Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visit Pakistan
Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa travelled to Pakistan for a six-day working visit in late October 2018, which included stops 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 of life.
In the mountainous north of Pakistan, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visited several schools operated by the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), as well as community-managed schools, where they spent time with students, teachers and management. In Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, these included the Diamond Jubilee schools in Darkut (Silgan valley) and Bilhanz (Ishkoman valley), and the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Gahkuch (Punial valley). In the remote mountainous areas of the country, AKES schools have contributed significantly to increasing access to quality education.
Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also surveyed disaster-mitigation work in areas vulnerable to natural hazards. Many villages in the mountainous north of Pakistan are vulnerable to flash flooding. In Gilgit-Baltistan in July 2018, unusually warm weather caused intensified melting of snow and glaciers which resulted in a large glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) which submerged farmland and destroyed houses in Badswat and Bilhanz villages (Ishkoman valley) in Ghizer district. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) has been supporting the local community by providing humanitarian assistance and relief. Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also surveyed community-based mitigation work, including the construction of stone wall flood defenses, undertaken in the aftermath of an earlier disaster in the village of Darkut (Silgan valley), in Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Given the importance of energy in catalysing development, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visited the Ahmedabad community-based hydropower project on the banks of the Hunza River in the valley of Central Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Mogh community-based hydropower project in Garamchashma in Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), along with other partners, has contributed to both projects, which can help protect the environment by reducing the felling of trees for firewood, a cause of soil erosion. In addition, the electricity generated by the hydropower plants provides light for students to study after nightfall, and can reduce time spent on household chores.
While in Chitral district, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visited the Aga Khan Girls Hostel in the village of Booni, which provides accommodation for female students from remote villages, and the Aga Khan Medical Centre Booni. In Garamchashma, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also visited the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, which is operated by the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) under a public-private partnership agreement. Both medical facilities, in Booni and Garamchashma, are part of a “hub and spokes” model of healthcare delivery connecting centres, including the Aga Khan University (AKU) Hospital in Karachi and standalone clinics in remote areas, through telemedicine and e-health services. This link allows for the remote treatment of patients and training of medical staff, minimizing barriers of distance and time, and facilitating access to high-quality health care in isolated areas at an affordable cost.
In Karachi, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa spent a day at the Aga Khan University (AKU) where they toured the new Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) and attended presentations on childhood malnutrition and stunting, youth mental health, and stem cell research. While in Karachi, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also had further discussions with local leadership on poverty alleviation and development.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/prince-rahim-a ... t-pakistan
Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa travelled to Pakistan for a six-day working visit in late October 2018, which included stops 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 of life.
In the mountainous north of Pakistan, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visited several schools operated by the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), as well as community-managed schools, where they spent time with students, teachers and management. In Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, these included the Diamond Jubilee schools in Darkut (Silgan valley) and Bilhanz (Ishkoman valley), and the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Gahkuch (Punial valley). In the remote mountainous areas of the country, AKES schools have contributed significantly to increasing access to quality education.
Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also surveyed disaster-mitigation work in areas vulnerable to natural hazards. Many villages in the mountainous north of Pakistan are vulnerable to flash flooding. In Gilgit-Baltistan in July 2018, unusually warm weather caused intensified melting of snow and glaciers which resulted in a large glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) which submerged farmland and destroyed houses in Badswat and Bilhanz villages (Ishkoman valley) in Ghizer district. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) has been supporting the local community by providing humanitarian assistance and relief. Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also surveyed community-based mitigation work, including the construction of stone wall flood defenses, undertaken in the aftermath of an earlier disaster in the village of Darkut (Silgan valley), in Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Given the importance of energy in catalysing development, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visited the Ahmedabad community-based hydropower project on the banks of the Hunza River in the valley of Central Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Mogh community-based hydropower project in Garamchashma in Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), along with other partners, has contributed to both projects, which can help protect the environment by reducing the felling of trees for firewood, a cause of soil erosion. In addition, the electricity generated by the hydropower plants provides light for students to study after nightfall, and can reduce time spent on household chores.
While in Chitral district, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa visited the Aga Khan Girls Hostel in the village of Booni, which provides accommodation for female students from remote villages, and the Aga Khan Medical Centre Booni. In Garamchashma, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also visited the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, which is operated by the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) under a public-private partnership agreement. Both medical facilities, in Booni and Garamchashma, are part of a “hub and spokes” model of healthcare delivery connecting centres, including the Aga Khan University (AKU) Hospital in Karachi and standalone clinics in remote areas, through telemedicine and e-health services. This link allows for the remote treatment of patients and training of medical staff, minimizing barriers of distance and time, and facilitating access to high-quality health care in isolated areas at an affordable cost.
In Karachi, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa spent a day at the Aga Khan University (AKU) where they toured the new Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) and attended presentations on childhood malnutrition and stunting, youth mental health, and stem cell research. While in Karachi, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa also had further discussions with local leadership on poverty alleviation and development.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/prince-rahim-a ... t-pakistan
AKDN, AKU & University of Washington M.O.U. 2019-03-04
http://www.washington.edu/news/2019/03/ ... education/
March 4, 2019
University of Washington and Aga Khan University sign agreement to further population health, research, service and education
Jackson Holtz
UW News
SEATTLE — The University of Washington today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Aga Khan University to codify partnership activities already underway and to leverage complementary strengths 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 Aga Khan and Princess Salwa Aga Khan, nee Kendra Spears, UW Class of ‘12, and AKU Provost Carl Amrhein. The Princess played a key role in encouraging the nascent partnership.
“We are honored 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,” Cauce said.
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 HIV/AIDs and HPV, and a range of other faculty collaborations.
“Ultimately, this partnership is about two universities based on opposite sides of the globe coming together on the basis of their shared values to advance knowledge and create opportunities for learning and discovery that benefit people in both the developed and developing worlds,” Rasul said. “Even prior to the signing of this agreement we have begun collaborating on several important projects, and I am confident that we will have a significant impact in multiple countries in the years ahead.”
Under the agreement, the UW will offer the AKU and AKDN technical advice and guidance in data science and implementation science, access to formal degree and training programs, and advice and support in transforming the AKU into a research-intensive university. The parties will also seek to expand the number of joint research activities and student and faculty exchanges.
The University of Washington was founded in 1861 and is one of the pre-eminent public higher education and research institutions in the world. The UW has more than 100 members of the National Academies, elite programs in many fields, and annual standing since 1974 among the top five universities in receipt of federal research funding. Learn more at uw.edu.
The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education that works to improve quality of life in the developing world and beyond. The University operates campuses and programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom, and treats more than 2 million patients per year at seven hospitals and more than 300 medical centers. For more information, visit www.aku.edu.
AKU is one of 10 agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s largest private international development organizations. Working mainly in Africa and South and Central Asia, AKDN helps those in need to improve their own lives through a long-term, multifaceted approach to development that spans economic, social and cultural dimensions. For more information, please visit: www.akdn.org/
###
Media Contacts:
Jackson Holtz
University of Washington
O: 206-543-2580
Email: jjholtz@uw.edu
Brian Peterson
Aga Khan University
O/ M: 407-492-8985
Email: brian.peterson@aku.edu
March 4, 2019
University of Washington and Aga Khan University sign agreement to further population health, research, service and education
Jackson Holtz
UW News
SEATTLE — The University of Washington today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Aga Khan University to codify partnership activities already underway and to leverage complementary strengths 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 Aga Khan and Princess Salwa Aga Khan, nee Kendra Spears, UW Class of ‘12, and AKU Provost Carl Amrhein. The Princess played a key role in encouraging the nascent partnership.
“We are honored 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,” Cauce said.
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 HIV/AIDs and HPV, and a range of other faculty collaborations.
“Ultimately, this partnership is about two universities based on opposite sides of the globe coming together on the basis of their shared values to advance knowledge and create opportunities for learning and discovery that benefit people in both the developed and developing worlds,” Rasul said. “Even prior to the signing of this agreement we have begun collaborating on several important projects, and I am confident that we will have a significant impact in multiple countries in the years ahead.”
Under the agreement, the UW will offer the AKU and AKDN technical advice and guidance in data science and implementation science, access to formal degree and training programs, and advice and support in transforming the AKU into a research-intensive university. The parties will also seek to expand the number of joint research activities and student and faculty exchanges.
The University of Washington was founded in 1861 and is one of the pre-eminent public higher education and research institutions in the world. The UW has more than 100 members of the National Academies, elite programs in many fields, and annual standing since 1974 among the top five universities in receipt of federal research funding. Learn more at uw.edu.
The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education that works to improve quality of life in the developing world and beyond. The University operates campuses and programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom, and treats more than 2 million patients per year at seven hospitals and more than 300 medical centers. For more information, visit www.aku.edu.
