OFFICE OF SIRIDANTAMAHĀPĀLAKA / HSWAGATA MUSEUM – INTERNAL USE
Template No.: T10
Related Research Case IDs: Case 10 – Accountability, Justice & Relic Governance (SDG 16)
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Project / Activity Name: _____________________________________________
This form is to be signed by key leaders, committee members, and partners
before starting or approving significant relic-related projects, funds,
or institutional decisions.
Confidentiality Level:
[ ] Public summary [ ] Internal [ ] Restricted / Sacred
1. BACKGROUND & PURPOSE
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Describe briefly the project / activity for which this accountability
commitment is being made:
(e.g. new relic exhibition, construction, fundraising campaign, testing
request, new MoU, relocation of relics)
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Main goals of the project:
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Guiding question (case-based):
What specific accountability mechanisms are we putting in place (reports,
audits, hearings, documentation) so that this relic-related project is
managed as trustees, not as owners?
Context notes (risks, sensitivities, past problems, expectations):
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2. BUDDHIST DOCTRINAL–ETHICAL LENS
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Key teachings relevant to accountability in this project:
(e.g. sīla – virtue; hiri–ottappa – moral shame and moral fear;
dhammadāyāda – heir to the Dhamma, not to property; non-ownership of
relics; right livelihood; right speech)
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Short doctrinal reflection for all signatories:
(What does it mean to treat relics, donations, and positions of power as
a trust for the benefit of many beings, not as private property or
personal fame?)
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Guiding reflection:
How will we show in practice that we are **trustees, not owners**, in
this project – especially in handling money, information, decisions, and
credit/praise?
Planned ethical reminders (to be communicated to project team and
community):
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3. PEACE, CONFLICT & SDGs
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Potential peace/conflict issues in this project:
[ ] Risk of financial scandal
[ ] Risk of power struggle between groups
[ ] Risk of unfair treatment of certain communities
[ ] Risk of secrecy and rumours
[ ] Risk of using relics for political or personal agendas
[ ] Other: _______________________________
Brief description:
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How can strong accountability support:
- Negative peace: preventing open conflict, complaints, and mistrust?
- Positive peace: building trust, fairness, and confidence in relic
governance?
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Structural / cultural violence risks:
(e.g. benefits going only to certain elites; lack of voice for laypeople,
women, youth, minorities; decision-making in closed circles)
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How this commitment supports SDGs (tick all that apply):
[ ] SDG 16 – Peace, justice, and strong institutions
(e.g. transparent decision-making, fair procedures, anti-corruption)
[ ] SDG 11.4 – Protect cultural and natural heritage
[ ] SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
[ ] Other SDGs (list): _______________________________________________
4. GOVERNANCE, ROLES & PROCEDURES
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Key bodies involved in this project:
[ ] Saṅgha leadership
[ ] Lay committee / board
[ ] Museum / heritage office
[ ] Trust / foundation
[ ] Government / official bodies
[ ] External partners (NGOs, universities, donors)
[ ] Other: _______________________________
Describe governance structure for this project:
(Who decides what? How are decisions recorded?)
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Decision-making procedures:
[ ] Written TOR / charter exists for this project
[ ] Meeting minutes will be taken and archived
[ ] Decisions will be recorded in writing and shared with relevant
stakeholders
[ ] Conflict of interest must be declared and managed
[ ] Other: ____________________________________
Approvals needed (names/roles):
______________________________________________________________________
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5. COMMITMENTS BY SIGNATORIES & H96 REFLECTION
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Each signatory agrees to the following accountability commitments:
A. PERSONAL CONDUCT
[ ] I will not use this project for personal financial gain or status.
[ ] I will openly declare any conflict of interest (family, business,
political, or religious).
[ ] I will avoid accepting inappropriate gifts or favours linked to
project decisions.
[ ] I will keep my speech truthful, gentle, and fair in project matters.
B. TRANSPARENCY
[ ] I support clear records of income, expenses, and key decisions.
[ ] I accept that budgets and reports may be shared with appropriate
stakeholders (with respect for confidentiality).
[ ] I accept external or internal audits where needed.
C. PARTICIPATION & FAIRNESS
[ ] I will listen to concerns and criticism respectfully.
[ ] I will support meaningful participation of relevant groups (e.g.
local community, staff, volunteers, lay donors, students).
[ ] I will not use my status to silence or intimidate others.
D. PROTECTION OF RELICS & FAITH
[ ] I recognise that relics are not my personal property.
[ ] I will protect relics and sacred spaces from misuse, commercial
exploitation, or political manipulation.
[ ] I will avoid exaggerating claims about relics for fundraising or
publicity.
Additional project-specific commitments (if any):
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H96 reflection:
“What would a peace-oriented H96 custodian require of leaders and
committees before starting this project, to ensure that decisions are
ethical, transparent, and serve the Dhamma and the community?”
Reflection notes:
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6. RISK & SAFEGUARDS
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Key accountability risks in this project:
(e.g. cash handling, single-person control, lack of documentation,
pressure from powerful donors, sensitive political context)
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Safeguards to be put in place:
(tick and describe as relevant)
[ ] Clear written budget and financial plan
[ ] Multi-signature bank accounts
[ ] Independent accountant / treasurer
[ ] Regular financial and progress reports
[ ] External or peer audit at defined intervals
[ ] Written MoUs with partners
[ ] Complaint / whistleblowing mechanism
[ ] Regular open meetings with stakeholders
[ ] Other: _______________________________
Details of selected safeguards:
______________________________________________________________________
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Risk rating:
[ ] LOW [ ] MEDIUM [ ] HIGH
Plan to review and adjust safeguards during project:
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7. SIGNATURES & FOLLOW-UP
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By signing below, we accept the above commitments and agree to act as
trustees in this relic-related project, in line with Buddhist ethics,
SDG 16, and the H96 peace-oriented custodianship model.
Project / Activity Name: _____________________________________________
Start date (planned): ____ / ____ / ______
SIGNATORIES
1. Name: ____________________________ Role: _________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
2. Name: ____________________________ Role: _________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
3. Name: ____________________________ Role: _________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
4. Name: ____________________________ Role: _________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
(Attach additional signature page if needed.)
FOLLOW-UP
Next accountability review meeting scheduled for:
____ / ____ / ______
Person responsible for coordinating review:
Name: _______________________________ Role: _________________________
Notes / decisions from future reviews (to be completed later):
______________________________________________________________________
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