April 10th 2008 – AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims arrives in Austin, Texas tomorrow, April 11th 2008 for an eight-day visit to the United States. The Aga Khan will visit Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia.
During meetings with US state and city officials the Aga Khan is expected to discuss the work of the institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network – one of the world’s largest private system of development agencies. The discussions will also explore ways in which the core competencies of the AKDN in education, economic development, health care, culture, and social development, together with the experience of the members of the Ismaili community in the United States could further enhance their contribution to American society.
On April 18, His Highness the Aga Khan will deliver the Peterson Lecture on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). IB education programs, currently offered at over 900 schools in the USA and over 2200 schools world wide, are offered at the Aga Khan Academies, an integrated network of residential schools currently planned in 14 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Central and South Asia.
Leveraging collaborative partnerships with international academic institutions, including college preparatory schools such as Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts and Shule Schloss, Salem in Germany, the Aga Khan Academies are dedicated to offering talented girls and boys, regardless of socio-economic background, education and leadership development at the highest international standards of excellence.
During his visit in the United States, the Aga Khan will also meet with members of the Ismaili Muslim community. The Shia Ismaili Muslims are an ethnically and culturally diverse community whose members reside in over 25 countries. The Aga Khan’s visit to the U.S. is scheduled as part of the Ismaili community’s commemoration of his Golden Jubilee – 50th year as Imam of the community. His Highness the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957.
Ismailimail 