AKU is one of 10 agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s largest private international development organizations. Working mainly in Africa and South and Central Asia, AKDN helps those in need to improve their own lives through a long-term, multifaceted approach to development that spans economic, social and cultural dimensions. For more information, please visit: www.akdn.org/
###
Media Contacts:
Jackson Holtz
University of Washington
O: 206-543-2580
Email: jjholtz@uw.edu
Brian Peterson
Aga Khan University
O/ M: 407-492-8985
Email: brian.peterson@aku.edu
2019, March 4 - AKDN's Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Princess Salwa attended signing of M.O.U between AKU and University of Washington of an agreement to further population health, research, service and education. Princess Salwa played a key role in encouraging the partnership.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-03-04-washington3.jpg)
Photo: From left to right: Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Princess Salwa Aga Khan, UW President Ana Mari Cauce, Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul, UW Provost Mark Richards and AKU Provost Carl Amrhein.Mark Stone/University of Washington
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-03-04-washington2.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-03-04-washington1.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-03-04-washington3.jpg)
Photo: From left to right: Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Princess Salwa Aga Khan, UW President Ana Mari Cauce, Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul, UW Provost Mark Richards and AKU Provost Carl Amrhein.Mark Stone/University of Washington
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-03-04-washington2.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-03-04-washington1.jpg)
2019, May 6: Air Italy’s inaugural flight to Toronto took off today from Milan Malpensa following a launch ceremony featuring media and dignitaries led by Rahim Aga Khan, Sultan Ali Allana, Director Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Operating Officer Air Italy, and Armando Brunini, Chief Executive Officer SEA.
Courtesy: @airitaly
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-05-06-air-italy.jpg)
https://www.varesenews.it/2019/05/air-i ... to/817878/
Air Italy inaugura il primo Milano – Toronto
La Compagnia aerea lancia oggi il primo volo non-stop per il Canada. Toronto è la terza nuova destinazione internazionale del 2019 da Malpensa, per "battezzarla" c'era anche l'ad di Sea Brunini
È decollato oggi, lunedì 6 maggio, il primo volo diretto da Milano verso la città canadese di Toronto, la quinta nuova destinazione nordamericana della Compagnia servita dal proprio hub di Malpensa.
La prima rotta di Air Italy verso il Canada sarà operativa sei volte alla settimana (ogni giorno tranne il giovedì). Il servizio tra Milano Malpensa e Toronto, la città capitale della provincia dell’Ontario, sarà stagionale ed è programmato fino al 25 ottobre 2019.
Toronto è la terza nuova destinazione inaugurata da Air Itali nel 2019, dopo Los Angeles e San Francisco, le nuove rotte aperte rispettivamente lo scorso 3 e 10 aprile.
«Il nostro network, grazie alla nuova linea da Milano per Toronto, si arricchisce di un nuovo collegamento che riflette chiaramente l’importanza del mercato nordamericano per la nostra Compagnia» dice il Chief Operating Officer di Air Italy, Rossen Dimitrov. «Esiste un enorme potenziale di crescita sulla direttrice verso il Canada, un Paese che presenta una forte posizione economica, importanti relazioni a livello globale e un’ampia comunità di italiani che vi vivono stabilmente.»
«Toronto e Milano sono inoltre città gemellate ed entrambe queste realtà cosmopolite e multiculturali sono importanti centri per il commercio, attrattori di investimenti, oltre che rilevanti centri culturali. Chiaramente ci aspettiamo una crescita del turismo verso il Canada, ma anche un aumento degli scambi commerciali e quindi di viaggi per lavoro legati ai settori della moda, dell’alimentazione e della cultura».
Al taglio del nastro al check-in era presente anche l’ad di Sea Armando Brunini, a dimostrare l’importanza che Air Italy riveste per l’aeroporto, con il suo progetto di nuovo hub (su Malpensa convergono infatti anche diversi voli nazionali di feederaggio). Brunini ha sottolineato come quest’estate – che è anche l’estate della chiusura di Linate – ci saranno ben 83 voli settimanali verso il Nord America, «un mercato che ha ancora del potenziale che Air Italy sta intuendo».
Il Milano-Toronto è operato da un Airbus A330-200, dotato anche di wi-fi a bordo.
di Redazione redazione@varesenews.it
Courtesy: @airitaly
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-05-06-air-italy.jpg)
https://www.varesenews.it/2019/05/air-i ... to/817878/
Air Italy inaugura il primo Milano – Toronto
La Compagnia aerea lancia oggi il primo volo non-stop per il Canada. Toronto è la terza nuova destinazione internazionale del 2019 da Malpensa, per "battezzarla" c'era anche l'ad di Sea Brunini
È decollato oggi, lunedì 6 maggio, il primo volo diretto da Milano verso la città canadese di Toronto, la quinta nuova destinazione nordamericana della Compagnia servita dal proprio hub di Malpensa.
La prima rotta di Air Italy verso il Canada sarà operativa sei volte alla settimana (ogni giorno tranne il giovedì). Il servizio tra Milano Malpensa e Toronto, la città capitale della provincia dell’Ontario, sarà stagionale ed è programmato fino al 25 ottobre 2019.
Toronto è la terza nuova destinazione inaugurata da Air Itali nel 2019, dopo Los Angeles e San Francisco, le nuove rotte aperte rispettivamente lo scorso 3 e 10 aprile.
«Il nostro network, grazie alla nuova linea da Milano per Toronto, si arricchisce di un nuovo collegamento che riflette chiaramente l’importanza del mercato nordamericano per la nostra Compagnia» dice il Chief Operating Officer di Air Italy, Rossen Dimitrov. «Esiste un enorme potenziale di crescita sulla direttrice verso il Canada, un Paese che presenta una forte posizione economica, importanti relazioni a livello globale e un’ampia comunità di italiani che vi vivono stabilmente.»
«Toronto e Milano sono inoltre città gemellate ed entrambe queste realtà cosmopolite e multiculturali sono importanti centri per il commercio, attrattori di investimenti, oltre che rilevanti centri culturali. Chiaramente ci aspettiamo una crescita del turismo verso il Canada, ma anche un aumento degli scambi commerciali e quindi di viaggi per lavoro legati ai settori della moda, dell’alimentazione e della cultura».
Al taglio del nastro al check-in era presente anche l’ad di Sea Armando Brunini, a dimostrare l’importanza che Air Italy riveste per l’aeroporto, con il suo progetto di nuovo hub (su Malpensa convergono infatti anche diversi voli nazionali di feederaggio). Brunini ha sottolineato come quest’estate – che è anche l’estate della chiusura di Linate – ci saranno ben 83 voli settimanali verso il Nord America, «un mercato che ha ancora del potenziale che Air Italy sta intuendo».
Il Milano-Toronto è operato da un Airbus A330-200, dotato anche di wi-fi a bordo.
di Redazione redazione@varesenews.it
Air Italy inaugurates the first Milan - Toronto
The airline launches today the first non-stop flight to Canada. Toronto is the third new international destination of 2019 from Malpensa, to "baptize" there was also the CEO of Sea Brunini
The first direct flight from Milan to the Canadian city of Toronto , the Company's fifth new North American destination served by its Malpensa hub took off today, Monday 6 May .
Air Italy's first route to Canada will be operational six times a week (every day except Thursday). The service between Milan Malpensa and Toronto, the capital city of the province of Ontario, will be seasonal and is scheduled until 25 October 2019 .
Toronto is the third new destination inaugurated by Air Itali in 2019, after Los Angeles and San Francisco, the new routes opened respectively on 3 and 10 April.
"Our network, thanks to the new line from Milan to Toronto, is enriched by a new connection that clearly reflects the importance of the North American market for our Company" says Air Italy's Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov . "There is enormous potential for growth on the route to Canada, a country that has a strong economic position, important global relations and a large community of Italians who live there permanently."
" Toronto and Milan are also twin cities and both these cosmopolitan and multicultural realities are important centers of commerce, attractors of investments, as well as important cultural centers. Clearly we expect a growth of tourism to Canada, but also an increase in commercial exchanges and therefore of journeys for work related to the sectors of fashion, food and culture " .
Sea Armando Brunini's CEO was also present at the ribbon-cutting check-in to demonstrate the importance that Air Italy has for the airport, with its new hub project (in fact, several domestic flights from Malpensa converge on Malpensa airport). feederage ). Brunini emphasized that this summer - which is also the summer of the closing of Linate - there will be as many as 83 weekly flights to North America, "a market that still has the potential that Air Italy is intuiting".
