Post-Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV

III Post-Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV

2018 to 2021

Foreword

This is my humble attempt to highlight the work of Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family, and the Aga Khan Development Network following the commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal.

Previous publications:

Footprints Golden Jubilee – 1957 to 2007

Memories Golden Jubilee – commemoration of 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat during the extended Golden Jubilee year - July 11, 2007 to December 13, 2008

Footprints II Diamond Jubilee – January 2009 to July 10, 2017

Memories Diamond Jubilee – commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat - July 11, 2017 to July 11, 2018

Creating Enabling Environments: Accords, Agreements, Memoranda, and Protocols signed by Mawlana Hazar Imam and AKDN (1957 to July 11, 2021)

Footprints continued….

Following the Diamond Jubilee commemoration year, Mawlana Hazar Imam…

August 11, 2018  was received by His Excellency President Michael Higgins of Ireland and his wife Sabina Mary Coyne, at their official residence Áras an Uachtaráin. The occasion honoured Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee which concluded last month.

The two leaders expressed their commitment to working together to support sustainable development and the strengthening of civil society and of human resource capacity to improve the quality of life and create opportunity in various parts of the world. Photo: AKDN/Maxwell Photography

September 13, 2018  joined world leaders at the funeral of former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan in Accra, Ghana. He was accompanied by Princess Zahra.

September 18, 2018  met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris - the office and residence of the President of France. A guard of honour by the Republican Guard was on display, Hazar Imam was welcomed by the President.

President Emmanuel Macron and Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation at the Élysée Palace. Photo: AKDN

September 19, 2018  was presented with France’s highest honour, La Grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur (The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour), in recognition of his contributions to humanity, and to improving the quality of life in some of the most vulnerable regions and communities around the world.

Mawlana Hazar Imam thanks the French government after receiving the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Photo: AKDN/Cécile Genest

From L to R: Prince Rahim, Prince Amyn, Xavier Darcos, Chancelier of the Institut de France and Former Government Minister, Hubert Védrine, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mawlana Hazar Imam, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Princess Zahra, Laure Darcos, Senator from Essonne and Maria Vadillo, Spouse of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Photo: AKDN/Cécile Genest

October 4, 2018  introduced the speaker for the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Annual Lecture, Karen Armstrong, at the Aga Khan Centre, London. Princess Zahra, former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson, and Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism John McNee were in attendance.

Mawlana Hazar Imam introduced Armstrong as “a person who has contributed in a remarkable way to illuminating Islam, Judaism, and Mawlana Hazar Imam introduces Karen Armstrong. Christianity, and indeed understanding Photo: The.Ismaili/ Anya Campbell all of the great religious traditions.” The.Ismaili

Karen Armstrong delivers the Annual Pluralism R to L: John McNee, Secretary General of the Global Lecture. Photo: The.Ismaili/Anya Campbell Centre for Pluralism; Mawlana Hazar Imam; The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada; The Right Honourable Earl Howe, October 15, 2018 Deputy Leader of the House of Lords; and Princess  arrived in Edmonton, accompanied by Zahra. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Nayyir Damani

Prince Aly Muhammad.

Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by President of the Ismaili Council for Edmonton, Zahra Somani, upon  arriving• inOctober Edmonton, 16, accompanied 2018 by Prince Aly Muhammad.October 16,Photo: 2018 The.Ismaili/ Arif Kassam

October 15, 2018  inaugurated Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, together with University of Alberta President David Turpin, Premier of Alberta Rachel Notley, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell.

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses the audience at the inauguration ceremony of the Aga Khan Garden, Alberta. Photo: The.Ismaili/Arif Kassam

From left: President David Turpin, Premier Rachel Notley, Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell, and Mawlana Hazar Imam inaugurate the Aga Khan Garden. Photo: AKDN/Aziz Dhamani

“The symbol of the Garden as a spiritual symbol goes back to the Holy Qur’an itself - where the Garden ideal is mentioned many times. Down through many centuries, Islamic culture has continued to see the Garden as a very special place, where the Human meets further proof of the Divine….a central part of the Garden tradition is the high calling of human stewardship, our responsibility to honor, to protect, and to share the gifts of the natural world.

The Garden of Islamic tradition is also a place where the flow of refreshing water reminds us of Divine blessing. It is a place for meditation, and quiet renewal. … And even as we share the Garden experience with one another, we can feel a connection with those who walked through similar Gardens in the past.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech

October 16, 2018  arrived in Calgary accompanied by Prince Aly Muhammad. He was received by Ismaili Council for the Prairies President Fauzia Lalani-Khudabux upon his arrival.

October 17, 2018  was conferred Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by the University of Calgary at the Rozsa Centre in recognition of his exceptional contributions to humanity.

Mawlana Hazar and Prince Aly Muhammad greeted by President Lalani-Khudabux. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Ashraf Rajabali

Chancellor Deborah Yedlin presents Mawlana Hazar Imam with the University’s Doctor of Law. Photo: The.Ismaili/Asif Bhalesha

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Chancellor Deborah Yedlin (left) and President Elizabeth Cannon (right). Photo: The.Ismaili Asif Bhalesha

“In the great chain of thinkers, those who encapsulate the poetry and vision of human reason, His Highness has fostered social justice as a dream that all yearn to achieve. He stands as a living legend, a model for every conscience.” President Elizabeth Cannon Citation

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Aly Muhammad after the conferral ceremony. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Asif Bhalesha

Mawlana Hazar Imam with senior leadership of the University of Calgary, Aga Khan University, and University of Central Asia. Photo: The.Ismaili/Asif Bhalesha

October 17, 2018  arrived in Vancouver accompanied by Prince Aly Muhammad. They were greeted by Samir Manji, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia and Zulie Sachedina, Chair, International Conciliation and Arbitration Board.

October 19, 2018  was conferred Doctor of Laws Honoris Causadegrees by University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, in an unprecedented joint ceremony. Video highlights

UBC President and Vice- Chancellor Santa Ono places the ceremonial UBC hood on Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Asif Bhalesha

SFU Registrar Rummana Khan Hemani, SFU President and Vice Chancellor Andrew Petter and SFU Chancellor Anne Giardini pose with Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: AKDN/Aziz Dhamani

“Speaking from the perspective of my own university, UBC has defined its purpose as:

Pursuing excellence in research, learning and engagement to foster global citizenship and to advance a sustainable and just society across British Columbia, Canada and the world.” Related to that pursuit, our vision is: “Inspiring people, ideas and actions for a better world.

Who, in that regard, could be a better exemplar than His Highness the Aga Khan? “ Citation – first part by Professor Santa Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia

“This is a leader who has much to teach us about truth and reconciliation. And so we say, in looking to this remarkable record, and in celebrating the alignment of our values, it is clear that His Highness the Aga Khan is richly deserving of the honours we bestow today.

We, in turn, are profoundly honoured to be in association with His Highness and the honours that we provide to our two institutions.” Citation – second part by Professor Andrew Petter, President and Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University

Professor Andrew Petter delivers part of the citation in honour, as Professor Santa Ono, looks on. Photo:AKDN/ Aziz Dhamani 

Prince Aly Muhammad with SFU and UBC Ismaili student leadership. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Aziz Dhamani

October 25, 2018  attended The Pakistan Society’s 65th Annual Dinner in London, UK.

Mawlana Hazar Imam is received by HE Muhammad Ayub, Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom, and Sir William Blackburne, Chairman of the Pakistan Society, upon his arrival. Photo: The.Ismaili/Sarfaraj Khorasi

“If there is one person above all others who personifies what is best about the world of Islam, it is Your Highness. That you are the spiritual leader of what is numerically a relatively small subset of Islam, speaks volumes for your achievements during your 60 years as its Imam. Likewise, for the very positive impact that your Ismaili followers have had on the communities in which they live, not least in this country.” Sir William Blackburne, Chairman of The Pakistan Society

“The people of Pakistan admire your visionary leadership with great respect and affection. We are deeply indebted to the Aga Khan Development Network that continues to play an active and positive role in our society under your able stewardship. Through its programmes, the Network has provided opportunities for the local population.” HE Muhammad Ayub, Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom

Founded in 1951 and based in London, The Pakistan Society is an international organisation that aims to increase public knowledge in Britain of the arts, history, geography, economic life, and institutions of Pakistan. Its patrons are HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and HE The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Mawlana Hazar Imam attended the Society’s annual dinner in 1962 and in 2003.

During the event, The Pakistan Society Award was presented to Shoaib Sultan Khan, the founding General Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation’s Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). As the guest of honour, Mawlana Hazar Imam presented the award to Mr Khan. The award recognises those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of public knowledge and understanding of Pakistan in the United Kingdom.

Mr Khan is considered a pioneer of rural development programmes in Pakistan, having served the government of Pakistan for 25 years, the Aga Khan Foundation for 12 years, and various agencies of the United Nations for 14 years. He also became a board member of the AKRSP in 1992, and is the only person to have served on the board since then.

Mawlana Hazar Imam presents The Pakistan Society Award to Shoaib Sultan Khan. Photo: The.Ismaili/Sarfaraj Khorasi

AKRSP was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1982 to improve the quality of life of local village communities, primarily in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Speaking of his experiences with AKRSP, Mr Khan noted that the World Bank assessments of the AKRSP had shown that in the first 10 years, AKRSP had led to a doubling in the average income of the million people in Northern Pakistan. The approach is community-led, and encourages equitable social and economic development in the region. Today, AKRSP projects and programmes contribute effectively to sustainable development with aspecial focus on poor and vulnerable sections of society in Pakistan and elsewhere. The.Ismaili

November 11, 2018  participated in the inaugural Paris Peace Forum along with 60 world leaders.

The Forum, initiated by Emmanuel Macron, President of France, is founded on the principle that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. The Forum was launched on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, marking the end of World War AKDN

“It is my conviction that one of the key conditions for peace in our world today is a greater respect for pluralism…In a world challenged by globalisation, social fragmentation and conflict between peoples, pluralism and a well-anchored civil society are essential for human peace and progress. This is why the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is delighted to be a partner of the Paris Peace Forum.” Mawlana Hazar Imam AKDN

November 28, 2018  participated in the UNAMA Geneva Conference on Afghanistan. Video highlights

Mawlana Hazar Imam delivers his statement on behalf of the Imamat and the AKDN. Photo: AKDN / Jean-Luc Ray “Mr Chairman, the experience of the past seventeen years has strongly reinforced my conviction that the path to sustainable peace in Afghanistan depends heavily on two key principles – regional cooperation, which is key for national development and stability; and a commitment to pluralism – the country’s diversity must be cultivated as a source of strength. Everyone in all regions should benefit from investment that creates hope for the future. This is a guiding principle of our investment in Afghanistan.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Statement

January 15, 2019  spoke at an event in Berlin, Germany, titled Fragile States ‘Weiterdenken’ (‘Thinking Ahead’) – Utilising Experiences from Stabilisation Measures for the Future. The event brought together leaders from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and German development partners. The event was organised by KfW Development Bank, the German Federal Foreign Office, Chatham House, and the AKDN to share the findings of the review of the Stabilisation Programme Northern Afghanistan.

Mawlana Hazar Imam shared three ingredients for stability and effective development in fragile environments:

“The first key lesson is to concentrate at the local level. Wherever the national conditions are unfavourable - in fragile or conflict situations they rarely are favourable - meaningful changes often start fastest locally, quickly building credibility and confidence.

The second lesson is that commitment to pluralism is essential. The consultations must be wide, and everyone in the community must benefit. I have learnt this lesson during my more than 60 years as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of my Jamat and - most crucially in this context - for those with whom they live, whatever their faith or creed.

Finally, we would insist on the critical importance of civil society, which we refer to as private organisations designed to serve public goals. Such institutions are stabilising factors and points of continuity where security is fragile and politics are volatile. Consequently, investing in them, alongside the state, remains critical.” Speech

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with Professor Dr Joachim Nagel at a meeting with leaders of KfW and AKDN. Photo: AKDN/ Thorsten Futh /KfW Bankengruppe

March 12, 2019  was honoured by HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace as Global Founding Patron of The Prince’s Trust, a charity that works to support vulnerable young people to realise their ambitions. Hazar Imam was accompanied by Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, and Princess Salwa.

“We are immeasurably grateful to His Highness the Aga Khan for his contribution to our work and are delighted to welcome him as Global Founding Patron. It has been humbling and inspiring to take time tonight, with our dedicated supporters, to celebrate the success of our international work to date and look to a very exciting future. Through His Highness’s incredible generosity, and the continued support of our global network, we can expand our work to transform young lives and build stronger communities across the world.” Dame Martina Milburn DCVO CBE, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust The.Ismaili

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, and Princess Zahra at a dinner at Buckingham Palace, where he was honoured as Global Founding Patron of The Prince’s Trust. Photo:The.Ismaili/Ian Jones

HRH The Prince of Wales with Mawlana Hazar Imam at Buckingham Palace. Photo: The.Ismaili /Ian Jones

March 29, 2019  arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, to preside over the inaugural Aga Khan Music Awards.

Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, as Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, looks on. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

The awards, which total US$ 500,000 in prizes, recognise exceptional creativity, promise, and enterprise in music performance, creation, education, preservation and revitalisation in societies across the world in which Muslims have a significant presence.

