“I have always felt at home in Portugal, and now ever more so since the signing in 2015 of an historic Agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and Portuguese Republic to establish the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in this country – an important milestone in the 1,400-year history of the Ismaili Imamat.
While we work in 30 countries, we hold an enduring affinity for Portugal and its institutions, its history and its people. And the historic Palacete Henrique Mendonca will become the most fitting host for the Seat
… Our commitment to Portugal reflects our deep respect for this country and our deep affection for its people.”
– His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan
AKDN/Antonio Pedrosa)
Lisbon, Portugal July 20, 2017
Excerpts from the address by His Highness the Aga Khan upon receiving a doctorate honoris causa from Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
” … I am deeply honoured by this recognition from Universidade NOVA, and by the presence of so many of this country’s distinguished leaders, including the President of the Portuguese Republic. I am grateful to Mr. Francisco Pinto Balsemão, as the Patron of the Doctorate, for his warm gesture and long friendship.”
Higher Education
“The University may be young compared against the more than 700-year history of higher education in Portugal, but it has quickly developed a truly outstanding reputation for the quality of its teaching and scholarship, and for its pluralistic, global outlook – foundations that will last for centuries.
… Indeed, Portugal’s emphasis on learning and knowledge aligns with Islam’s emphasis on these areas.”
Creative Collaborations – Ismaili Imamat and Portuguese Republic
“I have always felt at home in Portugal, and now ever more so since the signing in 2015 of an historic Agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and Portuguese Republic to establish the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in this country – an important milestone in the 1,400-year history of the Ismaili Imamat. It marks the culmination of our long and deep relationship here and one that will now deepen further. While we work in 30 countries, we hold an enduring affinity for Portugal and its institutions, its history and its people. And the historic Palacete Henrique Mendonca will become the most fitting host for the Seat.”
Partnerships
“Underpinning this partnership with Portugal is our admiration for the country’s pluralism and bridge-building initiatives with people from disparate cultures and faiths.
You are purposeful about building partnerships; a true hallmark of an exceptional institution. Some of your partners are also ours, for example Catholica University and Gulbenkian Foundation. Another example is an innovative partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and the Portuguese Republic, supporting research here and in Africa. ”
Diamond Jubilee year
“… I reiterate in closing my profound appreciation for our partnership, and for honouring me and by extension the Ismaili Imamat and the AKDN, especially as this honour comes during my Diamond Jubilee year, marking 60 years as the 49th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims worldwide.”
Read the complete speech at the source via AKDN | Press Centre | Speeches | Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan upon receiving a doctorate honoris causa from Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
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