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The Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada

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The Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada The Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada His Highness the Aga Khan His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam, or spiritual leader, of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20. Since taking on his role in 1957, he has dedicated his efforts to improving the quality of life of the world’s most vulnerable populations, while emphasizing the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds human dignity. He is the founder and chairman of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). “In the Muslim ethical tradition, which links spirit and matter, the In Islam’s ethical tradition, religious leaders not only interpret the faith but also Imam not only leads in the have a responsibility to improve the quality of life of their community and interpretation of the faith, but broader society. For the Aga Khan, this has meant a deep engagement with also in the effort to improve the development for over 60 years through AKDN, a group of private, quality of life of his community, international, non-denominational agencies working to improve living and of the wider societies within conditions and opportunities for people in the developing world. The which it lives; for a guiding Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of principle of the Imamat’s health and education to architecture, rural development and the promotion of institutions is to replace walls private-sector enterprise. which divide with bridges that unite.” The Aga Khan is recognized internationally for his commitment to encouraging His Highness the Aga Khan, peaceful, productive, and pluralist societies, rooted in compassion and respect Foundation ceremony of the for the dignity of all human beings. In recognition of his exceptional efforts and Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, contributions to human development and improving the social condition of June 6, 2015 societies globally, the Aga Khan has, over the last six decades, received numerous decorations, honorary degrees, and awards from institutions and nations across the world. In 2005, His Highness was invested as honorary companion of the Order of Canada by the Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. In 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper conferred honorary Canadian citizenship on His Highness. And then in 2014, the Aga Khan became the first faith leader to address the Parliament of Canada. He applauded Canada’s commitment to building stronger societies globally and expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between Canada and the AKDN. Aga Khan Development Network The Aga Khan Development Network is a family of organizations and institutions working to build stronger societies in Africa and Asia by investing in social, economic, and cultural development. Together, they work towards a common goal – to build institutions and programmes that can respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural change on an on-going basis. The AKDN works in close partnership with public and private institutions, including governments, international organizations, companies, foundations, and universities. Active in 30 countries, AKDN builds quality institutions – clinics, banks, and universities – that anchor communities and provide them with opportunities to unlock their potential. Taking a holistic approach that addresses the many complex factors affecting quality of life, AKDN invests in people in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world to ensure they have the opportunities, knowledge, and skills they need to be self-reliant. Communities and societies are stronger when they are built on the vision and collaboration of people from different backgrounds. The work of AKDN is driven by the belief in a shared humanity and the firm conviction that everyone, no matter where they are born, deserves hope for a better future. For some statistics on the cumulative impact of AKDN, watch this short video. The Ismaili Imamat and AKDN in Canada Canada is celebrated for its global connectedness, pluralism, and hubs of innovation and learning. Since 1980, AKDN has been present in Canada because of these unique qualities. Through partnerships with government, leading academic and civil society institutions, and the corporate sector, AKDN helps bring the best of Canada to the world and strengthens this country’s global connections. In 2014, His Highness the Aga Khan signed an agreement establishing a permanent diplomatic relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada. With this deepened partnership, AKDN and Canada continue to encourage vibrant societies where every citizen – regardless of cultural, religious, or ethnic differences – can realize his or her full potential. The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa opened in 2008. It is the Canadian headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat and AKDN, as well as a centre for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and relationship building around critical global issues. The AKDN Resident Representative to Canada is based at the Delegation, as is the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). The Ismaili Centres in Burnaby and Toronto The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence and core values of Ismaili communities around the world. Incorporating spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation, they are bridges of friendship and understanding, and serve to enhance relationships among faith communities, government and civil society. The first Ismaili Centre in Canada opened in Burnaby in 1985. The Ismaili Centre, Toronto, opened in 2014, is situated, together with the Aga Khan Museum, within a 6.8-hectare landscaped park. The buildings and Park represent His Highness the Aga Khan’s longstanding relationship with Canada and his appreciation for the country’s commitment to pluralism and cultural diversity. Other Ismaili Centres are located in London, Lisbon, Dubai, and Dushanbe. Aga Khan Foundation Canada The Aga Khan Development Network has had an active presence in Canada for nearly four decades, beginning with the establishment of AKFC in 1980. AKFC is an international development organization and registered charity. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, AKFC partners with communities, businesses, and governments to find innovative solutions to global challenges – undertaking these efforts in cooperation with the Government of Canada and diverse Canadian institutions and individuals. Working in Africa and Asia with the other agencies of AKDN, the Foundation invests in high quality institutions and systems that anchor social, economic, and cultural progress over the long term. AKFC promotes inclusive development, with vibrant civil societies that enable women and men to unlock their own potential, sparking transformative change. In Canada, AKFC promotes discussion and learning on global issues, raises funds, taps into Canadian expertise to strengthen its development work, and builds partnerships with Canadian institutions. • In 1981, the first collaborative effort between Canada and AKFC globally was the provision of a start-up grant to the Aga Khan University School of Nursing. That support enabled the fledgling institution to establish the resources and standing necessary to make rapid progress in the field of nursing, a strategic investment that had transformative impact on healthcare, nursing education, and the status of women in Pakistan and other parts of the developing world. Since then, AKFC and Canadian institutional partners have supported more than 180 projects, reaching millions of people in the developing world. • An initiative of AKFC, World Partnership Walk is Canada’s largest public movement to fight global poverty. Launched in 1985, this annual fundraising campaign rallies support for development, equips individuals with the information and resources they need to act as informed global citizens, and creates opportunities for Canadians to engage locally. The Walk takes place in 10 cities across Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. World Partnership Golf, held annually in seven cities, is also dedicated to raising funds and awareness. Canadians have raised more than $120 million for AKFC’s development programs in Africa and Asia. • Every year, 40,000 Canadians participate in AKFC’s fundraising campaigns. These include thousands of dedicated volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual donors across Canada, who generously give their skills, time and funds. • In 2012, the Government of Canada and AKFC launched an unprecedented $100-million partnership to tackle the root causes of poverty in Africa and Asia. The partnership built on more than 30 years of collaboration between AKFC and the Canadian government, and the dedication of the tens of thousands of Canadians who support AKFC. The vision was clear: a more equal and prosperous future, where everyone can reach their full potential. The partnership spanned 15 countries and invested in five key areas: health; education; women’s empowerment; community leadership; and innovation. Since it began, the partnership has unlocked opportunity for a million people… and counting. See the 1 Million Lives Unlocked website for more information on this partnership. The
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