The logo for the Aga Khan Music Awards was designed in collaboration with master calligrapher Samir Sayegh. It comprises six triangles, each representing an Arabic word rendered in Kufic script. Together, they form a hexagonal shape containing the words (clockwise from left) Sharq (East), Wahi (Inspiration), Taa’leem (Teaching), Nafs (Soul), Samaa’ (Listening), and Zaman (Time). The.Ismaili

“I am interested in music because we are trying to broaden the international reach of Third World cultures. If we can make them known and appreciated in the West, we can bring them stability as well as knowledge about the cultures in these countries. And often there are connections that are extraordinary, especially, for example, in ‘devotional’ music. For example, the music of Central Asia.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Interview by Henri Weill, Editor-in-Chief of La Cohorte, January 29, 2019

About the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Established in 1956 as a private foundation by Calouste Gulbenkian, its mission is to promote universal human values, with the arts, science and education given special prominence. Its premises in Lisbon comprise a museum with two collections, an auditorium, a congress area, and an art library. Aga Khan Music Awards Brochure

Aga Khan Music Initiative promotes the revitalisation of cultural heritage as a source of livelihood for musicians and as a means to strengthen pluralism in nations where it is challenged by social, political, and economic activities.

AKDN Video – Chronology of Aga Khan Music Initiative (AKMI) and Aga Khan Music Awards (AKMA):

 2000 – Mawlana Hazar Imam launched AKMI.  2003-2008 – AKMI grew into an inter-regional music and arts education programme with world-wide performances and articsitc production activities.  2003-2018 – AKMI operates a network of music centres that develop innovative music curricula.  2004-2010 – Co-production of a 10-volume CD-DVD Anthology, Music of Central Asia, in partnership with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.  2005-2018 – AKMI operates a worldwide performance and outreach programme that nurtures “East-East” as well as “West-East” musical collaborations.  2009 – AKMI expands its activities beyond Central Asia, bringing its cultural development work to include artistic communities and audiences in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.  2016 – Publication of a comprehensive textbook, The Music of Central Asia  2018 – Launch of the AKMA, a pioneering prize to recognize exceptional creativity, promise, and enterprise in music performance, creation, education, preservation, and revitalisation in societies across the world in which Muslims have a significant presence.

March 29, 2019  The Gulbenkian Orchestra, led by maestro Pedro Neves, performed new works with Master Musicians of the Aga Khan Music Initiative from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Syria, in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad.

“Music has always been an art of special importance to me: Its power of communication is special, enormous and universal; it binds people together and unites them….At a time when strengthening tolerance and pluralism has become an acute worldwide priority, music is one of the arts which offers a medium for reaching, involving and uniting global audiences by engendering emotions which we all share as human beings.” Prince Amyn Speech

“We need a world in which different identities and cultures are respected and where we can share an idea of common good. The Aga Khan Development Network, through the Aga Khan Foundation in Portugal, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation have been strategic partners for decades, in different domains, especially in the social arena, but also in the arts and its ability to foster more inclusive and tolerant societies.” Dr Isabel Mota, President of the Gulbenkian Foundation Speech

Gulbenkian Orchestra and Master Musicians at Aga Khan Music Awards concert. Photo: AKDN

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Siar Hashimi, Feras Charestan, Basel Rajoub, Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Amyn, Homayoun Sakhi, Prince Hussain, Abbos Kosimov, and Sirojiddin Juraev. Photo: AKDN / Akbar Hakim

 A reception was held prior to the concert where the CEO of CTT (Portugal Postal Services) Francisco Lacerda unveiled a special commemorative stamp in honour of the Awards. Video - stamp unveiling

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Dr Isabel Mota, Prince Amyn, and Francisco Lacerda, CEO of the CTT (Portuguese Postal Services. Photo: AKDN

Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad with the Steering Committee and the Master Jury of the 2019 Aga Khan Music Awards at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon on the first day of the Aga Khan Music Awards.

Bottom, left to right: Prince Aly Muhammad, Akram Khan, Jean During, Salima Hashmi, Prince Amyn, Mawlana Hazar Imam, David Harrington, Prince Hussain, Catarina Vaz Pinto, Nouri Iskandar.

Top, left to right: Farrokh Derakhshani, Ara Guzelimian, Risto, Nieminen, Joseph Melillo, Jonathan Mills, Zeyba Rahman, Fairouz Nishanova, Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Azim Nanji, Theodore Levin, Salim Bhatia. Photo: AKDN / Akbar Hakim

March 30, 2019  Finalists in the Performance category of the AKMA performed for a live audience, which included Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad. The.Ismaili

Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Prince Amyn applauds the Master Jury's Muhammad applaud the finalists in the Performance announcement of the winner of the Performance category. Photo: AKDN/Antonio Pedrosa category. Photo: AKDN/Antonio Pedrosa

March 31, 2019  attended the Seminar of the Aga Khan Music Awards along with Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad.

Responding to a question on the objective of the Aga Khan Music Awards, Prince Amyn said:

“The first one is to assist and stimulate musicians, both performers and composers, in Muslim cultures and areas that we know. Secondly, to assist the knowledge to go global, so that music can evolve not only locally, but also globally, in the dialogue of cultures. So, the idea is to form a global group of musicians performing and composing, whose music emanates from our traditions.”

Since its establishment 18 years ago, the Aga Khan Music Initiative has been working in the field of music education, responding to the provincial nature that prevails in educational institutions. The.Ismaili

The Seminar panel comprised members of the Aga Khan Music Awards Master Jury, Steering Committee, and Secretariat. Photo: AKDN/Akbar Hakim

March 31, 2019  awarded prizes of the AKMA, along with Prince Amyn and President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Mawlana Hazar Imam congratulating the laureate in the Performance domain, Mustafa Said. Photo: AKDN/Bruno Colaço

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Mawlana Hazar Imam, and Prince Amyn with winners, finalists, Steering Committee, Master Jury, and Secretariat of the Aga Khan Music Awards 2019. Photo: AKDN/ Akbar Hakim

“The cultural heritage of Islam has long embraced musical language as an elemental expression of human spirituality. Listening to music, practicing music, sharing music, performing music - have long been an intimate part of life for Muslim communities across the world, as has been the chanting of devotional and historical or epic texts…art is a matter of humanity just as much as it is a matter of identity. As the Islamic tradition has reminded us for many centuries, the Divine spark that bestows upon us our individuality also bonds individuals in a common human family. Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech

April 13, 2019  attended a celebration, along with Princess Zahra, of AKU’s partnership with Portuguese universities on research and development initiatives at a special event in Lisbon, Portugal. AKU Board of Trustees, representatives from Portugal’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education; the Catholic University of Portugal; Nova University of Lisbon; and the Aga Khan Development Network. The keynote address was delivered by Carlos Moedas, the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation. Video highlights

Mawlana Hazar Imam is received by Dr Haile Mr Carlos Moedas, the European Commissioner Debas, Chairman of the AKU Board of Trustees, as for Research, Science and Innovation, delivering AKU President Firoz Rasul looks on. Photo: AKDN the keynote address. Photo: AKDN/Jorge Simȃo / Jorge Simão

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra with board members and leaders of the Aga Khan University. Photo: AKDN / Jorge Simão

May 2, 2019  attended a ceremony, with Prince Amyn, at the Soares dos Reis National Museum in Porto marking the donation of a painting by Bento Coelho da Silveira’s (1617-1708) titled “Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple.” The gift to the Museum, is the third in a series of paintings by Bento Coelho da Silveira, following the donation of both the “Rest in the Return of Egypt” and “Virgin with the Boy and the Vision of the Cross” by the Ismaili Imamat to the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon in March 2019. All paintings were previously housed in the Palacete Henrique de Mendonça.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Amyn were conferred with the Benefactor Member Diploma of the Soares de Reis National Museum in Porto, Friends of the Museum by President Álvaro Sequeira Pinto.

“In his 60 years as a leader of the Ismaili community, His Highness has been living a legacy of peace and tolerance.” President Pinto

“When these three pictures were discovered in the Palacete in Lisbon, we decided that the quality was such that they really should be shared with the public and the people of Portugal in general and hence the decision to donate two of these paintings to Lisbon and to bring this one to Porto…” Prince Amyn

Portugal’s Secretary of State for Culture Ângela Ferreira acknowledged the importance of the donation to the two museums as well as the country as a whole. AKDN Press Release

Álvaro Sequeira Pinto, President of the Soares dos Portugal’s Secretary of State for Culture Angela Reis Museum Group of Friends, confers Mawlana Ferreira speaks at the donation ceremony. The Hazar Imam with the Benefactor Member Diploma “Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple” painting, of the Soares de Reis National Museum. Photo: which was donated to the Museum by Mawlana 4SEE/The.Ismaili Hazar Imam and Prince Amyn, is in the background. Photo: 4SEE/The.Ismaili

May 2, 2019  was presented with the Keys of the City of Porto, in north Portugal, during a ceremony at Porto City Hall. Prince Amyn accompanied Hazar Imam to the ceremony, which was also attended by the Mayor of Porto Mr Rui Moreira, AKDN and Jamati leadership, key political leaders, diplomats, and representatives of the business, civil society, religious, and academic communities.

Mayor Rui Moreira presents the Keys of the City of Porto to Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: The.Ismaili/4SEE

“We all respect very much what you have been doing for the world, for peace, for understanding, for tolerance…For generations we have appreciated your contribution, not only to Portugal, but also to Europe, to the world, because you believe in the construction of a better society.” Mayor of Porto Mr Rui Moreira Speech

“…to Prince Amyn Aga Khan, we know how much you have done for culture…I will propose to the Council of the City of Porto that in July, we will invite you to receive the Medal of Honour for your extraordinary contribution to heritage in Europe, in the world…” Mayor of Porto Mr Rui Moreira AKDN Video

“I also want to thank you for the keys of this magnificent city. This is an old, historic tradition that has existed in many countries in many parts of the world, but I’m going to use these keys to open as many doors as possible. Doors to happiness, doors to peace, doors to unity, doors to human progress. So I thank you, and I treasure those keys very much indeed.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses guests gathered at the Video Highlights Noble Hall at Porto City Hall, upon being conferred the Keys of the City of Porto. Photo: The.Ismaili/4SEE

June 11, 2019  introduced the Global Centre for Pluralism’s speaker for the Annual Lecture in Lisbon, Portugal. Princess Zahra and Prince Aly Muhammad were also in attendance.

The speaker, Amina J. Mohammed, serves as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). She has played an instrumental role in bringing about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are a universal call to action to end Mawlana Hazar Imam welcomes Amina J. poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all Mohammed to the stage to deliver the Lecture. people enjoy peace and prosperity. Ms Photo: AKDN/ Antonio Pedrosa Mohammed is also an Adjunct Professor in Development Practice at Columbia University.

“By learning from others’ successes, we may help our own societies to “inoculate” themselves against the temptation to set various people against one another – including the temptation to exclude marginalised populations.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech

“The approach to supporting all members of a community so that everyone is stronger as a result, exemplifies the words of His Highness the Aga Khan, who once said that pluralism is not simply an asset or a pre-requisite for development but a vital necessity for our existence. I agree wholeheartedly.” Ms. Amina J. Mohamed Speech

The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson delivered closing remarks.

July 4, 2019  met with Kristalina Georgieva, Chief Executive of the World Bank, at Aiglemont, to discuss economic development, education, and climate adaptation for the most vulnerable communities.

Photo: AKDN

September 10, 2019  arrived in Kazan, Russia to preside over the fourteenth ceremony of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Hazar Imam was joined by Princess Zahra and her daughter Sara; Prince Hussain and his fiancée Ms. Elizabeth Hoag; and Princess Salwa and Prince Irfan.

Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted at Kazan Upon his arrival into Kazan, Mawlana Hazar International Airport by Mintimer Shaimiev, State Imam is presented with an offering of traditional Counsellor of Tatarstan. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar dishes from Russia and Tatarstan. Photo: Hakim The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with Mintimer Shaimiev, State Counsellor of Tatarstan (centre); and Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (right). Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

Kazan, from the Turkic words qazan, meaning cauldron, or xusan/xosan, meaning 'bend' or 'hook,' referring to the bend of the Volga near which the city is located, was an important stopover of several trading routes linking northern Europe and northwestern Russia with the Caspian Sea through the Volga River. More at Nimirasblog

September 12, 2019  arrived in Bolgar located in southwestern Tatarstan, in Russia. Video - The.Ismaili

Upon his arrival at Bolgar, Mawlana Hazar Imam is presented with an offering of traditional dishes from Russia and Tatarstan. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, upon his arrival at Bolgar. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

 participated in a postage stamp commemoration ceremony to commemorate the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mr Mintimer Shaimiev Photo: The.Ismaili exchange framed copies of the newly issued postage stamp. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

September 12, 2019  visited a number of historic sites in Bolgar.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mr Mintimer Shaimiev, with senior government officials, leadership of the Bolgar Islamic Academy, and the Aga Khan Development Network. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mr Mintimer Shaimiev visiting the White Mosque in Bolgar. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

White Mosque, Bolgar. Photo: Independent Observer/ IO/Mita

September 12, 2019  visited the Bulgarian Civilisation Museum — which exhibits a number of artefacts detailing the development of religion in the area of Tatarstan — and the adjacent Qur’an Museum, the site of one of the largest copies of the Qur’an in the world. Weighing half a ton and measuring over 2 metres tall, its cover is made of fabric with patterned decoration in silver and gold.