The Milan-Toronto is operated by an Airbus A330-200, also equipped with wi-fi on board.
https://www.varesenews.it/2019/05/air-i ... to/817878/
The airline launches today the first non-stop flight to Canada. Toronto is the third new international destination of 2019 from Malpensa, to "baptize" there was also the CEO of Sea Brunini
The first direct flight from Milan to the Canadian city of Toronto , the Company's fifth new North American destination served by its Malpensa hub took off today, Monday 6 May .
Air Italy's first route to Canada will be operational six times a week (every day except Thursday). The service between Milan Malpensa and Toronto, the capital city of the province of Ontario, will be seasonal and is scheduled until 25 October 2019 .
Toronto is the third new destination inaugurated by Air Itali in 2019, after Los Angeles and San Francisco, the new routes opened respectively on 3 and 10 April.
"Our network, thanks to the new line from Milan to Toronto, is enriched by a new connection that clearly reflects the importance of the North American market for our Company" says Air Italy's Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov . "There is enormous potential for growth on the route to Canada, a country that has a strong economic position, important global relations and a large community of Italians who live there permanently."
" Toronto and Milan are also twin cities and both these cosmopolitan and multicultural realities are important centers of commerce, attractors of investments, as well as important cultural centers. Clearly we expect a growth of tourism to Canada, but also an increase in commercial exchanges and therefore of journeys for work related to the sectors of fashion, food and culture " .
Sea Armando Brunini's CEO was also present at the ribbon-cutting check-in to demonstrate the importance that Air Italy has for the airport, with its new hub project (in fact, several domestic flights from Malpensa converge on Malpensa airport). feederage ). Brunini emphasized that this summer - which is also the summer of the closing of Linate - there will be as many as 83 weekly flights to North America, "a market that still has the potential that Air Italy is intuiting".
The Milan-Toronto is operated by an Airbus A330-200, also equipped with wi-fi on board.
https://www.varesenews.it/2019/05/air-i ... to/817878/
Re: Prince Rahim meet Vatican representative/ AKDN
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... -pe%C3%B1a
Prince Rahim Aga Khan meets with the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra
Portugal · 27 May 2022 ·
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-05-27-prince-rahim-vatican.jpg)
Lisbon, Portugal, 13 May 2022 – Yesterday, Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, was welcomed at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon by Prince Rahim Aga Khan, accompanied by Mr Nazim Ahmad, the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, and Mr Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili National Council.
The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the international context in regions of the world where the Ismaili Imamat and the Holy See have a strong presence, the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) around the world, and the relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Portugal. In particular, they discussed pathways of cooperation for the improvement of the quality of life of populations in Lusophone countries and in other regions of the world.
Monsignor Peña Parra is visiting Portugal to inaugurate venues for the celebrations of World Youth Day, which will take place in Lisbon in August 2023, and to lead the ceremonies to commemorate the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. During his visit, he will also meet with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Prime Minister António Costa.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-05-27-prince-rahim-vatican2.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-05-27-prince-rahim-vatican3.jpg)
Prince Rahim Aga Khan meets with the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra
Portugal · 27 May 2022 ·
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-05-27-prince-rahim-vatican.jpg)
Lisbon, Portugal, 13 May 2022 – Yesterday, Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, was welcomed at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon by Prince Rahim Aga Khan, accompanied by Mr Nazim Ahmad, the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, and Mr Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili National Council.
The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the international context in regions of the world where the Ismaili Imamat and the Holy See have a strong presence, the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) around the world, and the relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Portugal. In particular, they discussed pathways of cooperation for the improvement of the quality of life of populations in Lusophone countries and in other regions of the world.
Monsignor Peña Parra is visiting Portugal to inaugurate venues for the celebrations of World Youth Day, which will take place in Lisbon in August 2023, and to lead the ceremonies to commemorate the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. During his visit, he will also meet with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Prime Minister António Costa.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-05-27-prince-rahim-vatican2.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-05-27-prince-rahim-vatican3.jpg)
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... he-vatican
Prince Rahim Aga Khan meets with His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra at the Vatican
Vatican · 9 November 2022
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-09-vatican2.jpg)
His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, and Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Divisione Produzione Fotografica / Vatican Media
Vatican, 9 November 2022 - Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, during a courtesy visit to the Vatican. Prince Rahim Aga Khan also briefly met His Holiness Pope Francis and conveyed respectful good wishes. Prince Rahim, the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was accompanied by a small delegation of officials to dialogue on potential areas of future cooperation, such as improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities and combatting climate change. The institutions of the Ismaili Imamat and those of the Catholic Church closely cooperate in Portugal to deliver early childhood development and care for the elderly, amongst other areas.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-09-vatican1.jpg)
His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, and Prince Rahim Aga Khan with members of his delegation (Left to Right): Fayyaz Nurmohamed, Director of Communications; Luis Monreal, General Manager, AKTC; Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal; Malik Talib, Chairman, Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum; Michael Kocher, General Manager, AKF; and Rahim Kassam, Executive Director, Imamat Delegation in Portugal.
Divisione Produzione Fotografica / Vatican Media
Prince Rahim Aga Khan meets with His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra at the Vatican
Vatican · 9 November 2022
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-09-vatican2.jpg)
His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, and Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Divisione Produzione Fotografica / Vatican Media
Vatican, 9 November 2022 - Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, during a courtesy visit to the Vatican. Prince Rahim Aga Khan also briefly met His Holiness Pope Francis and conveyed respectful good wishes. Prince Rahim, the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was accompanied by a small delegation of officials to dialogue on potential areas of future cooperation, such as improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities and combatting climate change. The institutions of the Ismaili Imamat and those of the Catholic Church closely cooperate in Portugal to deliver early childhood development and care for the elderly, amongst other areas.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-09-vatican1.jpg)
His Excellency Reverend Dom Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, and Prince Rahim Aga Khan with members of his delegation (Left to Right): Fayyaz Nurmohamed, Director of Communications; Luis Monreal, General Manager, AKTC; Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal; Malik Talib, Chairman, Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum; Michael Kocher, General Manager, AKF; and Rahim Kassam, Executive Director, Imamat Delegation in Portugal.
Divisione Produzione Fotografica / Vatican Media
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
https://www.osservatoreromano.va/en/new ... -vati.html
Archbishop Peña Parra welcomes Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the Vatican
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-09-romano.jpeg)
On Wednesday, 9 November, His Excellency Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan during his courtesy visit to the Vatican. Present also were: Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili and Senior Official of Portuguese Affairs and other Lusophone Countries, Michael Kocher, Director General of the Aga Khan Foundation (Social Development), Luis Monreal, Director General of Aga Khan Fund for Culture and Malik Talib, Chairman of the Leaders’ International Forum.
Vatican
Archbishop Peña Parra welcomes Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the Vatican
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-09-romano.jpeg)
On Wednesday, 9 November, His Excellency Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan during his courtesy visit to the Vatican. Present also were: Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili and Senior Official of Portuguese Affairs and other Lusophone Countries, Michael Kocher, Director General of the Aga Khan Foundation (Social Development), Luis Monreal, Director General of Aga Khan Fund for Culture and Malik Talib, Chairman of the Leaders’ International Forum.
Vatican
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
AKF_Global and Sintra City Council presented the results of Bytes4Future, a digital upskilling programme for vulnerable youth. Prince Rahim Aga Khan joined the Mayor of Sintra, Basílio Horta, at the Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval, Portugal.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... able-youth
Bytes4Future: Digital upskilling for vulnerable youth
Portugal · 15 November 2022
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-15-digital.jpg)
Sintra, Portugal, 15 November 2022 - The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Sintra City Council presented the results of Bytes4Future, a digital upskilling programme for vulnerable youth. Prince Rahim Aga Khan joined the Mayor of Sintra, Basílio Horta, the President of the Foundation for Science and Technology, Madalena Alves and other experts at the Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval, Sintra, Portugal. A roundtable was held on “Future skills and emerging trends”, and two alumni spoke about what the programme had meant for them.
Bytes4Future is a 17-week programme that enables socioeconomically marginalised participants aged 18 to 29 to develop their programming, multimedia and English skills, involving relevant companies to provide access to employment. It aims to break the cycle of social exclusion and poverty and meet the demand for digital skills in Portugal’s labour market.
AKF created Bytes4Future in 2020 in partnership with the Run Code School, the Municipality of Sintra and the Portugal Social Innovation Partnership for Impact. It is co-funded by AKF Portugal, the Portugal Social Innovation Programme (through EU funding) and the Sintra Municipal Council.
The initiative has already reached more than 200 youth (25 percent girls). The demanding programme includes seven weeks of preparation, including goal setting, English language and multimedia skills, and a bootcamp consisting of 10 intensive weeks of programming, additionally covering skills such as design thinking and pitching. Participants graduate as junior full stack developers, 98 percent finding employment within six months.
