WHAT ABOUT EVENT
Sustainable #PashminaDialogue (#SPD) is a novel series of round table discussions (Virtual & Physical) aiming to build a sustainable platform for authentic Pashmina Heritage of India and the World. The Dialogue is inspired through the “Look East, Link West” policy of the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi. SPD spreads across countries having brought under one roof leading thinkers across multiple domains including Government Representatives, Policy Makers, Luxury Brand Founders, Art Connoisseurs, Technology Experts, Impact Fund Managers, Management Consultants, Climate Change Experts, Wildlife Experts and Global Trade Bodies to collectively create a solution transforming vulnerable cultural heritage of authentic Pashmina into a Sustainable, Entrepreneurial, Contemporary and Robust Livelihood means for the community. Sustainable #PashminaDialogue aims to deliver on its key strategic objectives to
- Disrupt contemporary Authentic handmade Pashmina industry to ensure that, equitable and sustainable business model leads the market.
- Develop unique and compelling platforms to promote and strengthen the global recognition of Authentic Luxury Indian Pashmina.
- To position authentic handmade sustainable luxury Pashmina of Jammu and Kashmir, India as a leader in Handmade Luxury segment globally.
WHAT ABOUT EVENT
WHO WE ARE?
We are a group of passionate thinkers who are deeply invested in sustainability, culture & peace
We are a small group working to build a voice for the vulnerable community of one million ace crafts persons and shepherds in Himalayas. The story of #Pashmina is also the story of many more cultural crafts and heritage in different parts of the world on the verge of extinction at the hands of fake, mechanization and cheap production, robbing the creations of their essence. We together stand against these challenges.
WHAT WE DO?
We are constantly sensitizing and building a global thought leadership for sustainable luxury pashmina
and sharing the stories of this eco-system with the world. We are a disruptive approach that is poised to create opportunities of dignified livelihood for this community in Himalayas.
WHY US?
We are committed for life to preserving, enhancing and re-imagining the authentic handmade luxury Pashmina
Eco-System of #LadakhPashmina #KashmirPashmina #BhasoliPashmina #IndiaPashmina #HimalayanPashmina
Sustainable Pashmina Dialogue
With Sustainable #PashminaDialogue (#SPD) we are going Global. In the past, #PashminaDialogue has successfully collaborated with multiple states, government representatives, policy makers, industrialists, fashion designers, environment experts and many more domain specialists to achieve positive outcomes for the Pashmina Community.
In 2020, we took the Sustainable #PashminaDialogue to New Delhi and then to London, and are planning the next series 2021 and 2022 for New York, Milan, Germany, Monaco, France and more locations that are the culture, fashion, sustainability and power capitals of the world and homes of heritage, innovation and thought leadership. We aim to create a unique experience to walk the audience through the journey of Pashmina, right from Himalayas to the luxury destinations of the world.
An amalgamation of these dialogues and showcases, this event series is the first ever initiative to create a Global Heritage Community and exchange culture and heritage insights while solving the global challenges for heritage and crafts around the world. The dialogue is a platform that brings the most talented of the world onto one table and binds them to one purpose which is #SustainablePashmina
PARTICIPANTS
TOPICS
SESSIONS
SPEAKERS
HURRY UP!
Event Components
Event Components
We believe in the power of dialogue, art and culture to seek solutions and bring the story of Pashmina to the world through:
- Round Table Discussions
- Volunteer Programs
- Contemporary Pashmina Art Display and Auction
- Antique Pashmina Showcase
- Invest India Pitch
- Technology Engagements
- Visual journey of Pashmina through Documentary Screenings
- Call for Elite patronage and Volunteer Program to induce Responsible Buying
- Showcase of Success Stories in preserving Heritage through Entrepreneurship
Who's Speaking?
Our journey this far has blessed us with expertise and support of distinguished personalities and speakers from the Government of India, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Honourable Ambassadors of Multiple Countries, Industrialists, Investors, Erstwhile Royalties, Luxury Brands, Fashion Designers, Thinkers, Academicians, Environmentalists, Ecology Scientists, Financial Institutions, Media Houses and Art Connoisseurs who have graced and supported #PashminaDialogue. They have rendered patronage and voice to the under-represented and exploited Pashmina community. Our speakers, come from all across the world offering a global, multi-dimensional perspective. Please keep visiting this website for checking our line-ups.