Mawlana Hazar Imam observes the cover of one of the world's largest copies of the Qur’an in Bolgar. The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

The town of Bolgar (the name perhaps derived from "Volgars" referring to inhabitants around the Volga), located on the Volga River, was inhabited by a semi-nomadic tribe as early as the 8th century. Local residents adopted Islam, the state religion, in 922. Bolgar was an important trading centre during the 13th century, but was invaded numerous times over its history. Peter the Great (r. 1682-1725) visited the ruins of Bolgar and issued a decree to preserve them. It is a sacred site for all Tatars and a place of pilgrimage for Muslims as a reminder of the acceptance of Islam in the region in the 10th century. More at Nimirasblog

Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex. Photo: UNESCO /Makhmutov R.Z. The Complex consists of ruins of the historical settlement including a moat, a former mosque, mausoleums, bath houses, and a Khan's palace.

September 13, 2019  presided over the prize-giving ceremony of 14th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture at the Musa Jalil Tatar Academic State Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kazan. Six projects were awarded prizes.

“Just why should the Ismaili Imamat become so deeply involved in the world of professional architecture? The simple answer lies in my conviction that Architecture - more than any other art form - has a profound impact on the quality of human life. As it has often been said, we shape our built environment - and then our buildings shape us….I believe that we all have a responsibility to improve the quality of life whenever and wherever that opportunity arises. Our commitment to Mawlana Hazar Imam speaking at the ceremony. Photo: influencing the quality of architecture - AKDN/Akbar Hakim intellectually and materially - grows directly out of our commitment to improving the quality of human life.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech

“Your peacekeeping mission, your commitment to bringing civilisations closer and achieving unity in diversity are consonant with our goals…” Mr Mintimer Shaimiev Speech

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mr Mintimer Shaimiev Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mr Shaimiev with the applaud the winners. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar winners. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim Hakim

September 14, 2019  participated in the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Winners’ Seminar at the Main International Centre, Universidade Village, Kazan. Hazar Imam was joined by Princess Zahra, Prince Hussain, Princess Salwa, and leaders of the Jamat and AKDN.

Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

The Winners’ Seminar is traditionally held after the Award Ceremony, and provides a platform for architects, clients, designers, patrons, and academics to discuss each of the Award winning projects, and the resulting positive impact on their social and natural environments respectively; along with broader trends in the field of architecture and the built environment.

Delegates were welcomed to the event by Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award, before a series of presentations and two panel discussions, featuring Award Winners and members of the Award’s Steering Committee and Master Jury.

“What seems to me to be very important is the quality of life that architecture can offer in various environments — in cities, in rural environments — and the conditions in which future generations grow up. I think a great deal about what our world is going to looks like in fifty years, and how are our great- grandchildren going to be living. What are the environments that they will experience?”

“So architecture from my point of view is a vehicle, it’s an instrument for achieving goals that need to be thought through, evaluated, challenged, renewed. It’s not a single process at a single time.” Mawlana Hazar Imam The.Ismaili

 met with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Steering Committee, before departing Kazan.

Mawlana Hazar Imam departs the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2019 Winners' Seminar, and greets those awaiting. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

Mintimer Shaimiev, State Counsellor of the Republic of Tatarstan, bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam prior to his departure from Kazan at the conclusion of the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Photo: AKDN/Akbar Hakim

Mawlana Hazar Imam gestures 'bravo' shortly before departing Kazan at the conclusion of the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Photo: AKDN/Akbar Hakim

October 2, 2019  hosted a special event at the Aga Khan Centre, together with the Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK, ahead of Their Royal Highnesses’ official visit to Pakistan from October 14 to 18. The High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, H.E Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, and the High Commissioner of the UK to Pakistan, Thomas Drew CBE, also attended the event, which provided Their Royal Highnesses’ an opportunity to meet with individuals whose engagements Mawlana Hazar Imam with the Duke and Duchess of encompass the relationship between Cambridge at the Aga Khan Centre. Photo: AKDN/Anya the UK and Pakistan. Campbell Photography AKDN Video

Mawlana Hazar Imam introduces Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Naushad Jivraj, President of the Ismaili Council for the UK. Photo: Kensington Place/ The.Ismaili

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in conversation with Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mohammad Nafees. Photo: AKDN/ Anya Campbell Photography

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, overlooking the Garden of Light at the Aga Khan Centre. Photo: The.Ismaili/Anya Campbell

The Duke of Cambridge signs the guest book at the Aga Khan Centre, as Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Duchess of Cambridge look on. Photo: The.Ismaili/Anya Campbell

November 5, 2019  viewed, together with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prince Hussain’s photo exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon.

The exhibition, titled The Living Sea, featured over 100 photos depicting the beauty, fragility, and diversity of marine life, reflecting Prince Hussain’s ecological and environmental concerns. It was a collaboration between the Museum, the University of Lisbon, and Focused on Nature, an organisation created by Prince Hussain in 2014 to share his passion and personal mission of conservation, and to raise awareness and encourage actionable initiatives on global issues negatively impacting the environment. The.Ismaili

Prince Hussain presents photographs to Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the exhibition. Photo: The.Ismaili/Jorge Simão

Rector of the University of Lisbon, António Prince Hussain with secondary students from the Manuel da Cruz Serra, welcomes Prince Amyn to Lisbon Jamat’s Talim classes, at National Museum Portugal’s National Museum of Natural History of Natural History and Science. Photo: The.Ismaili/ and Science. Photo: AKDN / Luis Filipe Catarino José Fernandes

November 6, 2019  met with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan in Paris, France ahead of the Paris Peace Forum.

Photo: The.Ismaili/Cécile Genest

Hazar Imam and President Rahmon discussed areas of regional cooperation and AKDN’s shared agenda to promote social and economic development in Central Asia.

Mawlana Hazar Imam first visited the Jamat in Tajikistan in 1995, and has since established institutions to improve the quality of life of the Jamat and wider society in the country. The Ismaili Centre Dushanbe was opened on October 12, 2009 and represents the Ismaili Imamat’s first high-profile building in Central Asia.

The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre Khorog opened on December 18 2018. The.Ismaili

Video: Roz-e Nur - Mawlana Hazar Imam’s historic first visit to the Tajikistan Jamat in May 1995

November 8, 2019  attended a special ceremony with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Lisbon to inaugurate the Ismaili Imamat’s donation of a Da Vinci surgical system to the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central. Video

Mawlana Hazar Imam and His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa unveil a plaque to commemorate the gift. Photo: AKDN/ Jorge Simão

Donated by the Ismaili Imamat to Lisbon’s Centro Hospitalar Universitario de Lisboa Central (Central Lisbon University Hospital Centre), the da Vinci Surgical System, is the first of its kind to be available in a National Health Service hospital in Portugal. It was presented to the hospital at a ceremony attended by His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, Marta Temido, Portuguese Minister of Health, government officials, diplomats and leaders in the fields of medicine, academic research and other civil society organisations. AKDN

Portugal’s Minister of Health, Marta Temido, Firoz Rasul, President AKU describes the strong acknowledges the donation of robotic surgery relationship between the AKU and Portugal’s equipment at a ceremony at Lisbon’s Curry Cabral Ministry of Health. Photo: AKDN/Jorge Simão Hospital. Photo: AKDN/Jorge Simão

From left to right: Professor Eduardo Barroso; AKU President Firoz Rasul; President of the Central Hospitals of Lisbon, Rosa Valente Matos; President of Portugal, His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa; Mawlana Hazar Imam; and Portugal’s Minister of Health, Marta Temido . Photo: AKDN / Jorge Simão

His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa tests out Mawlana Hazar Imam tests out the new equipment. the new equipment as Mawlana Hazar Imam; Dr Photo: AKDN / Jorge Simão Luis Campos Pinheiro, Director of Urology at Curry Cabral Hospital; Minister of Health Marta Temido; and President of the Central Hospitals of Lisbon, Madame Rosa Valente Matos look on. Photo: AKDN/ Jorge Simão

His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa conveys to Mawlana Hazar Imam his pleasure at the excellent new equipment donated by the Ismaili Imamat. Photo: AKDN / Jorge Simão

November 11, 2019  joined a world leaders for a dinner reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Mawlana Hazar Imam to the Élysée Palace for a dinner reception ahead of the Paris Peace Forum. Photo:AKDN/ Cécile Genest

November 12, 2019  joined over 30 world leaders for the opening session of the second Paris Peace Forum.

President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Mawlana Hazar Imam while President Paul Biya of Cameroon looks on. Photo: AKDN/ Cécile Genest

“In my experience, the vital conditions for stability in the world today include an emphasis on local participation, the promotion of pluralism, and a strengthening of Civil Society organisations… I am pleased that the Aga Khan Development Network is once again partnering with the Paris Peace Forum and that the Global Centre for Pluralism is also hosting an event at this year’s Forum. Pluralism is certainly a central component for peace and progress.” Participants at the opening session of the 2019 Paris Mawlana Hazar Imam Peace Forum. Photo: AKDN/Stephane Sby Balm The.Ismaili

November 19, 2019  arrived in Ottawa, Canada, accompanied by Princess Zahra, ahead of the presentation of the awards of the Global Centre for Pluralism.

Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed by Dr Mahmoud Eboo, AKDN Resident Representative for Canada. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Mo Govindji

Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed to Ottawa by Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, Meredith Preston McGhie. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Mo Govindji

Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by Ameerally Kassim-Lakha, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, ahead of the Global Pluralism Awards 2019. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Mo Govindji

Princess Zahra is greeted by Ameerally Kassim -Lakha, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Mo Govindji

November 20, 2019  Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the 2019 Global Centre for Pluralism Award ceremony at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa.

Mawlana Hazar Imam delivers remarks during the Global Pluralism Award ceremony. Photo: The.Ismaili / Mo Govindji

Global Centre for Pluralism Secretary General Deborah Ahenkorah, co-founder of Golden Meredith Preston McGhie delivers remarks during Baobab, with Mawlana Hazar Imam, Princess the ceremony. Photo: The.Ismaili /Mo Govindji Zahra, and Secretary General Meredith Preston McGhie. Photo: The.Ismaili /Mo Govindji

(From left to right, seated in front row) Global Centre for Pluralism Board Members Huguette Labelle, Princess Zahra and The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson seated beside John Ralston Saul, Award Jury Member Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Award Jury Chair The Right Honourable Joe Clark. Photo: The.Ismaili /Mo Govindji

The Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada and chair of the award jury, delivers remarks during the Global Pluralism Award ceremony. Photo: The.Ismaili /Mo Govindji

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Global Centre for Pluralism Secretary General Meredith Preston McGhie join the Global Pluralism Award recipients for a group photograph. Photo: The.Ismaili /Patrick Doyle

March 9, 2020  Mawlana Hazar Imam participated in the Annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London. Hazar Imam is the Vice-President of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Dominic Raab.

Mawlana Hazar Imam being greeted by the Queen

January 2020  Global pandemic COVID-19, beginning in China in December 2019 and spreading around the world, resulting in lockdowns in most countries, including the temporary closure of Jamatkhanas beginning in March 12, 2020.

March 20, 2020 On the occasion of Navroz, Mawlana Hazar Imam sent Talika to global jamat through Malik Talib, Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum:

My dear Malik, On the occasion of Navroz, I send to my worldwide Jamat my best blessings for peace and happiness in their lives.

I am also sending my special blessings for Mushkil Asan for my Jamats wherever they may be, and I pray for their health and their well-being.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

March 29, 2020 Mawlana Hazar Imam sent message to the global Jamat, shared by Malik Talib, Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum:

“Please convey my best paternal and my best maternal loving blessings to my worldwide Jamat, and tell them that I think of them every minute of the day, each day, and I pray for Mushkil Asan and for their peace and happiness. We must remain strong and prepare to build, and to build well, when this crisis passes

The world is facing a challenging time, and in these moments it is important that the Jamat remains united and focused on helping those who will need Photo: The.Ismaili assistance and hand-holding.”

April 23, 2020 Mawlana Hazar Imam sent Talika to global jamat:

My beloved spiritual children, My Jamat is aware that the COVID-19 virus has created a global crisis that is also affecting the Jamat worldwide. As Imam-of-the-Time, I have recommended the Jamati and AKDN institutions and agencies to closely monitor the impact of this pandemic, and to extend support and assistance to the Jamat and the communities in which they live.

The COVID-19 virus is highly contagious, and every day we are witnessing the damage it is inflicting on human lives and societies. In facing this threat, it is very important that all members of my Jamat should take personal responsibility for exercising all possible steps to protect their own good health, safety and wellbeing, and that of their family.

Among the most critical of the measures recommended by all government and health agencies are the maintenance of the best standards of personal hygiene, and practising the notion of physical distancing. While not easy, physical distancing is essential.

It is my wish that my murids, and all those among whom they live, should follow these as well as all other guidelines and recommendations that the government and health authorities issue.

