The Advancing Education in Muslim Societies (AEMS) initiative suggests, as one of its components, an emphasis on the importance of a Human Development (HD) lens to improving the lives of individuals and groups in ecological contexts especially in Muslim societies and communities. In addition to providing an expanded approach in education that goes beyond formal and nonformal schoolings, the human development approach highlights personal and social transformation in environments conducive to growth and prosperity for all. Adopting a HD framework, infused with universal values and virtues, provides a platform for advancing change. Further, the empirical research in the HD area, such as in “Mapping the Terrain study”, points out a neglected area of empirical research that AEMS addresses across and in partnership with more than fifteen countries around the globe.
Vision: Improved personal and social development through identifying values, competencies, and pathways that lead to transformation on the individual and the collective levels in Muslim societies and communities and beyond.
Mission: To serve as a hub for generating innovative theoretical and empirical knowledge and publications, disseminating thought-provoking ideas, and contributing to the global discourse on human development in Muslim societies and communities. This includes promoting universal values, competencies, and the states of human consciousness.