Bytes4Future will next expand its response to youth in other geographies and in new areas of technology. The team is developing a curriculum in Data and Business Analytics, to be rolled out in the next cohort. AKF is scaling up by training more trainers, and is using a digital platform to support participants and provide remote bootcamp delivery. Bytes4Future will expand to Porto later this year and to Lisbon in 2023, remaining in Sintra for another three years.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... able-youth
Bytes4Future: Digital upskilling for vulnerable youth
Portugal · 15 November 2022
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-11-15-digital.jpg)
Sintra, Portugal, 15 November 2022 - The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Sintra City Council presented the results of Bytes4Future, a digital upskilling programme for vulnerable youth. Prince Rahim Aga Khan joined the Mayor of Sintra, Basílio Horta, the President of the Foundation for Science and Technology, Madalena Alves and other experts at the Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval, Sintra, Portugal. A roundtable was held on “Future skills and emerging trends”, and two alumni spoke about what the programme had meant for them.
Bytes4Future is a 17-week programme that enables socioeconomically marginalised participants aged 18 to 29 to develop their programming, multimedia and English skills, involving relevant companies to provide access to employment. It aims to break the cycle of social exclusion and poverty and meet the demand for digital skills in Portugal’s labour market.
AKF created Bytes4Future in 2020 in partnership with the Run Code School, the Municipality of Sintra and the Portugal Social Innovation Partnership for Impact. It is co-funded by AKF Portugal, the Portugal Social Innovation Programme (through EU funding) and the Sintra Municipal Council.
The initiative has already reached more than 200 youth (25 percent girls). The demanding programme includes seven weeks of preparation, including goal setting, English language and multimedia skills, and a bootcamp consisting of 10 intensive weeks of programming, additionally covering skills such as design thinking and pitching. Participants graduate as junior full stack developers, 98 percent finding employment within six months.
Bytes4Future will next expand its response to youth in other geographies and in new areas of technology. The team is developing a curriculum in Data and Business Analytics, to be rolled out in the next cohort. AKF is scaling up by training more trainers, and is using a digital platform to support participants and provide remote bootcamp delivery. Bytes4Future will expand to Porto later this year and to Lisbon in 2023, remaining in Sintra for another three years.
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
2022, December 8: The Nation Media Grp’s kusiafrica is taking place between 8-9 December in Nairobi, Kenya. Prince Rahim will be making remarks, on 8 December 2022, starting at 9:00am EAT. NMG was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1959.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-12-08-rahim.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-12-08-rahim.jpg)
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/kusi-i ... ca-4048794
Kusi Ideas Festival opens with call for more funding to combat climate change in Africa
Friday, December 09, 2022
By
Nation Team
Nation Media Group
African nations have been urged to do more to fund climate change mitigation even as they wait for developed countries to fulfil their pledges on funding.
This was said at the fourth edition of the Kusi Ideas Festival at Karura Forest in Nairobi, which brings together environment champions.
Exploring African responses and solutions to climate change is timely, because climate breakdown threatens Africa and the world, said Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.
The Prince promised to spearhead responsible stewardship of the environment and promote research to address environmental degradation and climate change.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Prince Rahim also promised that the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) targets to have zero net emissions by 2030.
This, he said, would help restore the natural environment, whose degradation has been occasioned by greenhouse gas emissions.
“The continent has, in recent times, seen a multitude of natural disasters due to climate change, including floods, locust infestations, water scarcity, and food shortages.”
“Currently, some 40 million people in the Horn of Africa are facing famine as a result of the drought, which is robbing Africa, whose strength has always been her people and their resilience, of her most valuable resource,” said Prince Rahim.
“Today, you will hear how temperatures in Africa are rising — and are set to rise faster than the global average during the 21st century.”
“You will also hear that, while Africa has contributed negligibly to the changing climate; being responsible for only two to three percent of global emissions, it stands out disproportionately as the most vulnerable continent in the world to climate change — a vulnerability exacerbated by the continent’s prevailing low levels of socioeconomic growth.”
Carbon sequestration
“This festival brings together some of the best minds in Africa to take this agenda forward and, most importantly, implement the ideas and solutions that will be discussed here,” he added.
As a way of leading by example, Prince Rahim explained, AKDN has eliminated 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by installing solar plants, and generated six million kilowatts of clean energy.
The next plan, he disclosed, is to plant more than 500 acres of mangroves in the Kenyan coast to enable carbon sequestration, as the Nation Media Group (NMG) embarks on cutting emissions by implementing a digital transformation.
In a speech read on his behalf by Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, President William Ruto said Africa has the potential to provide solutions for the global climate change crisis, even as it recovers from Covid-19 and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, drought and high food prices. He, however, noted that this may be curtailed by inadequate finances.
“It is projected that Africa will need to invest over Sh368 trillion for mitigation and adaptation by 2030 to implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement.”
“The bulk of these resources were supposed to come from the rich industrialised nations responsible for the heaviest pollution, but this has never taken off.”
“In East Africa, our Climate Change Master Plan is woefully underfunded. I challenge this festival to tackle the question of how to resource Africa’s response to climate change without relying on outside help,” said the President.
“I urge every Kenyan to plant trees equivalent to their age on each birthday. Our population is about 55 million and its median age is 20 years. The trees that would be planted through the scheme are 1.1 billion annually.”
“If the world, whose median age is 30 years, were to adopt this strategy, it would result in planting 120 billion to 240 billion trees annually, thus providing the rapid healing the world needs,” he urged.
Pressing problems
“If each Kenyan plants four trees every year on Mother’s Day, to honor Mother Earth, Mother Africa, Kenya, our Motherland and our mother, the biological parent, the initiative would yield 220 million trees annually. If, once again, the world adopts our approach, the number of trees planted would be 32 billion, now that the world’s population has hit the eight billion mark,” added President Ruto.
Nation Media Group Chairman Wilfred Kiboro
Dr Wilfred Kiboro, the chairperson of the NMG board, said that Africa needs to generate solutions to its pressing problems, while helping the continent find its place in the global sphere.
While announcing the setting up of the Nation Media Foundation, Dr Kiboro explained that the foundation will advance climate change initiatives, which will also be supported by the government and development partners.
This, he said, will further boost what NMG has done in dealing with plastic waste, promoting tree planting, and providing leadership in reporting the big environmental and climate change issues of our times.
“Climate change is as important a reason as any for Africa to come together. Our shared lakes and rivers are either overflowing and causing disastrous floods, or drying out and plunging tens of millions of our people in hunger.”
“Karura Forest is a monumental symbol of victory from an intense environmental struggle of the 1990s in Kenya, and is a perfect backdrop to the question of the climate change crisis,” said Dr Kiboro.
“With a different set of circumstances, Karura might not have survived. We owe its survival to many brave Kenyan activists, some of whom paid the ultimate price for their action with prison, and death. I am proud to point out that the Nation Media Group answered the call of duty and offered its muscle to bolster the campaign to save Karura.”
“NMG raised funds for the fencing off of 440 kilometres of the Aberdare Forest to save the water tower for Nairobi. This also contributed to reducing human-wildlife conflict,” he added.
In her remarks, Ms Anne Waiguru, the chairperson of the Council of Governors, explained that the increase in frequency and severity of disasters such as droughts, floods, landslides and an influx of diseases and pests demonstrates the reality of climate change, which has negatively impacted communities.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms Waiguru said 44 county governments had established county climate change funds and drew resources from a third of county budgets to finance mitigation and adaptation activities.
Forty-five county governments have also established climate change units.
All 47 county governments have designated county executive committee members in charge of climate change and 30 counties have ward climate change planning committees, said Ms Waiguru, the Kirinyaga County governor.
However, she pointed out, although the interventions are noble, many county governments struggle with funding and human resources.
“I call upon all partners in this platform to collaborate with county governments to make Kenya’s mitigation and adaptation goals a reality.”
“I also urge other media institutions to use their platforms to amplify the good stories of climate action from various regions that can be replicated both locally and regionally for the betterment of our people and the generations to come,” she said.
In a virtual speech, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the climate crisis is a threat to Africa’s development, as he called on the big emitters to make true their vow on climate financing.
For his part, Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango said agricultural production in most African countries has gone down and leaders should explore options of building innovative technology to deal with challenges of increasing food safety.
“It is apparent that the current climate crisis is curtailing our efforts to achieve accelerated economic growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction targets. Let us join forces and invest in innovative technologies to fight and combat climate change and associated challenges towards a better future,” Dr Mpango said.
The latest report from the National Drought Management Authority shows that a total of 4.35 million people living in arid and semi-arid lands (Asals) are still in need of humanitarian assistance due to drought; 942,000 children aged between six months and five years and 134,000 pregnant or lactating women are also struggling with acute malnutrition as they access treatment.