It is my hope and prayer that, in due course, work on producing vaccines and other forms of medicine will yield positive results, and that we will see a gradual return to normal life in all societies.

As we focus now on overcoming the present challenges, the Jamat and all my institutions should plan to build for the future from a position of strength and wisdom.

I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings for the good health, safety, and well-being of all my murids, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan.

My Jamat worldwide is constantly in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

May 22, 2020 On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr (May 24, 2020), Mawlana Hazar Imam sent Talika to global jamat

23 May 2020 My beloved spiritual children, On the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, I send my special loving blessings to my Jamats throughout the world for your happiness, peace, safety, and good health. My family joins me in wishing you all Eid Mubarak.

As the Jamati and AKDN institutions continue their collaboration with various governments, public health authorities and other partners in the endeavour to overcome the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would like my spiritual children to continue to exercise the utmost rigour in undertaking all personal measures to safeguard your own health, as recommended by the public health authorities and my Institutions.

At this difficult time, I applaud, with the highest admiration and gratefulness, the selfless services of all my Jamati volunteers, as well as the doctors, nurses, paramedics and support workers in the AKDN and other health facilities and related programmes. Their exemplary courage, commitment and dedication in extending care and comfort to my Jamat and others, and especially to those who are vulnerable and sick, is an outstanding actualisation of the human values and ethics that all faiths cherish.

It is my wish that my Jamat should look to the future with hope and courage, in keeping with its age-old tradition of unity, generosity and mutual support which has at all times enabled it to move forward to a position of enhanced strength and resilience, from generation to generation.

My spiritual children should always remain mindful that it is the principles of our faith that will bring peace and solace in these times of uncertainty. I am with my Jamat at all times, and each of you, individually, is always in my heart, in my thoughts and in my prayers.

I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings to all my Jamat - for happiness, good health, confidence and security in your lives ahead, and for mushkil-asan.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

July 10, 2020 On the occasion of Imamat Day, Mawlana Hazar Imam sent a Talika to global jamat

9 July 2020 My beloved spiritual children, On the occasion of Imamat day, the 11th of July 2020, I send my warmest and most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children throughout the world. I send my best loving blessings for the souls of all my ruhani spiritual children, and I pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a challenge globally, I have agreed to the re-opening of Jamatkhanas in areas where the health authorities allow gatherings in spaces of prayer.

As Imam-of-the-Time, I have authorised modifications to the conduct of ceremonies in our Jamatkhanas, to ensure compliance with present health and safety requirements. This matter is constantly under my review, and I will make appropriate decisions on when to return to normal practice.

It is my wish that, in attending Jamatkhana, as indeed at all other times, my Jamat should continue to exercise utmost care and rigour in observing the measures recommended by the public health authorities.

On this happy occasion, I send my most affectionate loving blessings to all my spiritual children who have submitted services and sent messages of congratulations and good wishes. I send my most affectionate special loving blessings for mushkil-asan, good health, safety and security for all my Jamats, and the restoration of peace and stability, with best loving blessings for your spiritual happiness, worldly progress, strength of faith, and for unity in the Jamat.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

October 8, 2020  The Ismaili Imamat acquired the Palacete Leitão located on Rua Marquês da Fronteira in Lisbon. The site is adjacent to the existing Palacete Henrique Mendonça, which on July 11, 2018 was designated by Mawlana Hazar Imam as the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat.

The Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, Nazim Ahmad, signed the deed on behalf of the Ismaili Imamat. Leitão Palace will undergo restoration and rehabilitation works before it is ready for its intended use as an administrative centre by the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat’s secretariat and senior staff.

Photos: The.Ismaili

November 2, 2020 Message from Mawlana Hazar Imam

My beloved spiritual children, My Jamat is aware that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges to the health and quality of life of societies around the world, including the Jamat. This situation remains of deep concern and, as Imam-of-the-Time, I receive regular updates from the Jamati and AKDN institutions and agencies about the impact on my Jamat, and also the mitigation measures being undertaken.

I am pleased that, in many countries, we have been able to re-open our Jamatkhanas in compliance with government and public health guidelines, but my Jamat should remain aware that there is no room for complacency over the risks posed by the highly contagious coronavirus. The need for wearing masks, observing physical distancing and adhering to all the required hygiene protocols remains paramount, and should be treated as part of normal life for some time to come. Many countries are now seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, which demands that my murids should take personal responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities by carefully following the guidelines of the government and public health authorities.

The work on producing vaccines and other forms of therapies is advancing at a rapid pace and, Insha’Allah, over the coming months, we will see positive results which, in due course, will be beneficial to the Jamat and the population at large.

I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings for the good health, happiness, safety and well-being of all my murids, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

On the occasion of Salgirah, Mawlana Hazar Imam sent Talika to global jamat

11th December 2020 My beloved spiritual children,

On the occasion of my birthday, the 13th of December 2020, I send my warmest and most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children throughout the world. I give my best loving blessings for the souls of all my ruhani spiritual children, and I pray for the eternal peace and rest of their souls.

At this time, my Jamat shares with other societies around the world the pain and stresses of the Covid-19 crisis. As Imam-of-the-Time, my attention is focused on ensuring that the work of the Jamati and AKDN institutions in extending relief and support to those in my Jamat who are vulnerable is effective.

For centuries, one of the core backbones of our Jamat has been our tradition of voluntary service. The global pandemic has challenged our volunteers in many new ways – whether it be in offering care and comfort to my Jamat and others, disseminating important and timely health information, or producing digital communications content to keep the Jamat informed and motivated. I am very pleased with the excellent work of my volunteers throughout the world to support the Jamat and the communities amongst whom they live, and to all my volunteers I convey my greatest admiration and best affectionate loving blessings.

I wish to reiterate that, at all times in your day-to-day lives, my murids should continue to exercise the utmost care and rigour in observing recommended health and safety measures. The reports regarding the development of effective vaccines are encouraging, and I would like my Jamat to be guided by the advice and directives of their health authorities to benefit from the protection these vaccines will provide.

It is a matter of satisfaction that my Jamat continues to draw inspiration from our historic tradition of facing adversity with unity, resolve and resilience, and I am convinced that my Jamat will emerge from the present crisis with enhanced strength and capacities as we plan for the future. I believe my Jamat will find comfort and support from the practice of their faith, whether in Jamatkhanas where these are accessible, or by way of private, personal prayer.

On the occasion of my birthday, I send my best loving blessings to all the spiritual children who have sent messages of congratulations and good wishes.

I send my most affectionate loving blessings for your good health and happiness, spiritual progress, worldly success, strength of faith and unity, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan. You are all most particularly in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

On the occasion of Navroz Mawlana Hazar Imam sent Talika to global jamat

18th March 2021 My dear spiritual children,

On the occasion of Navroz, the 21st of March 2021, I send my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children of my worldwide Jamat.

My family joins me in wishing you all Navroz Mubarak.

I send my most affectionate loving blessings to all the spiritual children who have submitted services and sent messages of congratulations and good wishes on this occasion.

With the success in producing effective vaccines and other forms of treatment, human societies around the world are looking with a sense of hope and optimism to emerging from the current COVID-19 pandemic.

At this time, I recommend that all my murids should accept to be vaccinated in accordance with the directives of their respective health authorities as soon as the vaccines are offered — as indeed I have done already. It is also my wish that my Jamat should avoid any complacency, and that every murid should continue exercising personal responsibility to ensure protection from the virus.

In particular, my Jamat should not give credence to any misinformation regarding the vaccination process, and comparisons between the different officially sanctioned vaccines that are now available.

I have requested the AKDN health care facilities to extend maximum support and assistance to the government authorities in the effective roll-out of the vaccination programme.

In these troubled times, it is my prayer that Navroz will herald a new beginning, with greater resilience, strength and unity in my Jamat to overcome all forms of difficulty. While the Jamatkhanas will continue to be re-opened as the situation improves, I wish my Jamat to keep in mind the importance I attach to our historic tradition of personal, private prayer.

I send my most affectionate loving blessings for mushkil-asan, and for my Jamat’s wellbeing, good health, safety and security. I also give my best loving blessings for barakah in your spiritual and material lives, and for the fulfilment of all your wishes.

You are all particularly in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers at this time.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

May 22, 2021  Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered the address at Aga Khan University’s first ever global convocation.

“AKU’s contributions represent another chapter in the long story of great universities that have helped guide the world through the turbulence of history. The global pandemic response has been built on decades of earnest research, often conducted in relative obscurity, but making possible the development of new tests, tracing strategies, therapies, and vaccines. While we should regret the unequal distribution of these achievements, we must also appreciate the intellectual triumph that their development represents.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Princess Zahra, Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Hussain, Prince Rahim, and Prince Amyn

“The Aga Khan University is not only a global resource – it is a transformative force for public health and women’s health… As graduates of AKU, you join a remarkable group of women and men who are changing lives for the better all over the world. And let me tell you: the world desperately needs your energy and your leadership.” Chief Guest Melinda French Gates

“Today is a historic day for the Aga Khan University. Thanks to the power of technology, we are conducting our first-ever global convocation ceremony simultaneously across 13 times zones. We are bringing together our graduands, their family members, and AKU’s faculty and staff in six countries, our trustees in nine countries, and our friends and well-wishers in countless locations across the world. Only a uniquely international institution like AKU could connect so many people across so many borders and boundaries. I am very grateful to the teams in several countries who made this possible….

Our genetic sequencing capabilities have put us at the forefront of testing and tracking new viral mutations. We contributed to multiple international clinical trials of drugs and vaccines, in partnership with leading universities and pharmaceutical companies. We met challenges with innovation, 3D-printing nasal swabs and building our own UV-light device to sterilize hospital spaces….

This is my last convocation as President of the Aga Khan University. Over the past 15 years, I have watched our remarkable graduates go on to make impactful contributions to education, science, healthcare, culture, society and governments around the world. I look back with great pride and satisfaction on what the University has achieved through the efforts of the outstanding people who are part of AKU. This team is my greatest legacy.” President Firoz Rasul Speech

June 11, 2021  Mawlana Hazar Imam received the Kenya Charter of Aga Khan University, and  President Kenyatta inaugurated the new state-of-the-art University Centre, Nairobi.

“While its Charter is new, AKU is a firmly established institution in Kenya: It has been operating here since 2002, under a letter of interim authority from the Government. Moreover, as an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, the University is part of a wide-ranging effort to improve quality of life in East Africa, and that dates back more than 100 years, to the schools founded by my grandfather, Sir Photo: AKDN / Cécile Genest Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, in the early 20th century…

Charter in hand and newly housed in a dynamic urban campus unlike any other in the region, the University will launch new programmes in nursing and medicine. And its new Nairobi-based Brain and Mind Institute will undertake cutting-edge research aimed at improving mental health, especially among women, adolescents, and disadvantaged populations.” Mawlana Hazar Imam The new University Centre. Photo: AKDN Speech

“The phrase “Aga Khan” has become synonymous with elevating educational standards and delivering holistic training. From pre-school to tertiary learning, its footprints are felt in this nation and region as a whole; with the present university that we are awarding a Charter today, being the latest testament of the journey of academic excellence that is, the Aga Khan brand.” President Kenyatta Speech

“The Centre will … serve as the University’s principal campus in Kenya, bringing together in one place for the first time our Medical College, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Graduate School of Media and Communications, Institute for Human Development, Brain and Mind Institute and other programmes.” Firoz Rasul, President of AKU Speech

June 19, 2021  First live-streamed convocation of the University of Central Asia at Khorog, Tajikistan and Naryn, Kyrgyzstan campuses.

“Today’s graduation event, held simultaneously in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is an example of the power of education and international cooperation. It is a power that can change people’s lives…

Historically, this part of the world is well-known for the renowned Silk Route — a trading passage that once connected China with the Mediterranean, via the high Photo: AKDN/Cecile Genes mountains of Central Asia.

Groups of merchants and pilgrims travelled back and forth across the route to trade silks, spices, and silver. This borderless exchange of goods led to an exchange of ideas and knowledge, and the region soon became a hub of invention and innovation.

Students of world history remind us how Central Asia, a thousand years ago, led the world in cultural and intellectual achievements. This region is where medicine was founded, where algebra got its name, where the Earth’s diameter was precisely calculated, where some of the world’s greatest poetry was penned.

This happened because the societies were open to new ideas, open to change, open to scholars and people from many backgrounds. That kind of openness can again unlock the doors to the future, and allows us to take on the great questions of our time and place.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Speech Video of Hazar Imam’s speech

“The future of any country depends on its intellectuals and educated youth. In the region of Central Asia the process of intellectualisation is currently underway.” Mr Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic The.Ismaili

“Our long-term joint vision led by the town municipalities is to see these communities transformed into thriving University Towns where economic, social, and cultural opportunities abound for everyone.” Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees The.Ismaili

Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Chancellor of the University of Central Asia, with Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim. Photo: AKDN/Thomas Wibaux

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Princess Zahra, Prince Husayn, Prince Amyn, and Prince Rahim. Photo: AKDN/Thomas Wibaux

On the occasion of Imamat Day Mawlana Hazar Imam sent Talika to global jamat

9th July 2021

My dear spiritual children, On the occasion of Imamat Day, the 11th of July 2021, I send my warmest and most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children throughout the world. I give my best loving blessings for the souls of all my ruhani spiritual children, and I pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace.