Kerry Bannigan
Founder Conscious Fashion CampaignKerry Bannigan is a British social entrepreneur, advocate and advisor pioneering global fashion and media initiatives to accelerate transformative action for social, economic and environmental change. Kerry is the Founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, founding member and Executive Producer of the SDG Media Zone and the President of the Board at the PVBLIC Foundation. Her portfolio spans over 14 years of purpose-driven programming, event production and high-level partnerships with brands, government and United Nations agencies. She sits on the GAC (Global Advisory Council) of the #PashminaGoatProject.
Mukul Pal
Founder AlphaBlockMukul has spent over 20 years in global financial markets and investment management capacities, working from 2000-2004 for the Bombay Stock Exchange and various financial institutions in India and from 2005-2010 consulting European asset managers and securities divisions of financial institutions like Société Générale, Raiffeisen, Uniqua Insurance, Bucharest Stock Exchange etc. He has published extensively, filed several patents, holds an MBA in Finance, a Masters in Applied Econometrics and statistics, a CMT designation and has been awarded a Top Fintech award from MIT in 2016.
MANJULA LEE
CEO World Wide GenerationManjula started her career in M&A at Shell Australia, where faced with data indicating where the world
was going to be by 2050, she was compelled to pursue a career in social problem-solving in the not for
profit sector. From 2006 – 2015 she advised NGOs such as Oxfam and Amnesty International and was
Head of Philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity with an international portfolio of corporates, impact
investors, governments and foundations. She was also special advisor to the UN’s Global Partnerships
Forum in New York for the MDG and SDG agenda. Manjula founded World Wide Generation in 2016,
the G17Eco Platform in 2017 to accelerate the financing and delivery of the SDGs by 2030. By 2018
Manjula was appointed to the City of London’s Global Steering Committee for Sustainable Finance and
The Green Finance Task Force, and was invited by No10 Downing Street to pitch her sustainable fintech
strategy to the UK Prime Minister and the Cabinet. At the 2018 UN General Assembly, Britain’s PM
Theresa May, announced WWG as the Technology Partner to the global Sustainable Development
Capital Initiative which aims to unify the world with technology market infrastructure to unlock
sustainable finance, solutions and data at scale. Manjula was selected for Innovate Finance’s “Women In
FinTech Powerlist 2018”. She won the UKBAA’s “Best Led Female Investment award of the year”, was
voted “100 of the Most Influential Women in Blockchain” and selected on Fairforce’s independent “100
Green Board Member” list in 2020. The G17Eco Platform went live in July 2020 and is being scaled
globally. Manjula sits on the Global Advisory Council GAC of the #PashminaGoatProject
Dr. Henna Anjum
Founder #WhoMadeMyPashminaHenna is a social worker who has been acknowledged for her work and commitment towards the community she represents and works across J&K. She is the founder of the social media campaign #WhoMadeMyPashmina which is poised to be a global movement calling for a fairer, safer, cleaner and a more transparent Pashmina industry. Henna campaigns for a more accountable industry, where dignity of toil and a safe environment are a standard and not an exception. She has a life-long commitment to her work which is dedicated to the Pashmina crafts women of the state. And she hopes that she is able to change the future of these women and the future of their children.
She is also a proud recipient of multiple awards for her work:
1. Smt. Nirmala Deshpandey Award
2. Karmaveer Chakra (Instituted with United Nations)
3. Honoris Causa (Honorary Doctorate by CIAC).
Dr. Babar Afzal
Founder #PashminaGoatProjectFounder: #PashminaGoatProject
Co-Founder & Curator: Sustainable #PashminaDialogue www.pashminadialogue.com
Co-Founder: Sustainable.Conscious.Organic Pashmina Scarves www.pashminagoat.in
President: Pashmina Goat Foundation www.pashminagoat.org
Co-Founder: #WhoMadeMyPashmine
Author: 6 TIMES Thinner, Call of Pashmina
Babar is a sustainability and climate change crusader from Jammu & Kashmir (Indian Himalayas). His journey is a one which is an intertwine of several different threads. It’s about a man who quit his Silicon Valley career and became a shepherd in Jammu & Kashmir. And took upon himself to guard the roots of the eco-system and gift the perfection that is Pashmina, to the world and in the process give back as much to the community that has selflessly given us the finest fabric known to man. Babar is now a Pashmina Goat Shepherd and a Pashmina Abstract Artist from past 10 years. He holds a vision to democratize the authentic Pashmina eco-system of the world and break the monopolies of this industry in favour of the communities at the bottom of the pyramid, while conserving and enhancing the life of the Pashmina goats and delivering on 8 of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals. He is an Author, Artist and the founder of the #PashminaGoatProject and has a dream of brining in lasting peace in the region of Kashmir through economics and educations through Pashmina eco-system that has directly and indirectly one million people linked to it for their livelihood and survival.
Recipient of multiple national and international awards and fellowships and featured regularly in state, national and international media, he has been referred many a time as “The most credible man and voice on Pashmina in the world”. Babar is a proud recipient the Shri. Rabindranath Tagore Award, Dr. B R Ambedkar Award, Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award, The Karmaveer Chakra Silver and Bronze Medals (instituted with UN), Bharat Gaurav Award, the Promising Indian Award, Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 by AACC, Honoris Causa (Honorary Doctorate Ph.D) Peace and Humanity (CIAC), Paramount Medallion of Honor, Scion of Magna Mater (WPDO), International Peace Governor (WPDO), Champion of the Earth Award 2021, Global Change Makers Award 2021. He is a WIRED Innovation Fellow (UK), REX Global Fellow (UN) and a seven times TEDx Speaker and a TED Residency Finalist. Babar has been profiled by TIME Magazine, BBC, NASDAQ, Bloomberg, ABP News, Republic TV and over 600 newspapers and magazines and news portals. His life and work was chosen for making a documentary film ‘The Call of Pashmina’ by international directors. The documentary has won several international awards in India, USA and Germany and has been screened across all the continents as a story of internal change and inspiration.
Babar has been profiled by TIME Magazine “The Genius Issue”, BBC, CNN, Bloomberg etc.
Dr. Babar Afzal is an Ex-McKinsey Analyst and a Profiled Ethical Hacker. He is a Bachelor in Electronics and a Post Graduate in Business and holds over 20 International Business, Cutting Edge Technology and Sales Certifications (including CISSP, CCIE, PMP, CBE, CBA, Certified Blockchain Expert and Certified Blockchain Architect).
CONFERENCE AGENDA
This is the strategic engagement for sustainability and shared value for the authentic sustainable luxury pashmina eco-system of Himalayas. Issues are selected with clear, measurable targets and goals. Having clearly defined objectives are fundamental to designing an effective strategy and delivering impact. This is the main component of the event which is triggered by presenting an issue to the speaker and the host asks relevant questions. Then ideas and sample scenarios are considered and shared and suggestions and experiences that relate to the issue is put into workable action steps.
An MoU memorandum of understanding is a formal agreement between organizations that is signed between ‘#PashminaGoatProject and the Country Partners for different micro-initiatives of the #PashminaGoatPRoject. This is the establishment of the official partnerships. These MOUs are not legal bindings but carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect for sustainability and a common framework for action towards a Positive Planet.
In order to develop an appropriate community engagement strategy our Buffett and Networking sessions (Only for our Physical Events) create lasting bonds between the speakers and attendees. This is perfect arrangement for informal learning, interactions and sharing.
Films are more than purely entertainment; they spark ideas, discussions and interest. #PashminaGoatProject is constantly partnering with film makers to build up its own set of issues that need urgent attention. It is to present passionate issues that slip under the radar or never get the attention they deserve. This is also to build a global community of people who share common interest together and opens up a host of possibilities for joining for execution of impact projects, creating awareness, PR, Fundraising, Support and Education.
