Medal recipient: His Highness the Aga Khan

His Highness the Aga Khan was born in 1936 in Geneva. He succeeded his grandfather to become Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Community.

The Aga Khan spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya before attending Le Rosey School in Switzerland for nine years, and graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honours Degree in Islamic history.

Throughout his life the Aga Khan has emphasised the view of Islam as a faith that teaches compassion and tolerance. Over the years, the Aga Khan has received numerous decorations and awards in recognition of his work. The title His Highness was granted by Her Majesty the Queen in 1957.

In the late 19th century his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah created a number of agencies to meet social and economic needs in South Asia and East Africa. The Aga Khan has expanded the scope and geographical reach of these agencies and brought them together as the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The Aga Khan Development Network

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of agencies working in health, education, culture and rural and economic development, in 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East.

One of the largest private development organisations in the world, the AKDN works for the common good of all citizens regardless of their origin, gender or religious affiliation. Its mission is to improve living conditions and opportunities in poor regions of the developing world and its efforts include education and skills training, health and public services, urban planning, rural development, water and energy management and environmental control.

The AKDN’s approach encompasses economic, social and cultural initiatives, and includes the mobilisation and participation of volunteers. The approach features a long-term engagement with programmes in ways that allow local organisations to gain the experience and confidence they need to become self-reliant.

Agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network include the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Education Services, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, the Aga Khan Health Services, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.

The AKDN has an annual budget of approximately $230 million.

Media contact for the Aga Khan:

Semin Abdulla
Information Officer
Secrétariat de Son Altesse l'Aga Khan
Aiglemont
60270 Gouvieux, France
Tel: +33 3 44 58 40 00
Fax: +33 3 44 58 42 79

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