The success of a range of vaccines in affording significant protection against the Coronavirus is most encouraging, and my Jamat around the world should show no hesitancy in getting vaccinated as soon as that opportunity is made available by the health authorities. However, my spiritual children should also remain mindful that being fully vaccinated does not diminish the requirement for ongoing personal care and vigilance in the face of the unexpected threats that new variants of the virus will continue to pose.

It is a matter of happiness that the re-opening of Jamatkhanas in many parts of the world has become possible, but it is my wish that, in attending Jamatkhana - as indeed at all other times - my Jamat should act responsibly in complying with all health and safety measures as recommended by the health authorities and our institutions.

Two recent events of special happiness for me as Imam-of-the-Time are the granting of the Charter to the Aga Khan University by the Kenyan government, and the first convocation of the University of Central Asia, which was established through an Ismaili Imamat treaty with the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. I hope that my Jamat will share in my happiness and that, together, we will continue to make good progress in developing new institutions and programmes for excellence in higher education and research.

My Jamat will be aware of the innovative work undertaken by the Aga Khan University in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. These efforts, alongside those of all other Imamat and Jamati institutions globally, are worthy of the highest admiration, and I convey my special loving blessings to all my spiritual children who, in the capacity of either healthcare professionals or volunteers, continue to spare no effort in providing treatment, care, and support to my Jamat.

On this happy occasion of Imamat Day, I send my best loving blessings to all the spiritual children who have submitted services and sent messages of congratulations. I send my most affectionate loving blessings for your spiritual wellbeing, worldly success, good health, happiness, strength of faith, and unity in the Jamat. I also give my special loving blessings for mushkil-asan, and for my Jamat’s safety and security.

You are all constantly in my heart, in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Yours affectionately, Aga Khan

Aga Khan Development Network Events following the Diamond Jubilee year

September 4, 2018  The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the University of Central Asia (UCA) signed an Agreement of Cooperation to enhance their mutually beneficial relationship with “the aim of preparing highly educated professional specialists who are able to meet competition in internal and external labor markets, introducing new methods of education, improving the quality of education, as well as carrying out the educational activities” at UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences, Khorog, Tajikistan.

Signing: Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha (left), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, Professor Nuriddin Said, Minister of Education and Science. Standing back row: L to R: Muzaffar Jorubov, UCA Chief Operating Officer, Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, UCA Rector, Ismatullo Nasredin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rahmatullo Mirboboev, First Deputy Minister of Education (MOE), Dr. Davlatkadam Khushkadamov, UCA Government and Community Relations Manager in Tajikistan, and Ilhom Kamolzoda, Head of the International Relations Department of MOE. Photo:AKDN

September 4, 2018  A delegation from the Aga Khan Academies and representatives from the Ismaili Council for the Unites States met with Rolando B. Pablos, Secretary of State for the State of Texas, USA at the State Capital in Austin. They discussed work of the AKDN, the Academies, and mutual interests in education.

Aga Khan Academies and representatives from the Ismaili Council for the United States with Vice Chancellors and senior leadership of the University of Texas . Photo: AKDN

September 6, 2018  The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) hosted a celebratory event at the Aga Khan Centre to commemorate the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between SOAS University of London and The IIS. The Memorandum of Agreement is a formal arrangement whereby SOAS will award MA degrees for the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) and the Secondary Teacher Education IIS and SOAS leadership, faculty members and students Programme (STEP). at the celebratory event commemorating the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between IIS and SOAS. Photo: The.Ismaili/Nayyir Damani

September 14, 2018  The University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus was formally inaugurated by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. The Khorog campus is the second campus of the University to become operational since the inauguration of its Naryn campus in Kyrgyzstan in 2016.

President Emomali Rahmon unveiling the plaque inaugurating the Khorog Campus of the University of Central Asia. Photo: AKDN/Akbar Hakim

The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University, and Mawlana Hazar Imam is the University’s Chancellor. AKDN

September 28-29, 2018  An event, celebrating the transformative power of generosity, was hosted at the Aga Khan Centre in London for major supporters of its three resident institutions: the Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan Foundation-UK, and The Institute of Ismaili Studies. The event was attended by Prince Amyn and Princess Zahra, and more than 350 donors and supporters from around the world. Video

“The notion of sharing one’s wealth to support educational and charitable endeavour for the benefit of others is a well-established principle of our faith” he said. “It is something which I think distinguishes us as a community and which has enabled us over the generations to create and to build institutions which have supported the quality of life not only of our Jamat but also of those amongst whom we live.” Prince Amyn addressing the guests. Photo: The.Ismaili /Riaz Prince Amyn Kassam.

A panel discussion on the following day included senior leaders of AKU, discussing the institution’s future path. Princess Zahra spoke about the vital importance of the liberal arts, which allows students

“to access the broadest possible number of topics to allow you or any student to learn to learn. It’s about acquiring the skills to review something critically, to approach a problem in a creative way, and not just be focused on one solution; to be able to access multiple solutions, of your own volition” Princess Zahra

“Princess Zahra, you and your father are a pair of the most visionary people on this planet.” Michael Meyer, Founding Dean of AKU Graduate School of Media and Communications Video

October 18, 2018  University of Calgary President Elizabeth Cannon and Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate international co-operation toward advancements in human development, global health, social justice and pluralism.

The partnership promotes knowledge sharing, education and research collaborations, student internships and faculty exchanges in diverse areas. Past and present collaborations have included initiatives and programs with the faculties of nursing, arts, graduate studies, the Cumming School of Medicine and the Werklund School of Education. AKDN Press Release

. Photo: AKDN/ University of Calgary

“This agreement builds on a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership and lays the path forward to continued leadership and impact for many years to come. Both of our universities are committed to higher education and research that benefits the world, and we want to serve our communities as leaders, innovators and key contributors” Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

October 23, 2018  Prince Amyn was awarded the Hadrian Award by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) at the Rockefeller Center Plaza in New York City, in recognition of his lifelong support of cultural heritage in all its forms. Prince Amyn holds multiple leadership roles within the Aga Khan Development Network. He also serves on several boards and in committee positions at cultural institutions around the world. Video Lorna B. Goodman, Chair of the World Monuments Fund, presents the Hadrian Award to Prince Amyn. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

“Prince Amyn has made a profound and positive impact on the world by undertaking monumental activities in the areas of music, heritage, arts and culture, through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Silk Road Project, the World Monuments Fund, the Aga Khan Museum, the Aga Khan Music Initiative, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as numerous other esteemed institutions." Citation by Hersh Parekh, Director of Downstate Regional Affairs for the Office of New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo, issued by the Governor

Hersh Parekh, Esq presents Prince Amyn with a State of New York Executive Chamber Citation, as Barkat Fazal, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA looks on. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

MF Chair Lorna B. Goodman acknowledged Prince Amyn’s long-standing service to The WMF, and paid tribute to his “generous, thoughtful, responsible, and engaged” contribution. She went on to say

“He can always be counted on for sage advice and counsel and he is always there for WMF when needed… Through his work with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture he has helped pair conservation with social and economic concerns to improve community, health, education, housing, and infrastructure around the world.” The.Ismaili

Prince Amyn delivers remarks upon accepting the Hadrian Award. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

"Culture is something we share, as a way of rediscovering our dignity rediscovering what unites us, rediscovering that there is a human heritage, which is a world heritage - a world heritage which binds us” Prince Amyn

Dr Eusebio Leal Spengler also received the Award for his contributions to the preservation of the historic centre of Havana, Cuba. Dr Leal has served as the historian of the city of Havana since 1967, and is responsible for the comprehensive rehabilitation of Havana’s historic centre, which is inscribed on the World Heritage list. He is a professor at more than thirty prestigious universities, and has received the highest honours, medals, and commendations from countries around the world. AKDN

October 2018  Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa travelled to Pakistan for a six-day working visit. They stopped in several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan as well as in Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, along with the capital city of Islamabad and the southern city of Karachi. During their visit, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa examined approaches to poverty alleviation and development, and visited a number of AKDN institutions and projects aimed at improving quality Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa entering the Diamond Jubilee School in the village of Darkut, in Gilgit-Baltistan. The of life. school is operated by the Aga Khan Education Services. Photo: AKDN Press Release AKDN/Adam Tait

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visit transitional shelters being constructed by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in the aftermath of heavy flooding which submerged farmland and destroyed houses in the villages of Badswat and Bilhanz, located in Ghizer District in Gilgit-Baltistan. In July 2018, unusually warm weather precipitated intensified melting of snow and glaciers which resulted in a large glacial lake outburst flood. Photo: AKDN/Adam Tait

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa with students and teachers in a classroom at the community-managed middle and secondary school in the village of Bilhanz in Immit, Ishkoman Valley, Ghizer District in Gilgit- Baltistan. Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also visited the adjacent Diamond Jubilee Primary School Bilhanz, which is operated by the Aga Khan Education Services Photo: AKDN / Adam Tai

November 13, 2018  Prince Aly Muhammad made a five-day visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, during which he visited the Naryn campus of the University of Central Asia.

Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan is presented flowers by students from the Aga Khan School in Osh upon his arrival in Kyrgyzstan. Photo: AKDN/ Ermekov Iskender

 Prince Aly Muhammad spent time with students in Naryn to understand more about their backgrounds and aspirations.

Prince Aly Muhammad interviews Alyna Rahim, a computer science major in her third year at UCA, on her educational experiences. Photo: AKDN/ UCA

“I was deeply inspired by the students and faculty I had the opportunity to meet during this trip. Getting to know so many talented students and learning more about the UCA’s mission has been exciting and deeply rewarding.” Prince Aly Muhammad AKDN Press Release

November 22, 2018  Prince Amyn, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Museum, attended an event at the Museum, where a new donor wall was unveiled to acknowledge friends, patrons, and supporters of the Museum. Prince Amyn reminded guests of the Museum’s ambition: “a vision for a more connected, pluralistic world forged through the appreciation and preservation of art.” Prince Amyn, Ismaili Council for Canada President Malik Talib, and AKDN Resident Representative for Canada Dr Mahmoud Eboo admire the donor wall after its unveiling. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Alnoor Merali

Henry Kim, Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum, expressed deep gratitude to all the friends, patrons, and supporters of the Museum. He explained the importance the Museum plays in achieving not only its own specific vision but also in linking its purpose to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s overarching objective, “that being the physical, social, cultural, and economic revitalisation of Muslim culture.” The.Ismaili

Henry Kim and Prince Amyn applaud after unveiling the donor wall. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Aly Manji

December 12, 2018  The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, Khorog, Tajikistan, opened its doors to the Jamat.

January 26, 2019  The Aga Khan University held a ground- breaking ceremony of a new Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health building on its campus.

January 30, 2019  Prince Hussain inaugurated his exhibition of marine photography at the historic Town Jamatkhana in Nairobi, Kenya. The collection of some 100 photographs of oceanic ecosystems in various parts of the world depicts the beauty, fragility and diversity of marine life, and brings to attention the necessity and urgency to protect, conserve and manage our oceanic heritage and resources. Prince Hussain accompanied Chief Guest Mr Keriako Tobiko, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry for a special viewing of the exhibition. The exhibition ran until February 28, 2019. Daily Nation

Prince Hussain describes some of the distinguishing features of marine animals exhibited in the collage as Cabinet Secretary Honourable Keriako Tobiko, and panelists David O. Obure, Doreen Robinson and Dr. Cyrille-Lazare Siewe look on. Photo: AKDN/Aziz Islamshah

February 17, 2019  Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) took over management of health care facilities in the Bamyan and Badakhshan provinces, in a signing ceremony at held at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health in Kabul, Afghanistan.

AKHS, with support from the Aga Khan Foundation, now manages over 1,015 health posts (within villages), 158 basic and primary health centres, 24 comprehensive health centres (around 10 beds each), five (5) district hospitals (30 beds each), and two (2) ISO-certified provincial hospitals in Faizabad and Bamyan until June 2021

March 4, 2019  The University of Washington (UW) signed a memorandum of understanding with Aga Khan University (AKU) in Seattle, to formalise their existing partnership to further expand research, service, and education in low- and middle-income countries.

The agreement was signed by UW President Ana Mari Cauce and Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul. Representing the Aga Khan Development Network were Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, and AKU Provost Carl Amrhein. Princess Salwa, a graduate of the University of Washington’s class of 2012, played a key role in encouraging the partnership.

“We are honoured to partner with Aga Khan University to advance the health and well-being of communities around the globe. By combining our respective strengths and shared values, we can be a powerful force for creating access to healthcare and education, as well as supporting research and discovery,” Ana Mari Cauce, President UW The.Ismaili

Early collaborative activities between UW and AKU have included the launch of a paid international internship program with positions in Africa and Asia for UW students, joint projects to build research capacity in human immunodeficiency viruses / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDs) and human papilloma virus (HPV), and a range of other faculty collaborations.

From L to R: Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa, UW President Ana Mari Cauce, AKU President Firoz Rasul, Provost of UW Mark Richards, and AKU Provost and Vice President, Academic Dr Carl Amrhein. Photo: The.Ismaili / Mark Stone/University of Washington

March 7, 2019  Aga Khan University and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre signed a memorandum of understanding in Seattle, USA, to collaborate on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and related diseases.