It is believed that unstitched woollen wraps on the shoulders were already being used for warmth some 3500 years ago. It is roughly the age of the “Mohenjo Daro” civilization. “Buddha”, along with his disciples, is also shown in elegant drapes in most of the depictions. Some Textual references show that goat-pashm shawls were already in use as luxury textiles in Iran and Syria during the 1st millennium. References indicate that Kashmir had already defined itself as the source of fine wools in the early 14th century. Connecting the Kashmiri tradition with the shawl industry, Zain-ul-Abid in 1540 is the first King who’s credited with laying the foundation of the Pashmina industry. He invited weavers from far-flung regions to settle here and train the local craftspeople to create masterpieces. #PashminaGoatProject with its generational Pashmina master craftsmen and women showcases rare and antique Pashmina which has been preserved from centuries and has passed from one generation to the next and is a representation of the luxury craftsmanship of the region.
DOCUMENTS
Vision
Intro
Industry
Pashmina
Components
Curator
India Tour
Bilateral
Campaigns
Impact
Testimonies
FAQ’s
SPECIAL THANKS
#PashminaGoatProject GROUP WEBSITES
www.pashminagoat.in
www.pashminadialogue.com
www.pashminagoat.org
OUR GALLERY
frequently asked questions
How many guests will be invited?
The event is not based on volume, but on the quality of attendance. We are looking to attract a good mix of meaningful speakers and attendees in every Virtual and Offline Event.
We would like to know when and where the event will be promoted?
A comprehensive, multifaceted Public Relations campaign targeting a range of stakeholders is already being planned. The platform is being promoted in English via all major social media networks that will have quick access for immediate distribution of photographic and editorial coverage.
Do you have an Advisory Council. What is the role of the Members of the Board ?
SPD will be an annual extravaganza that will be guided by the 30 handpicked members of the #PashminaGoatProject Global Advisory Council (GAC) being formed with just one underlying principle – our members understand the power of heritage and sustainable luxury in all its dimensions. They are extremely valued and are selected individuals from various walks of life such as Policy, Arts, Sustainability, Fashion, Media, Films, Business, Impact, PR, Technology, etc. Indeed, as you know sustainable luxury is the indulgence of the senses. The GAC advises us not only on the reputation quotient of the SPD, but the members will also be a part of the screening processes as well as the visitors. The Advisory Council might be reshuffled after every three years.
What is the role of #PashminaGoatProject ?
Pashmina Goat Project is a Social Enterprise which has a team of young minds working under the leadership and vision of Dr. Henna and Dr. Babar Afzal to build and take this event across the world. It is the events division of the project which will handle and execute the event across the different cities in India and abroad through its teams and partner networks.
How is SPD different from any other Pashmina Event ?
The Sustainable Pashmina Dialogue (SPD) is one of its kind event series in it’s segment. It is a global event series to be held in multiple countries. A Sustainability Focused Pashmina Event with such vast geographic coverage has never been planned. On such a huge platform, a wide assortment of sustainable luxury stakeholders of global repute shall be brought together ranging in various categories. The event comprises of a highly esteemed advisory council and personally invited guests, which makes it a perfect opportunity for networking and learning for changing the dynamics of a true and authentic sustainable luxury product and industry of Himalayas.
How will Attendance be Managed ?
SPD will showcase the power of the authentic Pashmina eco-system of Himalayas to a strictly-by-invitation audience during the full-day event that will exhibit masterpiece components of the shows to a highly discerning guest list from across the world. Attendance at SPD will be by invitation only. This will allow us to restrict access to the event towards a target market, relevant to our industry, and important to the success of the project. Many of the delegate invitations will be for VVIP’s, VIP’s and dignitaries representing the influencers, academicians, researchers, leaders, policymakers, ultra-affluent, royalty, diplomats, business leaders, etc. We will also be targeting a select list of celebrities to attend.
We would like to know when and when the event will be promoted ?
A social media campaign will be implemented for Indian Metros in the lead up to SPD (billboards, newspapers, magazines (wherever needed). Our media partner for the event will run advertisements and editorial in various editions, ones the date is announced. National Media partnerships will be announced shortly.
What People Say
Shri. Pranabh Mukharjee , President of India
I am deeply moved with your work and am concerned about the plight of the Pashmina Eco-system which includes the shepherds, the weavers, the craftsmen and many of the community members who are getting displaced because of the challenges faced by the industry eco-system. I congratulate you on your initiatives and the depth of your thought and work and extended support to the initiative.