With northern Kenya struggling with poor rainfall attributed to climate change, the situation is likely to get worse, as regions such as Mandera and parts of Wajir and northern eastern Marsabit are forecasted to receive near average to below average rainfall during in December.
Adversely impacted
Parts of agro-pastoral clusters, including the southern parts of West Pokot and western Baringo, are also forecasted to receive near average to below average rainfall.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes that Africa is highly vulnerable and adversely impacted by climate change, and that the effects of climate change such as increasing temperatures and sea levels, changing precipitation patterns and more extreme weather threatens human health and safety, food and water security and socio-economic development.
“Increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns also significantly affect population health across Africa. Warmer temperatures and higher rainfall increase habitat suitability for biting insects and the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever.
“In addition, new diseases are emerging in regions where they were previously not present,” says IPCC.
Reporting by Mercy Chelang’at, Leon Lidigu and Ndubi Moturi
Kusi Ideas Festival opens with call for more funding to combat climate change in Africa
Friday, December 09, 2022
By
Nation Team
Nation Media Group
African nations have been urged to do more to fund climate change mitigation even as they wait for developed countries to fulfil their pledges on funding.
This was said at the fourth edition of the Kusi Ideas Festival at Karura Forest in Nairobi, which brings together environment champions.
Exploring African responses and solutions to climate change is timely, because climate breakdown threatens Africa and the world, said Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.
The Prince promised to spearhead responsible stewardship of the environment and promote research to address environmental degradation and climate change.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Prince Rahim also promised that the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) targets to have zero net emissions by 2030.
This, he said, would help restore the natural environment, whose degradation has been occasioned by greenhouse gas emissions.
“The continent has, in recent times, seen a multitude of natural disasters due to climate change, including floods, locust infestations, water scarcity, and food shortages.”
“Currently, some 40 million people in the Horn of Africa are facing famine as a result of the drought, which is robbing Africa, whose strength has always been her people and their resilience, of her most valuable resource,” said Prince Rahim.
“Today, you will hear how temperatures in Africa are rising — and are set to rise faster than the global average during the 21st century.”
“You will also hear that, while Africa has contributed negligibly to the changing climate; being responsible for only two to three percent of global emissions, it stands out disproportionately as the most vulnerable continent in the world to climate change — a vulnerability exacerbated by the continent’s prevailing low levels of socioeconomic growth.”
Carbon sequestration
“This festival brings together some of the best minds in Africa to take this agenda forward and, most importantly, implement the ideas and solutions that will be discussed here,” he added.
As a way of leading by example, Prince Rahim explained, AKDN has eliminated 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by installing solar plants, and generated six million kilowatts of clean energy.
The next plan, he disclosed, is to plant more than 500 acres of mangroves in the Kenyan coast to enable carbon sequestration, as the Nation Media Group (NMG) embarks on cutting emissions by implementing a digital transformation.
In a speech read on his behalf by Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, President William Ruto said Africa has the potential to provide solutions for the global climate change crisis, even as it recovers from Covid-19 and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, drought and high food prices. He, however, noted that this may be curtailed by inadequate finances.
“It is projected that Africa will need to invest over Sh368 trillion for mitigation and adaptation by 2030 to implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement.”
“The bulk of these resources were supposed to come from the rich industrialised nations responsible for the heaviest pollution, but this has never taken off.”
“In East Africa, our Climate Change Master Plan is woefully underfunded. I challenge this festival to tackle the question of how to resource Africa’s response to climate change without relying on outside help,” said the President.
“I urge every Kenyan to plant trees equivalent to their age on each birthday. Our population is about 55 million and its median age is 20 years. The trees that would be planted through the scheme are 1.1 billion annually.”
“If the world, whose median age is 30 years, were to adopt this strategy, it would result in planting 120 billion to 240 billion trees annually, thus providing the rapid healing the world needs,” he urged.
Pressing problems
“If each Kenyan plants four trees every year on Mother’s Day, to honor Mother Earth, Mother Africa, Kenya, our Motherland and our mother, the biological parent, the initiative would yield 220 million trees annually. If, once again, the world adopts our approach, the number of trees planted would be 32 billion, now that the world’s population has hit the eight billion mark,” added President Ruto.
Nation Media Group Chairman Wilfred Kiboro
Dr Wilfred Kiboro, the chairperson of the NMG board, said that Africa needs to generate solutions to its pressing problems, while helping the continent find its place in the global sphere.
While announcing the setting up of the Nation Media Foundation, Dr Kiboro explained that the foundation will advance climate change initiatives, which will also be supported by the government and development partners.
This, he said, will further boost what NMG has done in dealing with plastic waste, promoting tree planting, and providing leadership in reporting the big environmental and climate change issues of our times.
“Climate change is as important a reason as any for Africa to come together. Our shared lakes and rivers are either overflowing and causing disastrous floods, or drying out and plunging tens of millions of our people in hunger.”
“Karura Forest is a monumental symbol of victory from an intense environmental struggle of the 1990s in Kenya, and is a perfect backdrop to the question of the climate change crisis,” said Dr Kiboro.
“With a different set of circumstances, Karura might not have survived. We owe its survival to many brave Kenyan activists, some of whom paid the ultimate price for their action with prison, and death. I am proud to point out that the Nation Media Group answered the call of duty and offered its muscle to bolster the campaign to save Karura.”
“NMG raised funds for the fencing off of 440 kilometres of the Aberdare Forest to save the water tower for Nairobi. This also contributed to reducing human-wildlife conflict,” he added.
In her remarks, Ms Anne Waiguru, the chairperson of the Council of Governors, explained that the increase in frequency and severity of disasters such as droughts, floods, landslides and an influx of diseases and pests demonstrates the reality of climate change, which has negatively impacted communities.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms Waiguru said 44 county governments had established county climate change funds and drew resources from a third of county budgets to finance mitigation and adaptation activities.
Forty-five county governments have also established climate change units.
All 47 county governments have designated county executive committee members in charge of climate change and 30 counties have ward climate change planning committees, said Ms Waiguru, the Kirinyaga County governor.
However, she pointed out, although the interventions are noble, many county governments struggle with funding and human resources.
“I call upon all partners in this platform to collaborate with county governments to make Kenya’s mitigation and adaptation goals a reality.”
“I also urge other media institutions to use their platforms to amplify the good stories of climate action from various regions that can be replicated both locally and regionally for the betterment of our people and the generations to come,” she said.
In a virtual speech, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the climate crisis is a threat to Africa’s development, as he called on the big emitters to make true their vow on climate financing.
For his part, Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango said agricultural production in most African countries has gone down and leaders should explore options of building innovative technology to deal with challenges of increasing food safety.
“It is apparent that the current climate crisis is curtailing our efforts to achieve accelerated economic growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction targets. Let us join forces and invest in innovative technologies to fight and combat climate change and associated challenges towards a better future,” Dr Mpango said.
The latest report from the National Drought Management Authority shows that a total of 4.35 million people living in arid and semi-arid lands (Asals) are still in need of humanitarian assistance due to drought; 942,000 children aged between six months and five years and 134,000 pregnant or lactating women are also struggling with acute malnutrition as they access treatment.
With northern Kenya struggling with poor rainfall attributed to climate change, the situation is likely to get worse, as regions such as Mandera and parts of Wajir and northern eastern Marsabit are forecasted to receive near average to below average rainfall during in December.
Adversely impacted
Parts of agro-pastoral clusters, including the southern parts of West Pokot and western Baringo, are also forecasted to receive near average to below average rainfall.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes that Africa is highly vulnerable and adversely impacted by climate change, and that the effects of climate change such as increasing temperatures and sea levels, changing precipitation patterns and more extreme weather threatens human health and safety, food and water security and socio-economic development.
“Increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns also significantly affect population health across Africa. Warmer temperatures and higher rainfall increase habitat suitability for biting insects and the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever.
“In addition, new diseases are emerging in regions where they were previously not present,” says IPCC.
Reporting by Mercy Chelang’at, Leon Lidigu and Ndubi Moturi
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... n-minister
Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met with His Excellency Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, in Paris. Mr Aslov is in France for meetings with the French government.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-12-08-rahim-tajik.jpg)
Paris, France, 8 December 2022 - Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met with His Excellency Mr. Siodjidin Muhriddin Aslov, the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, in Paris. Mr Aslov is in France for meetings with the French government.
Prince Rahim and Minister Aslov discussed the current situation in Central Asia and the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan. The AKDN has been active in Tajikistan since the country’s independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In cooperation with its development partners, the AKDN has enabled social, economic, and cultural development initiatives over the last 30 years to improve the quality of life of the people of Tajikistan.