The agreement was signed by Firoz Rasul, President of AKU and Dr Gary Gilliland, President and Director of Fred Hutchison Center. The agreement aims to foster joint international Firoz Rasul and Dr. Gary Gilliland sign a memorandum scientific research projects, training of understanding between their two institutions. Photo: programs, and infrastructure the.Ismaili/ Fred Hutch/Robert Hood development in low- and middle- income settings, primarily in East Africa. AKU

“Cancer is a global problem that requires global cooperation to deliver new diagnostics and treatments that will save lives around the world. We are proud to be partnering with Fred Hutch, a world leader in cancer research and care, to tackle one of the biggest challenges in global health today.” Firoz Rasul

Scientific Director Dr. Stan Riddell in conversation with Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa during a lab tour at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Photo: The.Ismaili/Fred Hutch/Robert Hood

March 9, 2019  Princess Zahra and His Excellency Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania, inaugurated the Phase II expansion of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event was also attended by the Honourable Ummy Ally Mwalimu, Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children; Frédéric Clavier, French Ambassador to Tanzania; Christian Yoka, Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Agence Française de Développement; Princess Zahra and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa after along with leaders of the Jamat and the unveiling of the plaque. Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji Aga Khan Development Network.

The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam is managed by the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), which has been operating in Tanzania since the 1920s, and counts among the longest-serving healthcare institutions in East Africa. The Hospital and its associated outreach health centres follow an integrated approach based on a continuum of care for the local community. In 2012, AKHS Tanzania embarked on a major expansion of the Hospital, which has transformed it into the 170-bed, tertiary care teaching facility. The.Ismaili

“I am pleased to say that … today the hospital employs some of the most qualified and competent human resources, supplemented by world-class technical expertise, and that this hospital will offer specialised programmes in cardiology, oncology, neurosciences, advanced critical care, diagnostics as well as responding to the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in Tanzania…. Princess Zahra The.Ismaili

Prime Minister of Tanzania and Princess Zahra receiving a brief on the construction of Phase II of The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, by Mr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the Regional Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa. Photo:AKDN/Zahur Ramji

April 24 to 26, 2019  At the invitation of H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of Tatarstan, Mawlana Hazar Imam was represented by Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha who led the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) delegation to the 11th International Economic Summit in Kazan. An exhibition of AKDN and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture was opened by President Minnikhanov who warmly welcomed the decision of the Award’s Steering Committee to hold the prestigious prize-giving ceremony in the historic centre of Kazan, Russian Federation. in the autumn of 2019. AKIpress

May 13, 2019  Prince Hussain addressed winners of the challenge to design affordable, climate-resilient single-family homes in Geneva, Switzerland. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) partnered with the World Bank for the “Resilient Homes Design Challenge” in a crowd- sourced challenge. The winners were selected by the AKAH. Prince Hussain is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of AKAH.

Winners of the Resilient Homes Challenge Award with representatives from World Bank and senior AKAH staff members, Onno Ruhl and Prince Hussain, Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: AKDN

“…natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and severity because of climate change. They have become more devastating than in the past. Both in mountainous and coastal areas, effects are especially strong….The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat was created specifically to find ways to deal with these increasing threats. Its mission is to find innovative ways to address the threat of natural disaster and work to make communities resilient, building on the decades of experience of various AKDN agencies.” Prince Hussain Speech

June 13, 2019  The Nova University Rector João Sàágua and the Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Lisbon, Portugal, to facilitate collaboration in a variety of areas, including health sciences, humanities and social sciences, and media and communications. AKDN Press Release Video

The NOVA University Rector João Sàágua and Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul sign a memorandum Photo:| AKDN / José Fernandes

Rector João Sàágua, Prince Aly Muhammad, President Firoz Rasul. Photo: AKDN / José Fernandes

June 25, 2019  Prince Aly Muhammad arrived in Khorog, the capital of Tajikistan’s Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) for an official visit to review projects of the AKDN in the region. AKDN (Facebook)

July 4, 2019  Prince Amyn opened the exhibition titled Seeing Through Babel in the Zamana Space at the Ismaili Centre, London, UK. The exhibition by the Syrian-Armenian artist Kevork Mourad, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, references the Old Testament story of Babel, when mankind is punished for attempting to construct a tower to heaven. In order to prevent mankind from constructing such towers ever again, God created a multitude of languages.

The exhibition ran from July 1 to August 15, 2019.

“I am very keen that the arts should speak to each other. The arts reflect our senses, and as our senses talk to each other, so the arts should talk to each other. It is in my view a mistake to show one art totally independent of all other arts. So as often as possible, I like to see a dialogue between the arts.” Prince Amyn Speech

Zamana Space at the Ismaili Centre, London

Part of the Centre’s original design, Zamana provided a space to welcome members of the public to visit and learn more about the little-known and lesser-appreciated cultural heritage and languages of the non-Western world. During its opening ceremony in June 1985, Mawlana Hazar Imam explained the purpose of the space, saying “In a number of Islamic languages, the word Zamana, or Zaman, means ‘the age’ or ‘the epoch.’ It thus reflects the reason for my founding this gallery: to try to improve understanding in the West of the arts and cultures of the Third World, and to do this not simply in terms of historical achievements but in the present day context of their evolution.” The.Ismaili

Kevork Mourad's six-foot tower. Photo: AKDN/Riaz Kassam

July 9, 2019  Prince Amyn was conferred with the Medal of Honour of the City by Mayor Mr Rui Moreira, in recognition of his patronage of the arts.

Prince Amyn is conferred with the Medal of Honour of the City of Porto by Mayor Mr Rui Moreira. Photo: AKDN/Antonio Pedrosa

Miguel Pereira Leite, President of the Municipal Assembly of Porto congratulates Prince Amyn upon his conferral of the Medal of Honour of Porto. Photo: AKDN/ Antonio Pedrosa

The Medal of Honour of the City acknowledges those who have rendered services of exceptional relevance, or who have distinguished themselves in areas of human activity.

The conferral of the Medal of Honour of the City, grants the awarded individual the title of ‘Citizen of Porto’ and the collective entity the title of ‘Benefactor of Porto.’ The Medal of Honour of the City of Porto features an allegory and the heraldic symbol of the city in gold. The.Ismaili Video of the ceremony

October 9, 2019  Princess Zahra arrived in Houston, USA to receive the Huffington Award at the invitation of the Asia Society Texas Center. She was accompanied by her daughter Miss Sara Boyden. Video

Princess Zahra and Miss Sara Boyden meet with President Al-Karim Alidina and Vice President Celina Shariff of the Ismaili Council for the United States of America, upon their arrival into Houston. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

October 10, 2019  Princess Zahra received Asia Society Texas Center’s Huffington Award in Houston, Texas. The Award is in recognition of her contributions that have furthered international understanding, uplifted lives, and advanced health and education through her work with the Aga Khan Development Network .

Princess Zahra is presented the Huffington Award by Nancy C. Allen, Honourary Co-Chair and Asia Society Center Board Member while Bonna Kol, President, Asia Society Texas Center and David W. Leebron, President, Rice University look on. Photo: AKDN / Akbar Hakim

“We were so humbled to honour Princess Zahra, and it was an inspiration to hear about the many projects in healthcare and education that she and the Aga Khan Development Network have spearheaded globally,” said Bonna Kol, President of Asia Society Texas Center. “Through her work, Princess Zahra is building hope and trust in a world where both are greatly needed.” Bonna Kol, President of Asia Society Texas Center AKDN Press Release

“I’m a very small link in an extremely long chain of people and institutions all working towards realising a vision which is basically my father’s vision, His Highness’ vision; and yes, it is based on the principles of Islam, but also the principles of most faiths - generosity, kindness, understanding, the spirit of volunteerism, improving the quality of life of one’s neighbours and fellow man,....There has always been this ethos of putting a lot of emphasis on the role of women in society and giving those women the tools and the wherewithal to be educated mothers and leaders of their societies, and I think just looking around us today the impact of that is very clear…

…the Ismaili community has always been incredibly generous and incredibly engaged in volunteering… In the AKDN there are as many volunteers as there are professional staff. I think that they are all people who have grown up from their parents and are giving onto their children this ethic, the importance of giving time and giving of oneself…

It is not learning what to think, but learning how to think, and I think that’s what our education activities seek to instill… a spirit of inquiry and those values which are the basic human values of pluralism and understanding that makes the quality of life of one’s neighbour better than it is today…. I think we are living at a time and acting at a time where there is optimism. There are things that are happening in our world in medicine, communications, and technology, which are going to have such profound impacts on not only the way we live as human beings but on the way that we interact and we learn.” Princess Zahra The.Ismaili

John D. Rockefeller III founded Asia Society in New York in 1956, to forge closer ties between Houston and the peoples and institutions of Asia. Huffington Award is named after former Ambassador Roy M. Huffington, who co-founded the Asia Society Texas Center in 1979 with former First Lady Barbara Bush.

David W. Leebron, President of Rice University, engages in an on-stage conversation with Princess Zahra at the Asia Society Award Dinner. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

Host Committee members, Dr Anne and Albert Chao, and the President of the Asia Society Texas Center, Bonna Kol, in conversation with Princess Zahra during a pre-dinner reception. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

The audience enjoys a musical performance by Master Musicians of the Aga Khan Music Initiative, Homayoun Sakhi and Abbos Kosimov, who were joined by tabla player, Nitin Mitta. Photo: The.Ismaili/ Akbar Hakim

David W. Leebron, President of Rice University, engages in an on-stage conversation with Princess Zahra at the Asia Society Award Dinner. Photo: The.Ismaili/Akbar Hakim

October 10, 2019  Prince Rahim inaugurated the exhibition Dreams and Dystopias, East Africa at the Crossroads, featuring photographic work by Guillaume Bonn in the Zamana Space at the Ismaili Centre London. The exhibition showcased East Africa’s diverse geography and colonial legacy.

Prince Rahim in conversation with Curator Rozemin Keshvani as Guillaume Bonn looks on. Photo: The.Ismaili/ James Davidson

Exhibition partners the Royal Geographical Society, the Aga Khan Foundation, and Aga Khan University were also represented at the event. The exhibition highlighted the work of the Aga Khan Foundation in the regions, and was open to the public until November 3, 2019.

Prince Rahim in conversation with artist Guillaume Guillaume Bonn in an on-stage conversation with Bonn, as Assistant Curator Amin Abdulla Pardhan Dr Dayo Forster (left), at the inauguration of the looks on. Photo: The.Ismaili/James Davidson exhibition. Photo: The.Ismaili/ James Davidson

Prince Rahim and President Naushad Jivraj share a light moment shortly before departing the Ismaili Centre. Photo: The.Ismaili/James Davidson

October 29-31, 2019  Aga Khan Agency for Habitat hosted a “Snow Leopard Action Plan through Effective Habitat Management” in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, bringing together over fifty snow leopard experts, scientists, government and non-government organisation to discuss the conservation of snow leopards. According to the World Wild Fund for Nature, there are about 4,000 snow leopards left in the world and the numbers are declining due to poaching, habitat loss and climate This snow leopard had slain seven livestock, but rather change. than kill the endangered species, the Committee of Environment Protection informed AKAH, to help remove the leopard to the protected watershed of Bartang valley. Photo: AKDN

December 8-9, 2019  The Nation Media Group as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations hosted the Kusi Ideas Festival, a gathering of over 500 influential leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Africa. Issues discussed at the conference included climate change, food security, human security, creating a borderless continent, media and democracy, culture and sports as well as sustainable economies. Dr. Azim Lakhani, AKDN Diplomatic Representative for Kenya, delivered Mawlana Hazar Imam’s message at the Festival’s Opening Ceremony, following opening remarks by Dr. Wilfred Kiboro, Chairman, Nation Media Group.

“Africa’s strength has always been her peoples. Their resilience, sense of community and self-help, ingenuity and resourcefulness in innovating fresh solutions - often in the most difficult circumstances - is responsible for the continent’s progress and exciting prospects….

My early childhood was in Kenya in the 1940’s. From the time I became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in 1957, an integral part of my daily life and work has encompassed seeking to improve living conditions and opportunities in African countries.” Mawlan Hazar Imam’s message

The Nation Media Group, founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1959, is the largest multi- media house in East and Central Africa, with operations in print, broadcast and digital media that strive to improve the quality of people’s lives by serving the continent as the Media of Africa for Africa.

The AKDN has been been active in Africa for over 100 years. Video – AKDN – Contribution to Africa’s development

December 20, 2019  Inauguration of the Masai Mara Serena solar power. Serena Hotels in partnership with Mettle Solar OFGEN transformed a third property, Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya, into a fully solar powered property.

