The Aga Khan Development Network marks Imamat Day

Aga Khan Development Network

Aga Khan Development Network Diplomatic Representative Amin Mawji (right) with Industrial Promotion Services CEO Galeb Gulam (center) and Arif Necky a senior UN Advisor for strategic partnerships at the Resident Coordinator's Office during a reception to commemorate Imamat Day on June 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Guests were given a tour of the Aga Khan University’s 40th-anniversary exhibition.
  • AKDN has a presence in over 30 countries and employs approximately 80,000 people.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Nairobi on Tuesday commemorated the Imamat Day, the 67th anniversary of His Highness the Aga Khan’s ascension to the Ismaili Imamat. 

His Highness the Aga Khan became the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957. And, in recognition of his leadership, AKDN hosted a reception at the Aga Khan University Centre in Nairobi. 

Senior representatives from the government, the diplomatic corps, civil society and the AKDN attended the event. 

The guests were given a tour of the Aga Khan University’s 40th-anniversary exhibition, offered them an immersive multi-sensory experience of the university’s journey from a single campus to a globally recognised institution.

Mr Amin Mawji, the diplomatic representative of AKDN, spoke of the century-long development partnership between the network and the government aimed at improving improve the quality of life of all Kenyans. 

Development agencies

Kenya and AKDN agencies have closely collaborated in the fields of industry, tourism, financial services, clean energy, media, healthcare, education, community development and infrastructure. Mr Mawji said he looked forward to strengthening these partnerships.

AKDN agencies, which are private, international, non-denominational development organisations, work to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa, without regard to faith, origin or gender.

Globally, AKDN has a presence in over 30 countries and employs approximately 80,000 people.

His Highness the Aga Khan, founded the AKDN, which brings together several development agencies, institutions and programmes.

And, while each institution pursues its individual mandate, all work together, “so that their different pursuits interact and reinforce one another,” reads the Aga University’s website. “All surpluses are reinvested in further development activities.”