Shri. A P J Abdul Kalam , Former President of India
There is a need to promote Authentic Handmade Pashmina which will bring in a great trust for pure authentic handmade Pashmina. My appreciation for your work and initiative Babar. God bless you and hope that your work and initiative enhances the Authentic Handmade Pashmina Eco-system of India.
Shri. Hamid Ansari , Vice President of India
Babar you have truly educated me on the Pashmina Eco-System and your own journey. I appreciate the incredible work you are doing and assure you of my support.
Shri. N N Vohra , Governor of J&K
My wife and I had the opportunity to see Babar’s wok on the theme of Pashmina but actually an interweaving of varied serious issues, including the adverse impact of the progressive global warming and climate change. I congratulate Babar for his sensitive rendering of several important concerns. My best wishes for his endeavors.
Shri. Kevinder Gupta , Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly
Babar has started a new initiative in the world of pashmina, from the base and the roots of J&K and taking it to international and global level. The duty he is performing, I am sure in the times to come his efforts will bear fruits and J&K would not be known for disturbances or militancy but especially for Pashmina. I convey my best wishes to him and I am sure with his constant efforts there will be a new revolution in J&K.
Shri. Altaf Bukhari , Hon’ble Minister for Education Govt. of J&K
Seeing Babar’s work, strengthens my belief that we are next to none. I would like to congratulate him and the community and people who he represents. He has awakened us. All the very best for you future endeavors.
Jenab Naeem Akhtar , Hon’ble Minister for PWD Govt. of J&K
I took long discovering a very outstanding person and known about his work. This is a subject very virgin both in it’s very nature and in it’s approach and the medium he has chosen is very powerful.
Shri. Nawang Rigzin Jora , Former Hon’ble Minister of Tourism Govt. of J&K
I am vary happy with what Babar has been doing from the past 6-7 years. Sombody having quit his corporate job, a well paying job and trying to look after the nomadic community and also the artisans who are working in the pashmina industry. It’s a big effort. My best wishes for his project and initiatives.
Shri. B R Kundal , Former Chief Secretary Govt. of J&K
Generally one reads about the life of a nomad or a shepherd, but to live like a shepherd or a nomad and then to express the same thing through the Art is something which Mr. Babar has been able to do. And I must say it’s not a small thing. My best wishes and support to Babar.
Prof. Ashok Aima , Vice Chacellor Central University, Jammu
Mr. Babar I must compliment you for your passion in foraying into something which is unusual in present times. Because these days people are career oriented. They look to a career which has a quick take off in terms of investment and return. But I see your huge patience in navigating into an area which possibly is very very unconventional. And the Art form in which you are trying to promote pashmina, bringing it nearer to a divine dispensation is something whish is commendable. Keep it up and all my support to you and your initiative.
Ms. Sunita Narian , Director General Center for Science & Environment
Very important initiative to bring in awareness about the Pashmina Goat. This is a high value product from the fragile eco-system of the High Himalayas. Best wishes for your effort.
Shri. Ravi Singh , Director General & CEO WWF India
We need to continue to help the Pashmina Community in the Himalayas. My support to Babar for his initiatives and work linked to the Pashmina Eco-System.
Dr. Aziz Hajini , Secretary Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages
It is amazing to see Babar’s work. I am delighted to see and it is unimaginable that there is a man who is dedicated to such a big cause, which does not look big a at the surface. But the pain and commitment with which he has been working from so many years, it arrears that he has dedicated his life to this cause of Pashmina.
Javed Jafri , Bollywood Actor
World is very complicated. This planet is very complicated and these complications are becoming worse and worse. And it’s people like Babar who are doing their bit in preservation of various things. His cause is Pashmina and people like him have dedicated their life to this and we need to respect that.
Javed Jafri , Bollywood Actor
World is very complicated. This planet is very complicated and these complications are becoming worse and worse. And it’s people like Babar who are doing their bit in preservation of various things. His cause is Pashmina and people like him have dedicated their life to this and we need to respect that.
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The Luxe Cafe News
Rs 1.5 crore luxury pashmina shawl to be showcased at Global Sustainable Luxury Pashmina Dialogue
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