Solar Power Plant at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Kenya. Photo: AKDN/Abdulkadir Rahim

From L to R: M. Jibril Omar, Director of Mettle Solar OFGEN; Francis Okello, Chairman of TPS Eastern Africa PLC; Prince Amyn; Francois Van Themaat, Managing Director, Mettle Solar OFGEN; Mahmud Jan Mohamed, Managing Director, TPS Serena Hotels; and Abdulkadir Rahim, Group Engineer, TPS Serena Hotels during the launch of the Solar Power Plant at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

January 2020  Global pandemic COVID-19 forcing lockdowns inAKDN most countries./ Shenin Virji

January 20, 2020  In Karachi, Aga Khan University’s Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, CIME, became South Asia’s first simulation-based educational institution to be accredited by the US-based Society for Simulation in Healthcare, SSIH. The CIME is Pakistan’s only facility that enables aspiring doctors, nurses, dentists and allied health professionals to work collaboratively on a range of challenging, technology-enhanced patient scenarios. AKDN Press Release

February 5, 2020  Aga Khan University’s 15th Convocation in Dar es Salam, Tanzania.

February 8, 2020  Aga Khan University’s 17th Convocation in Kampala, Uganda.

February 12, 2020  Aga Khan University’s 16th Convocation in Nairobi, Kenya. Ten journalists graduated with a master’s degree in digital journalism, the first programme of its kind in Kenya and East Africa.

February 25, 2020  University of Central Asia and the University of Cambridge signed a partnership agreement in Cambridge, UK, to promote academic partnership, and collaborate in areas such as joint research, faculty and student exchange, as well as sharing of academic and educational material. The signing ceremony, at Cambridge’s Old Schools Building, was attended by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Members of UCA’s Board of Trustees, the Rector and Deans of UCA, and senior Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha and Professor Stephen Toope representatives from Cambridge. exchange congratulations, as Princess Zahra and Dr S. Sohail H. Naqvi look on. Photo: The.Ismaili/ James Davidson

Speaking at the event, Princess Zahra noted that Mawlana Hazar Imam, as Chancellor of UCA, was very pleased with this relationship which “he sees as seminal to helping young universities like UCA.”

Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, chairman of the Board of Trustees at UCA, said in Cambridge that Hazar Imam “has often reminded us that there are two measures of success of any university; the careers of its graduates and the quality of research, which is carried out in the universities, and then used for the benefit of the communities it serves.” The.Ismaili

February 26, 2020  The Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust (Cambridge Trust), and the University of Central Asia (UCA), signed a renewal agreement at the Aga Khan Centre in London, UK, to extend their partnership agreement to develop faculty across Central Asia for a further three years.

The agreement builds on a collaboration signed in 2017, and will enable outstanding students from UCA Helen Pennant, Director of the Cambridge Trust and Prof. and the surrounding regions of Central Dr S. Sohail Naqvi, Rector of UCA, exchange agreements Asia, to gain a Masters or PhD degree signifying the renewal of the partnership between the at the University of Cambridge. Cambridge Trust and the University of Central Asia. Photo: AKDN/Anya Campbell

(L to R): Dr S. Sohail H. Naqvi (Rector, UCA), Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Stephen Toope, Princess Zahra (UCA Trustee), Dr Shamsh Kassim -Lakha (Chairman, Board of Trustees, UCA) and Mr Naguib Kheraj (UCA Trustee). Photo: AKDN/Anya Campbell

March 4, 2020  Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for a six-day visit to review AKDN agencies’ plans towards environmental sustainability and climate action. Prince Rahim is Chair of the AKDN Environment and Climate Committee (ECC), which was established to develop a policy framework on priorities related to the environment and climate change for implementation by AKDN globally.

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa tour the Community Outreach Centre at the AKU site in Arusha, Tanzania with Nizar Somji, AKU’s Director of Campus Development in Tanzania. They are accompanied by Mr Amin Kurji, Diplomatic Representative of AKDN in Tanzania and Dr Paul Dhalla, member of the AKDN Environment and Climate Committee. Photo: AKDN

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa on a tour of Allpack Industries, an IPS company that manufactures corrugated cardboard. Photo: AKDN

Mr Shawn Bolouki, CEO of the Aga Khan Nation Media Group’s Head of Corporate Affairs, University Hospital in Nairobi, uses an Mr. Clifford Machoka shows Prince Rahim and architectural model to describe key features of the Princess Salwa newly printed copies of the Daily AKU Centre, currently under construction, to Nation newspaper, during their tour of the printing Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa. In the press. Photo: AKDN background are photographs of an exhibition on the history of the hospital, launched in July 2019 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of AKUH Nairobi. Photo: AKDN

Prince Rahim addresses AKDN agencies and key external stakeholders and partners at a Roundtable meeting held at Town Jamatkhana, to discuss progress and the potential for enhanced partnerships. Photo: AKDN.

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa meet leaders from the Ismaili Council for Kenya at a reception held at Town Jamatkhana. Photo: AKDN

March 6, 2020  Columbia University’s Middle East Institute in New York and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations in London signed an agreement at Columbia University to mark the launch of their dual master’s degree.

 Phase IV of the expansion of the Azito Energy SA was launched in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Once complete, this programme will make Côte d’Ivoire the energy hub of West Africa. The environmentally friendly technology used will also make it possible to reduce natural gas use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the cost of each kWh generated on the grid.

Azito Energie S.A., a subsidiary of Globeleq and IPS (WA), is an independent electricity generator and owner of the Azito Thermal Power Plant, producing one of the most modern and efficient power plants in West Africa, Since being commissioned in 1999.

Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) is the industrial and infrastructure development arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). Among its activities in West Africa, East Africa and Central Asia, it has supported hydroelectric projects in Uganda and Tajikistan. As part of AKFED, it promotes entrepreneurship and builds economically sound enterprises in parts of the developing world that often lacks sufficient foreign direct investment. AKFED is an agency of the AKDN.

March 7, 2020  Specialist doctors graduated from the French Medical Institute for Mother and Child’s (FMIC) post-graduate programme in a ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Ten male and two female doctors were awarded certificates in Anesthesia, Radiology, Pathology, Orthopaedics, Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric Medicine, and Cardiology.

PGME graduates. Photo:AKDN/ Amin Nawrozi

To meet the critical need for specialist doctors in the healthcare system in Afghanistan, FMIC initiated its Post Graduate Medical Education (PGME) programme in partnership with the Aga Khan University and the PGME Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health in April 2012. The Programme has received support from the Government of Canada (as a way of building and strengthening the national healthcare system) and a Health Action Plan for Afghanistan. AKDN

April 2020  Agencies of the AKDN search for creative solutions during the pandemic to continue the work that needs to be done to improve the quality of human life.  AKDN established the Pandemic Relief Fund.  Aga Khan University developed COVID-19 self-screening mobile in Pakistan.  Aga Khan Museum instituted Museum Without Walls - virtual viewing of its collection, online activities for kids, as well as music and discussions.

April 16, 2020  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a live 24-hour online cultural symposium with UAE Ambassadors from around the world engaging with museum directors, artists, design specialists, and heads of cultural institutions on the impact of the COVID-19. The conversation took place between His Excellency Fahad Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to Canada, and Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Diplomatic Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat and the AKDN in Canada.

May 2020  Aga Khan University’s COVID-19 self-screening mobile in Tanzania.

 AKDN  offering resources for educators during the pandemic.  partnered with Oeiras City Council to support Lusophone Africa in wake of COVID- 19 pandemic. Lusophone refers to Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa namely Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea.

 Aga Khan Education Services  offered new tools for teachers in Central Asia and Bangladesh.  instituted Home Based Learning Programme in Afghanistan.

 Aga Khan Foundation  worked with civil society in Mozambique to stop the transmission of the corona virus.  worked with translators in Lisbon, Portugal, to ensure migrants residing there could access COVID-19 health messages.

 Aga Khan Trust for Culture-supported women’s craft enterprise in Delhi producing masks.  Insha-e-Noor, a women’s enterprise, based in the Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin, was established by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in 2011 to provide economic opportunities for women, who produce a range of handcrafted product. During the COVID-19 pandemic, members began producing masks for residents and homeless population, paid for by AKTC/AKDN. More at AKDN.

 Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India empowered marginalised communities in rural areas to tackle COVID-19 with virtual trainings.

May 1, 2020  Digital Magazine: AKTC At Home Issue 1 – Spotlight: Aga Khan Music Initiative.

May 6, 2020  AKTC At Home Issue 2 – Spotlight: Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme.

May 12, 2020  The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in Tajikistan, the Government of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, and their partners launched the construction of critical social infrastructure in Khorog.

May 15, 2020  AKTC At Home Issue 3 – Spotlight: Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

May 19, 2020  Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan, opened an Emergency Response Centre, a 28-bed facility for COVID-19 patients in Booni, Pakistan.

May 26, 2020  AKTC At Home Issue 4 – Spotlight: Parks and Gardens.

June 2020  Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and Aga Khan Health Services built rapid response centres built in Gilgit and Garamchashma, Pakistan.

June 4, 2020  A grant to for research into infectious diseases and pandemics was awarded to the University of Washington (UW) and its partners, including the Aga Khan University, by the US National Institutes of Health’s Centres for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“We are particularly excited to be collaborating with Aga Khan University with its excellent research personnel and infrastructure, plus its outstanding connections in Africa through its medical school in Kenya…” Dr Wesley C Van Voorhis, co-director of UW’s Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease and one of the principal investigators SAMAA

Baltit Fort, Karimabad, Hunza restored by Historic Cities Programme. Photo: AKTC At Home, Issue 2

June 5, 2020  A message from Aswan’s young entrepreneurs on World Environment Day. Aga Khan Foundation and Om Habibeh Foundation (OHF) in Egypt undertook an initiative (2015-2020) in the Aswan governorate to provide employment to the youth The initiative, called the Aswan Skills Development Programme worked in partnership with Seneca College in Toronto, Canada. AKDN

OHF was established by Mata Salamat Begum Om Habibeh, wife of Mawlana Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, in 1991 in Aswan, Egypt, to improve the quality of life of residents of Aswan and surrounding areas. The Foundation, now an affiliate of the AKDN (more at Nimirasblog).

June 5, 2020  Release of Prince Aly Muhammad’s second film Al-Khimyah. The film explores the work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Cairo, Egypt. The first film is his personal account of the partnership between Aga Khan Development Network and the communities of northern Pakistan to find solutions to the problems caused by natural disasters.

“The Close to Home series has been a personal project linked to my travels over the past few years, learning about the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. I hope that these films help to shed light on issues which I believe are important to young people today.” Prince Aly Muhammad

June 11, 2020  The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA, and Aga Khan University (AKU) signed an agreement to collaborate on global education and research initiatives. The agreement was signed by Suzanne Austin, senior vice-provost and senior international officer from UAB and Carl Amrhein, provost and vice president, Academic, at AKU.

“We are excited about this new relationship with Aga Khan University…” Michael Saag, M.D., Associate Dean for Global Health at the UAB School of Medicine

June 17, 2020  An agreement was signed in Islamabad, Pakistan, between AKU and the Ministry of Health to offer a range of trainings, tele-consultations, and assessment of ICU facilities across the country to hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, AKU offers training to doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff across Pakistan.

June 30, 2020  Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania and French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement - AFD) signed an agreement to establish infectious diseases units in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.

July 2020  Commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Aga Khan Foundation.

July 1, 2020  The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Tajikistan presented medical and emergency items to the governments of Khatlon and Sughd to aid COVID-19 response efforts in these regions.

July 16, 2020  Euromoney awarded Habib Bank Limited, part of AKFED, the “Asia Best Bank Transformation 2020” award. Euromoney is a global English-language publication focused on business and finance. The Bank also won “Pakistan’s Best Bank 2020” for the second year.

July 17, 2020  Dr Matt Reed appointed as Global Director of Institutional Partnerships for the Aga Khan Foundation, a newly created role for the Foundation.

August 12, 2020  Aga Khan Foundation launched a project, with the support of the Government of Switzerland, to address food shortages in Tajikitsan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited received US$ 50 million support from International Finance Corporation to support small and medium enterprises who have been affected by the pandemic.

September 2020  Aga Khan University offered Virtual Internship Programmes.

September 24, 2020  Lapis, Aga Khan Museum’s digital fundraising event, with opening remarks by Prince Amyn.

October 8, 2020  AKDN partnered with His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to launch The Earthshot Prize. The prize aims to find new solutions to environmental crises and the improvement of living standards, particularly for communities who are most at risk from climate change. The goal is to incentivise environmental change while helping repair the planet over the next ten years.

“The Earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet, or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve. People can achieve great things. The next ten years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of action to repair the Earth.” Prince William Earthshotprize

October 27, 2020  Aga Khan Foundation’s Virtual Voyage around the world (until December 6, 2020).

November 2020  Aga Khan Trust for Culture received the 2020 World Responsible Tourism Award for India Project.

November 10, 2020  Aga Khan Trust for Culture received ICCROM-Sharjah award for best practice in conservation of Islamic heritage. The prize, a joint collaboration between ICCROM and the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah.

