Congress guidelines

By 1960 Zarathushtis spread all over the globe felt the need to dialog and Iran took the lead in holding the first World Zoroastrian Congress (WZC) in Tehran in 1960, notes the introduction to the newly evolved "WZC Guidelines and Selection Process for Host/Venue.” Subsequent congresses have been held in Bombay (1964, 1979, 1985, 1990), Tehran (1996), Houston (2000), London (2005). The ninth WZC is scheduled for 2009 in Dubai. The congresses have been held by the host country each in its own style with emphasis reflecting the prevalent ideas in the host environment.

Since the London event there has evolved an annual "Coming Together Roundtable” where leaders of the diaspora communities gather to discuss and, if possible, solve the problems faced by Zarathushtis in various parts of the world. At these meetings it has emerged that the hosting of the WZC should fulfill certain criteria to ensure fair and respectful hearing of all shades of community opinion and that the passing of the torch should be known well in advance so that there is no last minute acceptance of whichever center offers itself.

Accordingly, the abovementioned Guidelines have been formulated by Rohinton Rivetna, Behram Pastakia, Firdosh Mehta and Rustom Kevala representing North America, Minoo Shroff from India, Meher Bhesania of the UAE, Dorab Mistry and Paurushasp Jila of UK, Mehraban Firouzgary of Iran, Sam Kerr of Australia and Tehmus Mistry of New Zealand.

With the vision of nurturing a caring, compassionate, harmonious community, the WZC is expected to come together and work together in hamazori, celebrating the Zarathushti diversity. A meeting once in four or five years is the prescribed time frame, dialog and discourse conducted with civility and open mind is the recommended mode, the end result being to promote harmony and respect throughout the worldwide community and the convergence of the far-flung diasporas towards the Zoroastrian ideals.

The chapter on programing recommends the proceedings of the congress to address all guiding institutions covering religion and history, education and scholarship, arts and sciences, governance and organization, business and professions. The document recognizes the need for substantial mingling within the different age groups, be it youths, seniors, singles, etc and for opportunities for those with special interests to meet and discuss. Additionally, there needs to be space for display and sale of books, artifacts, etc.

The institution of World Community Awards (as presented at Houston and London) is recommended as a permanent feature of all WZCs. The mandatory awards include those for outstanding Zarathushti individual, excellence in business or profession to be co-sponsored with the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) and a humanitarian service award. A methodology for seeking nominations and selection has been worked out, though not included with this document.

Another criterion is the initiation of legacy projects for the benefit of the worldwide community to be further developed after the conclusion of the congress. Examples cited include the WZCC and ZWIN (Zoroastrian Women International Network) spawned by the Houston Congress and the Roundtable in London.

"The selection of the venue is critical. Preference shall be given to those proposals providing for the orchestration of all the congress events as well as boarding and lodging of all registrants in a single complex without the need for commute between several venues,” states the document. The host organization is also required to ensure that reasonable and affordable accommodation is offered and that wholesome meals, reasonably priced, are available at the venue or close to it.

Noting that entities and locations for WZCs have been chosen hitherto by a limited process, the document sets out a procedure for forthcoming congresses. A "Request for Proposal (RFP)” from Zarathushti groups in any part of the world shall be invited by the host of the upcoming congress at least 13 months prior to the scheduled date of the congress. Thus proposals must be invited and accepted in Dubai by November 2008. However, as this would be an unexpected burden on Dubai at this late stage, the group that has formulated the guidelines has undertaken to invite proposals, to be received by Rivetna (Rivetna@aol.com) prior to November 30, 2008.

Five prominent Zarathushtis, familiar with the process of hosting large international meetings shall be selected to evaluate the proposals and make recommendations. No member of the selection committee can belong to any organization proposing to host the congress. The results of the evaluation will be declared at least one year ahead of the congress already under planning.

The proposal from the prospective host needs to spell out the theme of the congress, its duration and dates, programing ideas, plans for satellite meetings, entertainment, awards presentation, theme music and inspirational lyrics, facilities for travel, possible venues, opportunities for sight-seeing, boarding, lodging, catering, financing and estimated registration costs.

The proposal will be evaluated by the selection committee on the basis of whether it fulfills the vision and mission requirements of the WZC, economic viability, capacity of the venue and of the community to undertake the logistics of the congress, distinctive character and ability to inspire the cooperation of all sections of the community, available funds and the support of neighboring organizations.