----------------
https://www.mfa.tj/en/paris/view/11738/ ... m-aga-khan
Meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan
09.12.2022 09:03
![Image](https://www.mfa.tj/uploads/paris/2022/12/08-12-2022-15-41.jpg)
On December 8, 2022, in Paris, in the framework of the working visit to France, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
During the meeting, the parties considered the issues of the current state of affairs and ways to improve the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network.
---------------
https://asiaplustj.info/en/news/tajikis ... ooperation
Tajik foreign minister meets with Prince Rahim Aga Khan in Paris to discuss cooperation
16:42, december 9
Author: Asia-Plus
During his working visit to France, Tajik Foreign Minister on December 8 met in Paris with Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
The Tajik MFA information department says the parties discussed state and ways to improve the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
AKDN says Prince Rahim and Minister Aslov discussed the current situation in Tajikistan and the work of the AKDN in Tajikistan.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan, 51, is the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan Development Network is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Its multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.
The AKDN has been active in Tajikistan since the country’s independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In cooperation with its development partners, the AKDN has enabled social, economic, and cultural development initiatives over the last 30 years to improve the quality of life of the people of Tajikistan.
Several AKDN agencies collaborate to bring the government, private sector and civil society together, establish institutions and carry out programs to help with needs as diverse as banking, e-learning and avalanche prevention. It covers all regions of Tajikistan and employ over 3,500 people in health care, education, business, finance and cultural activities.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met with His Excellency Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, in Paris. Mr Aslov is in France for meetings with the French government.
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-12-08-rahim-tajik.jpg)
Paris, France, 8 December 2022 - Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met with His Excellency Mr. Siodjidin Muhriddin Aslov, the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, in Paris. Mr Aslov is in France for meetings with the French government.
Prince Rahim and Minister Aslov discussed the current situation in Central Asia and the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan. The AKDN has been active in Tajikistan since the country’s independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In cooperation with its development partners, the AKDN has enabled social, economic, and cultural development initiatives over the last 30 years to improve the quality of life of the people of Tajikistan.
----------------
https://www.mfa.tj/en/paris/view/11738/ ... m-aga-khan
Meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan
09.12.2022 09:03
![Image](https://www.mfa.tj/uploads/paris/2022/12/08-12-2022-15-41.jpg)
On December 8, 2022, in Paris, in the framework of the working visit to France, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
During the meeting, the parties considered the issues of the current state of affairs and ways to improve the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network.
---------------
https://asiaplustj.info/en/news/tajikis ... ooperation
Tajik foreign minister meets with Prince Rahim Aga Khan in Paris to discuss cooperation
16:42, december 9
Author: Asia-Plus
During his working visit to France, Tajik Foreign Minister on December 8 met in Paris with Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
The Tajik MFA information department says the parties discussed state and ways to improve the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
AKDN says Prince Rahim and Minister Aslov discussed the current situation in Tajikistan and the work of the AKDN in Tajikistan.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan, 51, is the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan Development Network is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Its multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.
The AKDN has been active in Tajikistan since the country’s independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In cooperation with its development partners, the AKDN has enabled social, economic, and cultural development initiatives over the last 30 years to improve the quality of life of the people of Tajikistan.
Several AKDN agencies collaborate to bring the government, private sector and civil society together, establish institutions and carry out programs to help with needs as diverse as banking, e-learning and avalanche prevention. It covers all regions of Tajikistan and employ over 3,500 people in health care, education, business, finance and cultural activities.
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Kenya 8 Dec 2022
Nairobi, Kenya this week played host to the fourth annual Kusi Ideas Festival, which brought together bold voices to discuss the climate crisis and its impact on Africa. The opening session included remarks by Prince Rahim on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Every year, the southerly Kusi winds blow over the Indian Ocean in the warmer months of April to September. Historically, the air currents enabled trade up north along the East African coast and between Asia and Africa for thousands of years.
The Kusi Ideas Festival is named after this natural phenomenon, which enabled cultural, intellectual, and technological exchanges across land and sea, and played an essential part in East Africa’s development over the years.
The Nation Media Group (NMG) created the Kusi Ideas Festival four years ago as a pan-African platform to examine Africa’s place in the world; to harness its citizens’ problem-solving ideas and innovations; and to make preparations for future challenges.
NMG, a part of the Aga Khan Development Network, was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1959 during the struggle for independence in East African countries. Today, it is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa with operations in print, broadcast, and digital media. Its mission is to be the “Media of Africa for Africa,” aiming to help position the continent as a leading player on the global stage.
This year’s conference, held on 8 and 9 December 2022, centred on the theme of climate change and aimed to identify uniquely African responses and solutions to what has become one of the defining issues of our time.
In his remarks, delivered via video link, Prince Rahim congratulated the NMG on holding this fourth edition of the Festival and spoke of its pioneering role in the progress of the continent over recent decades.
“Nation Media Group has shown thought-leadership in encouraging dialogue on key issues affecting not only the countries where the Group is active, but all of Africa,” he said.
Prince Rahim centred his address on this year’s theme, and its significance for Africa and the world at large.
“Temperatures in Africa are rising, and are set to rise faster than the global average during the 21st century,” he said. “While Africa has contributed negligibly to the changing climate, being responsible for only two to three percent of global emissions, it stands out disproportionately as the most vulnerable continent in the world to climate change.”
Prince Rahim also highlighted the transformational work that AKDN agencies are undertaking to meet their target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This includes the development of tools to measure greenhouse gas emissions; Gold Eco-rating Certification of the Network’s Serena hotels; changing of agricultural practices for tens of thousands of farmers; working with rural communities to strengthen climate resilience; and introducing a new concept in schools known as “Play, Pluralism and Planet” to ensure the next generation of leaders are climate-aware, climate-empathetic, and climate-resilient.
The Honourable Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary from Kenya’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry delivered an address on behalf of Kenya’s President, His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto.
“Climate change is the social, political and economic issue of our time. It is going to define the future of Kenya, Africa, the globe and it is our collective responsibility to participate in shaping how the phenomenon will affect our future,” she said.
“This endeavour can only be achieved through collective action. We are living at a time when we must all be conservationists and must play a part in safeguarding our environment. We will not meet this challenge through top-down decrees, but bottom-up action.”
At the conference, panellists discussed issues including the differentiation between mitigation and adaptation strategies to a warming continent, the role of the private sector, financial solutions, and how Africa's young people might mobilise to develop innovative responses.
The venue for this year’s festival was Karura Forest in Nairobi, one of the last remaining indigenous forests that provides a vital carbon sink for the area’s industrial activity. It also serves as an important water catchment area and offers relaxation and recreational value for Nairobi’s citizens.
These days, the spirits of the Kusi trade winds express themselves in new ways. The Indian Ocean today provides a rich bed for the fibre optic cables that make the Information Age possible in a large part of Africa.
Whether through exchange of ideas online or via conferences such as this, NMG and its partners are working together to enable a ‘Pan-African ideas transaction market’ to address the challenges that Africa faces today, in order to secure a bright future in the 21st century.
TheIsmaili
Every year, the southerly Kusi winds blow over the Indian Ocean in the warmer months of April to September. Historically, the air currents enabled trade up north along the East African coast and between Asia and Africa for thousands of years.
The Kusi Ideas Festival is named after this natural phenomenon, which enabled cultural, intellectual, and technological exchanges across land and sea, and played an essential part in East Africa’s development over the years.
The Nation Media Group (NMG) created the Kusi Ideas Festival four years ago as a pan-African platform to examine Africa’s place in the world; to harness its citizens’ problem-solving ideas and innovations; and to make preparations for future challenges.
NMG, a part of the Aga Khan Development Network, was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1959 during the struggle for independence in East African countries. Today, it is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa with operations in print, broadcast, and digital media. Its mission is to be the “Media of Africa for Africa,” aiming to help position the continent as a leading player on the global stage.
This year’s conference, held on 8 and 9 December 2022, centred on the theme of climate change and aimed to identify uniquely African responses and solutions to what has become one of the defining issues of our time.
In his remarks, delivered via video link, Prince Rahim congratulated the NMG on holding this fourth edition of the Festival and spoke of its pioneering role in the progress of the continent over recent decades.
“Nation Media Group has shown thought-leadership in encouraging dialogue on key issues affecting not only the countries where the Group is active, but all of Africa,” he said.
Prince Rahim centred his address on this year’s theme, and its significance for Africa and the world at large.
“Temperatures in Africa are rising, and are set to rise faster than the global average during the 21st century,” he said. “While Africa has contributed negligibly to the changing climate, being responsible for only two to three percent of global emissions, it stands out disproportionately as the most vulnerable continent in the world to climate change.”