November 11-13, 2020  AKDN participated in the Third Edition of the Paris Peace Forum held online. There were more than 10,000 participants, including heads of state and government, leaders from civil society and the private sector, and global experts to address better the health and socio- economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. AKDN Press Release. Video (2:33:05)

“The unprecedented global pandemic has presented major public health challenges. We require continued collaborative energy from governments, civil society institutions, and the private sector to overcome this crisis, protect life, and build for the future from a position of strength and wisdom. I am pleased that the Aga Khan Development Network and the Paris Peace Forum are working closely towards these goals.” Mawlana Hazar Imam

“This year’s Forum is devoted to the response to the crisis and the principles that should govern the post-Covid international order. It also focuses on projects and initiatives from around the world aimed at providing immediate responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, improving our medium-term resilience, and rebuilding a more sustainable world.” Justin Vaïsse, Director General of the Paris Peace Forum AKDN Press Release

The first Paris Peace Forum was inaugurated on November 11, 2018 by President Emmanuel Macron, alongside the ceremonies to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of First World War. The annual Paris Peace Forum is open to members of civil society, and representatives from international organisations, NGOs, companies, foundations, philanthropic organisations, development agencies, religious groups, trade unions, think tanks, universities to construct new forms of collective action. AKDN Press Release

November 13, 2020  Aga Khan Museum hosted an exclusive online presentation featuring the Aga Khan Music Programme's Master Musicians. The ensemble of elite international players debuted new original compositions including footage from an exclusive 2019 concert performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

November 24, 2020  Prince Rahim met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, in Geneva. The Minister was attending the Afghanistan 2020 Conference.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

In a statement delivered at the virtually held 2020 Afghanistan Conference by AKDN’s Diplomatic Representative to Afghanistan Sheherazade Hirji, Mawlana Hazar Imam noted that as the country entered into a new period of transition, it would need the contribution of all of its people to address their common challenges: rising poverty, climate disruption, an unforgiving pandemic. AKDN Press Release

“It will need all their talents to build an inclusive future with more opportunities, requiring more education, more knowledge, more private initiative. In these endeavours, AKDN is, and will remain, a steadfast partner,” said the Aga Khan, emphasising that AKDN will maintain the breadth of its work in all sectors from education, healthcare and cultural restoration, as well as in economic development.

“During our 25 years in Afghanistan, AKDN has been guided by a fundamental belief that the key to the country’s future is in a vibrant, meritocratic, pluralistic civil society – in the Afghan people and in long-term institutions anchoring their contributions to the common good…” Mawlana Hazar Imam AKDN Press Release

December 2020  Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) won World Habitat Awards Gold Award for its “Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Technology for Safer Habitat” project.

In the winning project, AKAH pioneered the use of Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (HVRAs), which integrate science, technology and local knowledge for disaster risk management and sustainable habitat planning and development.

“For decades the AKDN has been working with vulnerable communities to improve quality of life and reduce disaster risk. Today in the face of the climate crisis, understanding and mitigating these risks is even more urgent. Only by helping these communities adapt and thrive in harmony with their often-precarious habitat can we hope to mitigate the effects of climate change.” Prince Rahim Chair of AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee AKDN Press Release

 AKTC completed conservation works on Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s Mausoleum in Delhi

 AKTC received two awards - for Sustainable Development and Excellence - from UNESCO. The awards from UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific regional office include:

 The 2020 Award for Special Recognition for Sustainable Development  The 2020 Award for Excellence

The awards were established in 2000 to recognise “the efforts of private individuals and organisations that have successfully restored, conserved and transformed structures and buildings of heritage value in the region” (AKDN).

 AKDN and EU signed a €9m partnership to combat COVID-19 in Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda.

March 19, 2021  AKAA announced the Steering Committee for the 2020-2022 Cycle.

March 22, 2021  HBL opened a branch in Bejing, China, the first Pakistani bank to open a branch in China’s capital city. HBL’s journey in China began in 2005 when it established its Representative Office in Beijing, which was followed by the establishment of branch operations in Urumqi in 2017.

April 8, 2021  Aga Khan Foundation opened The Silk Road: A Living History, an open-air photography exhibition by travel photographer Christopher Wilton-Steer at London’s King Cross. Comprising over 160 photographs, the exhibition invited the viewer to take a journey from London to Beijing, encountering many of the people, places and cultures along the ancient trade route. The exhibition was on display from April 8 to June 16.

Marco Polo reputedly passed en route to China (in the 13th century) through Tabriz’s Grand Bazaar in Iran, a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest covered market in the world. The Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex received an Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2013. Photo: AKDN/ Christopher Wilton-Steer

Details from the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. Photo: AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer

April 30, 2021  Prime Minister Imran Khan unveiled the plaque at a ceremony in Chinarbagh, Gilgit to lay the foundation of Hunza’s first Information Technology Park located in Nasirabad, Hunza. Established jointly by Special Communications Organization of the Government of Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, the IT Park in Hunza will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure with un-interrupted power supply, high-speed internet facility and a co- working space for small and growing businesses, start-ups, freelancers, and chamber of commerce.

 Pakistan’s first-ever doctorate in nursing was awarded by the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, SONAM, to Khairulnissa Ajani, on April 30, 2021.

May 19, 2021  Princess Zahra delivered opening remarks at the eighth Annual Pluralism Lecture. Ethiopian-American novelist Maaza Mengiste delivered the Global Centre for Pluralism’s eighth Annual Pluralism Lecture, titled The Moment of Encounter: History, Disruptions, and Transformations. The Lecture was held virtually, in partnership with the University of British Columbia.

“How we talk about history — at school, at home, and through literature — is a powerful part of how we create a sense of belonging and shared destiny as a society. Ms Mengiste’s work reminds us of the hidden stories and voices that we must seek to amplify.” Princess Zahra

Maaza Mengiste is a critically acclaimed novelist and essayist whose work examines the individual lives at stake during migration, war, and exile. Her award-winning novels include Beneath the Lion’s Gaze and The Shadow King. She described Benito Mussolini’s fascist intention to colonise Ethiopia in 1935, joining other European colonial powers staking a claim on the African continent, and the propaganda effort involved.

“The work we do at the Centre focuses on these actions and decisions needed to advance both better structural and cultural Maaza Mengiste responses to diversity. This Annual Pluralism Lecture is one such initiative. It provides us an opportunity to learn from distinguished speakers like Ms Mengiste, whose writing tackles issues at the very heart of pluralism — collective memory, historical narratives, belonging, and identity." Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism

“An important application of striving for a better world is to unpack and carefully consider the difficult, sometimes painful, lessons from our past. By learning from those mistakes, and addressing them with tangible solutions that can benefit all, we can move forward towards more pluralistic societies, together.” Meredith Preston McGhie Santa Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia The.Ismaili

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Jamati Events

Centennial of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC)

In 2019, Jamats around the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of the IVC.

The first recorded instances of the formal establishment of [IVC] were in 1919 in the cities of Bombay, now Mumbai, and Karachi. In 1920, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah granted the use of his own crest, the Taj, as the emblem of the [IVC]. Although the volunteer badge has evolved over time, a group of volunteers in India, called the Taj volunteers, still display a Taj on their caps today. From its roots in Bombay and Karachi, the tradition of uniformed volunteering spread to other Jamats around the world, and now exists in every country where the Jamat is established. The.Ismaili

Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in his IVC Colonel uniform with members of the IVC in India. Photo: The.Ismaili

Photo: Ismaili Volunteer Corps Murree Bhurban Jamatkhana (Facebook)

Prince Aly Khan in IVC uniform with IVC officers. Photo: The.Ismaili

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Ladies IVC in Kisumu, Kenya. Photo: The.Ismaili

December 4, 2019  Release of an official song, titled All Work, No Words to commemorate 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Ismaili Volunteer Corp (IVC), featuring 23 artists from 13 countries and with verses in Farsi, English, French, Urdu/Hindi, Arabic, Gujarati, and Swahili.

January 2020  Global pandemic COVID-19 resulting in lockdowns in most countries and temporary closures of Jamatkhanas.

March 20, 2020  Song titled Navroz Mubarak with lyrics in English, Hindi, Farsi, Gujarati, Russian, Portuguese, Burushaski, Arabic, as well as Shughni rap, featuring 100 Ismaili participants from 14 countries.

March 28, 2020  Music Video titled Merci pour tout, merci à vous - Jamat in France paid tribute to healthcare workers around the world.

April 22, 2020  Launch of The Ismaili TV an online streaming platform offering 24-hour programming curated for the global Jamat.

May 6, 2020  Music Video titled Heal a Heart, a tribute to healthcare and frontline workers, featuring artists from 20 countries.

May 24, 2020  Shukrana Concert, a virtual event, to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, comprising 70 Ismaili artists from around the world screened on The.Ismaili TV.

July 2020  Global encounters offering a virtual summer camp for youth and global jamat.

“And you will be asking yourselves how, as nano-players on the global scene, you could cause positive change to happen for yourselves, your families, your peoples. My answer is: hope. Fortunately, just as fear can be infectious, so hope is infectious. When individuals and families and communities, or even nations, come together around new found hope — and this hope translates into perceptible, tactile improvements in the quality of life — that new momentum can be unstoppable. The smile replaces the frown. Conversation replaces silence.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Aiglon College Graduation Ceremony, Chesières, Switzerland, June 21, 2014

July 5, 2020  Global STEM Festival (July 5- August 30, 2020) focusing on providing children and young adults of the Jamat an opportunity to explore concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Children and young adults between the ages of 3 and 17 may explore STEM fields at home with their families, select a project they’d like to work on, and then share it with the global Jamat.

July 11, 2020 – 63rd Imamat Day  Official Imamat Day song Mawla Mera Ishq Tu (tr. ‘Mawla you are my love’), featuring 63 artists from around the world to commemorate 63 years of Imamat.  Imamat Day song My Imam, featuring global musicians and young children.  Programmes at The.Ismaili to commemorate Imamat Day.

Each of the Ismaili National Council Presidents shared felicitations as the global Jamat celebrated Imamat Day together at home. Video

July 2020  TheIsmaili e-Football Cup Global Encounters programme under the umbrella of the Jubilee Games, and comprised a multitude of inter-related activities culminating in a competitive tournament. The first eSport selected for this segment was The Ismaili eFootball Cup.

July 31, 2020 – Eid al-Adha  Global Eid celebration hosted by The.Ismaili – July 31 to Aug 2

July 31, 2020  Each of the Ismaili National Council Presidents shares Eid greetings and felicitations as the global Jamat celebrates the occasion of Eid al-Adha together at home.

August 11, 2020  A multi-lingual song titled The Birds composed, produced, and performed by senior members of the Global Jamat. It is inspired by Farid ud-Din Attar's Persian poem Conference of the Birds.

August 25, 2020  Dua-e-Reham, a poem by Muhammad Iqbal set to music and performed by a group of artists from around the world.

September 1, 2020  Everything's Gonna Be Alright by the Pamoja Ensemble, with artists from Kenya and South Africa, who came together virtually and composed the song of hope and faith.

September 7, 2020  Shab-e-Didam, a song in praise of Hazrat Ali, performed by the DN Khorog Band from Tajikistan, featuring original lyrics by Persian poet and philosopher, Hafez-e Shirazi.

September 14, 2020  Music Video Nur, by Conchord, a musical trio based in the United States. The song features an English translation of ayat an-Nur from the Qur’an.

Various Music Videos at The.Ismaili

October 20, 2020  Ya Ali Madad song performed by the Dhun Kids, featuring young members of the Jamat greeting each other across the world.

December 2020  Roz-e-Jashan, performed in Farsi, commemorates the birthday of the Imam-of-the-Time and offers gratitude for the blessings of this joyous occasion.  Song titled Dear Mawla, featuring children of the Jamat from across the globe performing in different languages, in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 84th birthday.  Song titled We are the World, a re-mix of a popular track from the 1980s, performed by artists in Canada. The song’s lyrics express gratitude and love for Mawlana Hazar Imam on the occasion of his 84th birthday.  A rendition of Ek vaar maare, a popular geet dating back to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Silver Jubilee.  Khushi ka ye din (Day of Happiness), performed in five languages, and features voices and musical talent of the Jamat from around the world.  The Ismaili highlighting the programmes, initiatives, and events organised by AKDN and Jamati institutions around the world over the past 12 months.  Global celebration to the start of 2021.

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March 2021  Various programmes to commemorate Navroz at The.Ismaili  The Spirit of Nowruz - One Family, One Song A film by Dr Farzin Rezaeian, award-winning documentary and educational producer, which explores the richness and diversity of the ancient tradition of Nowruz (New Year). This colourful and joyous festival is celebrated across cultures by over 300,000 people in various countries around the world.  Navroz Mubarak1400 performed by Canadian Artist Collective  Light of Navroz, a collection of songs in various languages  Tere Nur se Mawla  Sabza Ba Naaz  Nur se Roshan - featuring 11 music artists from 6 countries. The song conveys a message of hope and love, and celebrates the infinite bounties of Allah's mercy  Ameen - A Global Prayer of Hope featuring 25 instrumentalists and singers from around the world.  Additional videos at The.Ismaili

May 2021  Music video Tere Liye (For you). Performed in six languages and featuring over a hundred artists of the Ismaili Sounds artists, the song celebrates the efforts of the volunteers around the world who have supported The Ismaili TV since its launch in 2020.

June 2021  Song titled Mawla Tera Shukriya, to express gratitude for the blessings we enjoy everyday.

July 2021  Songs titled My Imam, my iman and Rehmat ni Varsha.  Book titled Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens by Gary Otte.

Imamat Day Programme at The.Ismaili

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