non-violent conflict resolution

We value interfaith, inter-civilisational and inter-generational dialogue

We value teamwork and collaboration

We value challenge and excellence

We value fun and play

We value curiosity and innovation

We value health and wellbeing

We value a sense of adventure

We value people, communities and cultures

We value friendship, cooperation and responsibility

A CV Summary with a focus on Business& Economics (last updated in 2007)

Kamran Mofid books and biography | Waterstones

The theme of my lectures, speeches and workshops has covered the following areas/subjects:

• Ethics, Morality and Spirituality in Economics and Business
• Efficiency and Equity, Competition and Cooperation, Market forces and Regulation, Free Trade and Fair Trade: Can they all work together in the interest of the common good?
• Values-Led Economics& Business Education
• Is a Fairer Globalisation Possible? Globalisation for the Common Good and the Pursuit of Justice in the World Economy
• Challenges of Globalisation:  A reflection on the Future Agenda for Globalisation
• The Emerging Alliance of World Religions and Spiritual Traditions and their Contributions in the search for a more Honest and Just Global Economic Order
• Globalisation and Islam: Muslim/Sufi Perspectives on Globalisation
• The “Financial Tsunami”: A Reflection on the Workings of the Market, the Pursuit of Profit Maximisation and Cost Minimisation
• How to Succeed in Creating a Sustainable and Profitable Business? Know the Golden Rule and Serve the Common Good
• Globalisation: What Can the West Learn from Africa and African Spirituality?
• Business Education and the Common Good.
• Steps to and Principles for Responsible and Sustainable Business
• The Morality of the Market: Economic Efficiency and Moral Sentiments
• Japan and the Middle East
• US and the Middle East
• Canada and the EU
• Canada and the Middle East
• America and the Globalisation for the Common Good
• Can Business do Well by doing Good? A Dialogue on Spirituality, Economics and Justice

These presentations were hosted at and sponsored by the following institutions, amongst others:

• American Business Council of Dubai and World Trade Club of Dubai, UAE
• Canadian Business Council, Dubai, UAE
• International Energy Forum (IEF), Tokyo, Japan
• The Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies, Tokyo, Japan
• Japan Cooperation Centre for the Middle EastTokyo, Japan
• Institute of Developing Economies, Tokyo, Japan
• LoyolaUniversity, Chicago, Centre for Ethics
• CaliforniaLutheranUniversity,Center for Leadership and ValuesSchool
• DalhousieUniversitySchoolHalifax, Canada
• MegatrendUniversity,Belgrade, Serbia
• Canadian Institute for International Peace and Security, Ottawa, Canada
• Conference Board of Canada, Department of External Affairs and International Trade (Canada)
• Institute for International Economic Studies Tokyo, Japan
• Africa Research and Resource Forum, Nairobi, Kenya
• The Middle East and Globalisation for the Common Good (Sponsored by a selection of Business Councils in Dubai)

Papers presented at conferences, research institutes, think tanks (with focus on the Middle East: trade, development, energy, peace and conflict resolution, inter-faith dialogue, globalisation, dialogue of civilisations, and international relations)
++ Most of these presentations were as invited keynote/plenary speaker.

• SchoolOriental and African Studies (SOAS), UniversityLondon.
• Universities of Exeter, Durham, Leeds, Birmingham, Warwick, Bath, Bradford, East Anglia, Manchester, Glasgow, Sussex, Oxford, York, Kellogg College, Oxford(UK)
• Columbia, Berkeley, George Mason, Michigan, Loyola (Chicago), California Lutheran, Ohio State(USA)
• International Energy Forum (IEF), Japan Institute of Middle Eastern Economies, Japan Cooperation Centre for the Middle East, Kyoto Sangyo University, Hosei University, Sophia University, Middle East Institute of Japan, Institute of Developing Economies(Japan)
• TrinityCollege, UniversityMelbourne, AustralianNationalUniversity, University of Queensland(Australia)
• Canadian Institute for International Peace and Security, Conference Board of Canada, Department of External Affairs and International Trade, Saint Mary’s University, SimonFraserUniversity, Dalhousie(Canada)
• Fatih University (Turkey), Haifa, Hebron, Bethlehem (Universities), Israel Institute of Technology (Technion), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Economy (Jericho)-(Israel and Palestine)
• UNESCO,Paris
• The United Nations, New York
• American Business Council,Dubai, UAE
• Canadian Business Council, Dubai, UAE
• Convener of international conferences (with focus on the Middle East)
• Iran and the West(UK)
• Iran and the Globalisation for the Common Good (under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum(Dubai, UAE)
• The Third Annual International Conference, Globalisation for the Common Good(Dubai, UAE)
• The Sixth Annual International Conference, Globalisation for the Common Good(Istanbul, Turkey)

Broadcasts and Interviews on Middle Eastern Issues

• BBC World Service
• BBC Coventry and Oxford
• American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
• Voice of America
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Written by: Kamran Mofid

Published: 28 February 2011

Hits: 28414

Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative

Founded in 2002 at an international conference in Oxford, the GCGI is the UK’s leading progressive think tank, producing cutting-edge research and innovative policy ideas for a just, democratic and sustainable world. For the last 10 years, GCGI has helped shape the progressive thinking that is now the political centre ground. Independent and radical, we are committed to combating inequality, empowering citizens, promoting social responsibility, creating a sustainable economy and revitalising democracy. Best known for our influential work on Globalisation for the Common Good, Business Ethics& Corporate Social Responsibility, Value-led Economics and Business Education, Interfaith Dialogue and Dialogue amongst Civilisations and more, we now have significant cooperative projects with a number of universities, think tanks and civil societies in many countries around the world. GCGI’s media programme and its influential online Journal, Journal of Globalisation for the Common Good, hosted at Purdue University, has since its inception in 2005 made significant contribution in furthering progressive goals in education and media policy.
Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative Programme