Prince Rahim also highlighted the transformational work that AKDN agencies are undertaking to meet their target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This includes the development of tools to measure greenhouse gas emissions; Gold Eco-rating Certification of the Network’s Serena hotels; changing of agricultural practices for tens of thousands of farmers; working with rural communities to strengthen climate resilience; and introducing a new concept in schools known as “Play, Pluralism and Planet” to ensure the next generation of leaders are climate-aware, climate-empathetic, and climate-resilient.
The Honourable Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary from Kenya’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry delivered an address on behalf of Kenya’s President, His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto.
“Climate change is the social, political and economic issue of our time. It is going to define the future of Kenya, Africa, the globe and it is our collective responsibility to participate in shaping how the phenomenon will affect our future,” she said.
“This endeavour can only be achieved through collective action. We are living at a time when we must all be conservationists and must play a part in safeguarding our environment. We will not meet this challenge through top-down decrees, but bottom-up action.”
At the conference, panellists discussed issues including the differentiation between mitigation and adaptation strategies to a warming continent, the role of the private sector, financial solutions, and how Africa's young people might mobilise to develop innovative responses.
The venue for this year’s festival was Karura Forest in Nairobi, one of the last remaining indigenous forests that provides a vital carbon sink for the area’s industrial activity. It also serves as an important water catchment area and offers relaxation and recreational value for Nairobi’s citizens.
These days, the spirits of the Kusi trade winds express themselves in new ways. The Indian Ocean today provides a rich bed for the fibre optic cables that make the Information Age possible in a large part of Africa.
Whether through exchange of ideas online or via conferences such as this, NMG and its partners are working together to enable a ‘Pan-African ideas transaction market’ to address the challenges that Africa faces today, in order to secure a bright future in the 21st century.
TheIsmaili
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- Posts: 686
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm
Prince Rahim full Speech 8 December 2022 - Nairobi
Prince Rahim AgaKhan speech on the theme of climate change. The Constitutional entities of the Ismaili community also have in their schools a new focus centered on “Play pluralism and planet”
All AKDN programs are people centered inclusive and they share experiences within the community & with others
Link to the full speech
https://youtu.be/ErGInJHFL7k
All AKDN programs are people centered inclusive and they share experiences within the community & with others
Link to the full speech
https://youtu.be/ErGInJHFL7k
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
2022, December 08: Nairobi, Kenya this week played host to Nation Media Group's fourth annual Kusi Ideas Festival, which brought together bold voices to discuss the climate crisis and its impact on Africa. The opening session included remarks by Prince Rahim on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network. This year’s conference, centred on the theme of climate change and aimed to identify uniquely African responses and solutions to what has become one of the defining issues of our time.
VIDEO SPEECH:
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-12-08-kusi.mp4
VIDEO SPEECH:
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2022/2022-12-08-kusi.mp4
-
- Posts: 686
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm
Re: Prince Rahim at World Summit 2023
2023, February 13: Prince Rahim Aga Khan full speech the World Summit 2023 in Dubai. He is also Chair of the Environment and Climate Committee of the Aga Khan Development Network AKDN, & also represents Hazar Imam.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/res ... mmit-dubai
At the World Government Summit in Dubai on 13 February 2023, Prince Rahim Aga Khan spoke about urbanisation in the developing world against the backdrop of climate change. He focused on infrastructure, health and emissions, and showcased the Al-Azhar Park project in Cairo.
Full Speech
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Highnesses,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
As-Salaam-Alaikum.
I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Application of the UAE, and Managing Director of the World Government Summit Organization, for inviting me to speak today.
Since its founding a decade ago, this Summit has enabled the exchange of ideas to advance progress on an array of complex and profound global challenges. The people invited here have the power to influence events, to do great things, and to shape the future, and it is a privilege to join them at this summit.
We are all here to engage in focused and ongoing dialogue about the complexities and trade-offs of such progress, because only through dialogue can we ensure that we make well-informed and wise decisions for the betterment of all our societies.
Looking through this lens, as Chair of the Environment and Climate Committee of the Aga Khan Development Network, I would like to talk about urbanisation in the developing world against the backdrop of climate change.
People are on the move like never before. We are fast becoming an urban world. And the scale and pace of this change is breath-taking. By the middle of this century, it is estimated that eight out of every ten people will live in cities, with much of this urbanisation taking place in the developing world.
How we plan, design, and manage cities in the developing world, therefore, will be of vital importance, both for our fragile planet and for humanity.
In this time of rapid – and often unplanned – urbanisation, I would like to touch on three particularly daunting areas of challenge for us now and in the future: infrastructure; health; and emissions.
First, infrastructure. As cities quickly expand, there is a risk that their infrastructure will fall further behind the increased needs of their growing populations, and that the expansion will not happen in an environmentally sustainable way.
As we look at the future of urban planning, we must put clean infrastructure at the heart of the design and development process if we want any chance of mitigating further global warming. This means designing buildings which minimise heat gain or loss, using green building materials and rooftop solar panels in all future construction, prioritising walking and cycling paths, and ensuring that there is safe, quick and reliable public transport that is powered by clean energy, among other imperatives. In essence, putting sustainability into the heart of our urban infrastructure must become a core requirement as we move forward.
Second, health. Throughout the last centuries, the health of city dwellers increasingly benefitted from better access to education and healthcare, improved living conditions and targeted public-health interventions.
But today, that benefit is less apparent, with hundreds of millions of urban dwellers lacking adequate sanitation or access to clean water, threatened by heat stress, air pollution or suffering the effects of air and waterborne disease, all exacerbated by climate change.
Recognising these issues and devising public policy and service responses to address them will become increasingly important.
Finally, emissions. Although our cities occupy just three percent of the Earth’s land, they account for 80 percent of the energy consumption and at least 70 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Because cities will play such a massive role in the coming decades, they need not only to anticipate and adapt to climate change, but they must also contribute to its mitigation.
We must rapidly and intentionally reduce greenhouse gas emissions from urban centres, as well as use every available solution to draw down greenhouse gases already emitted… and here, research and technology hold huge promise to deliver on that reduction if they are championed by inspired and enlightened governments, businesses, and civil society all working together.
So, how to ensure that global city design incorporates resilience and a sustainable foundation in the future?
On an environmental level, we need to ensure that energy is produced, and natural resources and land are used in a sustainable manner.
And, on a governance level, strong leadership and competent management is key. We need integrated approaches to issues around urban planning, and dialogue to drive good decision making.
On both these levels – environmental and governance – the power of partnership will be paramount. Government, business, and civil society must work together to unlock the best possible future for our cities.
At the Aga Khan Development Network, we have first-hand experience of the value of successful partnership between government, business, and civil society.
For several decades now, the AKDN has been engaged in preserving, restoring, and developing the built environment: historic buildings and public places of practical and cultural significance.
Our work is always rooted in Islamic ethics and tradition. The Qur’an teaches us that as God’s noblest creation, humankind is entrusted with the stewardship of all that is on earth, and that each generation must leave for its successors a wholesome and healthy social and physical environment.
Stewardship of the environment, care for the natural world, sharing of resources, recognition of beauty as a divine blessing, and an environmental ethic are the principles that helped guide the planning of early Muslim cities.
So in our contemporary efforts, the goal has not been simply to honour past cultural milestones, but also to create an environmentally sustainable basis for economic and social progress.
One example of this work is the Al-Azhar Park project in Cairo. Created on the site of a garbage dump, it was developed to provide a new space that could make a major positive contribution to the quality of the lives of people in Cairo.
The Park was opened in 2005 as part of a larger urban rehabilitation initiative, which has delivered education and health services, monument restoration, infrastructure upgrading, vocational training and microcredit to the area.
As a result of the project, we have found that family earnings have increased one-third faster than in the other areas of Old Cairo, literacy rates have climbed by 25 percent and over 20 million visitors have enjoyed the Park to date.
Covering 81 acres in a densely populated metropolis, the Park provides a place where citizens can take in the serene beauty, find refuge from the summer heat, and breathe clean air amidst vegetation that sequesters 750 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
It is a shining example of what sustainability-minded partnership can unlock for urban populations. It is our hope that we can share our experience with more partners in the future to help create environments where urban communities are set up to thrive in harmony with the natural world.
Ladies and gentlemen, this forum, the World Government Summit, is a fantastic opportunity to raise our common ambitions, to share big ideas, and to inspire positive action in global city design to build a better, more harmonious, and more environmentally sustainable future for humanity and our planet.
It is a true honour to be part of writing this next chapter.
Thank you.
Read more
https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... p-ZI4a5Olg
https://twitter.com/gulf_news/status/16 ... p-ZI4a5Olg
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/res ... mmit-dubai
At the World Government Summit in Dubai on 13 February 2023, Prince Rahim Aga Khan spoke about urbanisation in the developing world against the backdrop of climate change. He focused on infrastructure, health and emissions, and showcased the Al-Azhar Park project in Cairo.
Full Speech
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Highnesses,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
As-Salaam-Alaikum.
I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Application of the UAE, and Managing Director of the World Government Summit Organization, for inviting me to speak today.
Since its founding a decade ago, this Summit has enabled the exchange of ideas to advance progress on an array of complex and profound global challenges. The people invited here have the power to influence events, to do great things, and to shape the future, and it is a privilege to join them at this summit.
We are all here to engage in focused and ongoing dialogue about the complexities and trade-offs of such progress, because only through dialogue can we ensure that we make well-informed and wise decisions for the betterment of all our societies.
Looking through this lens, as Chair of the Environment and Climate Committee of the Aga Khan Development Network, I would like to talk about urbanisation in the developing world against the backdrop of climate change.
People are on the move like never before. We are fast becoming an urban world. And the scale and pace of this change is breath-taking. By the middle of this century, it is estimated that eight out of every ten people will live in cities, with much of this urbanisation taking place in the developing world.
How we plan, design, and manage cities in the developing world, therefore, will be of vital importance, both for our fragile planet and for humanity.
In this time of rapid – and often unplanned – urbanisation, I would like to touch on three particularly daunting areas of challenge for us now and in the future: infrastructure; health; and emissions.
First, infrastructure. As cities quickly expand, there is a risk that their infrastructure will fall further behind the increased needs of their growing populations, and that the expansion will not happen in an environmentally sustainable way.
As we look at the future of urban planning, we must put clean infrastructure at the heart of the design and development process if we want any chance of mitigating further global warming. This means designing buildings which minimise heat gain or loss, using green building materials and rooftop solar panels in all future construction, prioritising walking and cycling paths, and ensuring that there is safe, quick and reliable public transport that is powered by clean energy, among other imperatives. In essence, putting sustainability into the heart of our urban infrastructure must become a core requirement as we move forward.
Second, health. Throughout the last centuries, the health of city dwellers increasingly benefitted from better access to education and healthcare, improved living conditions and targeted public-health interventions.
But today, that benefit is less apparent, with hundreds of millions of urban dwellers lacking adequate sanitation or access to clean water, threatened by heat stress, air pollution or suffering the effects of air and waterborne disease, all exacerbated by climate change.
Recognising these issues and devising public policy and service responses to address them will become increasingly important.
Finally, emissions. Although our cities occupy just three percent of the Earth’s land, they account for 80 percent of the energy consumption and at least 70 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Because cities will play such a massive role in the coming decades, they need not only to anticipate and adapt to climate change, but they must also contribute to its mitigation.
We must rapidly and intentionally reduce greenhouse gas emissions from urban centres, as well as use every available solution to draw down greenhouse gases already emitted… and here, research and technology hold huge promise to deliver on that reduction if they are championed by inspired and enlightened governments, businesses, and civil society all working together.
So, how to ensure that global city design incorporates resilience and a sustainable foundation in the future?
On an environmental level, we need to ensure that energy is produced, and natural resources and land are used in a sustainable manner.
And, on a governance level, strong leadership and competent management is key. We need integrated approaches to issues around urban planning, and dialogue to drive good decision making.
On both these levels – environmental and governance – the power of partnership will be paramount. Government, business, and civil society must work together to unlock the best possible future for our cities.
At the Aga Khan Development Network, we have first-hand experience of the value of successful partnership between government, business, and civil society.
For several decades now, the AKDN has been engaged in preserving, restoring, and developing the built environment: historic buildings and public places of practical and cultural significance.
Our work is always rooted in Islamic ethics and tradition. The Qur’an teaches us that as God’s noblest creation, humankind is entrusted with the stewardship of all that is on earth, and that each generation must leave for its successors a wholesome and healthy social and physical environment.
Stewardship of the environment, care for the natural world, sharing of resources, recognition of beauty as a divine blessing, and an environmental ethic are the principles that helped guide the planning of early Muslim cities.
So in our contemporary efforts, the goal has not been simply to honour past cultural milestones, but also to create an environmentally sustainable basis for economic and social progress.
One example of this work is the Al-Azhar Park project in Cairo. Created on the site of a garbage dump, it was developed to provide a new space that could make a major positive contribution to the quality of the lives of people in Cairo.
The Park was opened in 2005 as part of a larger urban rehabilitation initiative, which has delivered education and health services, monument restoration, infrastructure upgrading, vocational training and microcredit to the area.
As a result of the project, we have found that family earnings have increased one-third faster than in the other areas of Old Cairo, literacy rates have climbed by 25 percent and over 20 million visitors have enjoyed the Park to date.
Covering 81 acres in a densely populated metropolis, the Park provides a place where citizens can take in the serene beauty, find refuge from the summer heat, and breathe clean air amidst vegetation that sequesters 750 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
It is a shining example of what sustainability-minded partnership can unlock for urban populations. It is our hope that we can share our experience with more partners in the future to help create environments where urban communities are set up to thrive in harmony with the natural world.
Ladies and gentlemen, this forum, the World Government Summit, is a fantastic opportunity to raise our common ambitions, to share big ideas, and to inspire positive action in global city design to build a better, more harmonious, and more environmentally sustainable future for humanity and our planet.
It is a true honour to be part of writing this next chapter.
Thank you.
Read more
https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... p-ZI4a5Olg
https://twitter.com/gulf_news/status/16 ... p-ZI4a5Olg
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Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
2013, February 13
Gulf News
@gulf_news
World Government Summit is a fantastic opportunity to raise our common ambitions, to share big ideas and to inspire positive action in global city design, says Prince Rahim Aga Khan
https://gn24.ae/ee9a6ef425f8000
#WorldGovSummit
#WGS2023
Also see: http://heritage.ismaili.net/node/38180
Gulf News
@gulf_news
World Government Summit is a fantastic opportunity to raise our common ambitions, to share big ideas and to inspire positive action in global city design, says Prince Rahim Aga Khan
https://gn24.ae/ee9a6ef425f8000
#WorldGovSummit
#WGS2023
Also see: http://heritage.ismaili.net/node/38180
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
Prince Rahim Aga Khan explains how the Al Azhar Park in Cairo improved the lives of people.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1627609463158108164
#WorldGovSummit #WGS2023 #AgaKhan
H/T @WorldGovSummit
Re: Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
https://the.ismaili/global/news/imamat- ... ure-museum
The Ismaili | 24 February 2023 | Global
Prince Rahim and the President of Portugal visit the Royal Treasure Museum
Prince Rahim, together with his younger son, Prince Sinan, and the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, yesterday visited the Royal Treasure Museum at the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon, at the invitation of the Minister of Culture, Pedro Adão e Silva.
They were accompanied by the Secretary of State for Culture, Isabel Cordeiro; the Museum Director, José Alberto Ribeiro; the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, Nazim Ahmad; and the President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Rahim Firozali.
The Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat partnered to enable the integration of an exceptional 16th century salver, or traditional serving tray, into the museum’s permanent collection. During the visit, the group viewed this and other noteworthy pieces, highlighting the importance of their joint endeavour to safeguard Portugal’s historic cultural landscape.
The Ismaili Imamat established a Seat in Portugal in 2015, and works closely with Portugal to promote peace and stability, human dignity and pluralism, and the improvement of the quality of life of the vulnerable.
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/1_119.png?itok=5iv3SraI)
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/2_148.png?itok=8SWEexx0)
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/3_124.png?itok=tfImOZFl)
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/5_80.png?itok=3uqkZzaA)
The Ismaili | 24 February 2023 | Global
Prince Rahim and the President of Portugal visit the Royal Treasure Museum
Prince Rahim, together with his younger son, Prince Sinan, and the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, yesterday visited the Royal Treasure Museum at the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon, at the invitation of the Minister of Culture, Pedro Adão e Silva.
They were accompanied by the Secretary of State for Culture, Isabel Cordeiro; the Museum Director, José Alberto Ribeiro; the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, Nazim Ahmad; and the President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Rahim Firozali.
The Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat partnered to enable the integration of an exceptional 16th century salver, or traditional serving tray, into the museum’s permanent collection. During the visit, the group viewed this and other noteworthy pieces, highlighting the importance of their joint endeavour to safeguard Portugal’s historic cultural landscape.
The Ismaili Imamat established a Seat in Portugal in 2015, and works closely with Portugal to promote peace and stability, human dignity and pluralism, and the improvement of the quality of life of the vulnerable.
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/1_119.png?itok=5iv3SraI)
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/2_148.png?itok=8SWEexx0)
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/3_124.png?itok=tfImOZFl)
![Image](https://the.ismaili/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_banner/public/5_80.png?itok=3uqkZzaA)