Over the last decade, and more seriously since the financial crisis of the 2008, the development engine appears to have stalled in many countries and regions. Most countries are experiencing falling growth rates, rising unemployment, increased inequality, and environmental degradation. Many in the developing world have come to view free trade and financial liberalization not as pathways to prosperity, but as tools of exploitation and destruction.
A growing body of innovative and progressive scholarship and research offers promising strategies for sustainable development and a more harmonious and fairer globalisation. Yet, these proposals have not been disseminated in a coordinated fashion. In response to this challenge, the Globalisation for the Common Good Programme provides a forum for pragmatic alternatives to the current global economic disorder and mismanagement.

MISSION
To highlight the best new thinking on how globalisation for the common good might be realised. Our vision is to rekindle the human spirit in order to make globalisation good.   

PHILOSOPHY
Building a sustainable global economy, that begins with protecting fundamental freedoms, maximizing human fulfillment, potential, happiness, well-being and innovation. This process must be guided by an ethical and spiritual framework. Whilst discarding the conceit that all norms are equally valid, neither does the GCGI view Western norms as the only acceptable lens through which to view ethical and spiritual questions. Dialogue among societies with diverse traditions is essential for cooperation on tough global challenges.

CONTEXT
In our work and research, since the early days of 2002, we have offered a vision that positions the quest for economic and social justice, peace and ecological sustainability, ethical and corporate social responsibility within the framework of a spiritual consciousness grounded in the practice of open-heartedness, generosity, and caring for others.  The GCGI concept is inclusive, mindful of environment and the human connection to nature.  Our vision encourages us to believe that real, viable, sustainable, ethical, and profitable capitalism is possible.  What is needed to realize our vision is a more inclusive holistic view of “the bottom line.”  Success needs to be redefined in a manner that leads to dramatic transformation of people and societies spiritually, economically, socially, and environmentally, if we desire to pass on a better world to our children and grand-children.

METHOD
We develop and disseminate innovative ideas for the realization of the Globalisation for the Common Good through:

Global Annual Conference Series
Since its establishment at a major Conference in Oxford in 2002, the GCGI International Conference Series has become an annual event growing as it has traveled across the globe through Saint Petersburg (2003), Dubai(2004), Kenya(2005), Honolulu(2006: Chaminade University), and Istanbul(2007: Fatih University). The 2008 conference was leld at Trinity College, University of Melbourne, and the 2009 conference was hosted at Loyola University, Chicago, whilst the 2010 conference was hosted at the California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. The 2011 Conference will be hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandria (postponed as a result of the Revolution in Egypt).
Journal of Globalization for the Common Good – GCGI publishes its influential online Journal, Journal of Globalisation for the Common Good, hosted at Purdue University, USA
GCGI Global Partnership, Dialogue and Collaboration
GCGI is now recognised as an initiative that has succeeded in establishing a large, vigorous, interdisciplinary, inter-faith and spiritual team of researchers to focus on issues of globalisation, the common good and other related subjects. The expertise of those who have supported the GCGI includes economics, business studies, political science, international relations, history, philosophy, sociology, social anthropology, psychology, media studies, geography, environmental studies, mathematics, physics, chemistry, education, development studies, peace and conflict resolution, law, ethics and theology.

GCGI has initiated major programmes of reaserach and scholarly activities, resulting in many fruitful and rewarding outcomes in the following areas, amongst others:

• The Common Good Happiness Project: A Spiritual Quest for the Good Life
• What would a new economics and economy look like?
• Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative Community (GCGI Community)
• Value-Led Economics and Business Education
• Globalisation for the Common Good and the Dialogue of Civilisations: Building Peace, Justice, and Prosperity Together
• Religion in Public Life
• Mass Media, Social Responsibility, and Ethics: The Quest for Ethical and Balanced Reporting
• Ethical Leadership and the Global Economic Crisis
• Lessons in Equality, Social Justice, and Ecological Balance from Indigenous Cultures
• Putting Well-being at the Heart of Economics and Business Education
• Spiritual Capital: Wealth We Can Live By
• Building a Better Business
• Making Globalisation Work: Dialogue as a Keystone for Progress
• The Healing Power of Doing Good
• Perspectives on Peace, Justice, and Ecological Sustainability
• Cultural Diversity and Shared Values
• Non-violent conflict resolution and democratic governance
• Common Wealth and the Virtuous Economy- A Theological and Spiritual Understanding of Economics, Business and Finance
• The Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples
• Increasing Inequality Places Democracy, Community, and Relationships at Risk
• The Environment: Our Greatest Common Treasure

In pursuit of its scholarly activities, research, publications and conferences, workshops and seminars, the GCGI has significantly benefited from its rewarding cooperation and engagement with the following universities, think tanks and civil societies, amongst others:

• Plater Jesuit College, Oxford, UK
• Kellogg College, Oxford, UK
• University of Birmingham, UK
• Durham University, UK
• Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey
• La Trobe University, Australia
• Trinity College, University of Melbourne, Australia
• Chaminade University, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
• California Lutheran University, USA
• Loyola University, Chicago, USA
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
• Renaissance Institute, Sofia University, Tokyo, Japan
• World Congress of Faiths, Oxford, UK
• The Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Istanbul, Turkey
• World Public Forum, Dialogue of Civilisations, Moscow and Vienna, Russia and Austria
• Dialogue Forum, Bibliotheca Alexandria, Egypt
• Institute for Ecological Security, Saint Petersburg, Russia