Over a century ago, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, delivered the inaugural address to the Muslim Educational Conference. His words resonated with unwavering conviction, emphasizing the power of science and education to shape the industrial and economic future of the Muslim community, he said: “If our people take to science and scientific education in the right spirit, the industrial and economic future of our community will no longer be in doubt.” Looking ahead, Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah Aga Khan outlined the groundwork for the current education system of the Aga Khan Schools in Pakistan, the first in 1905 in Zanzibar and Gwadar (Balochistan). The Diamond Jubilee Schools for Girls, or DJ schools, were established throughout what is now Pakistan’s remote northern regions.
Today, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), led by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, continues to carry forward this visionary legacy, creating an extensive network of development agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life in Asia and Africa. Through education, research, and community engagement, AKDN has remained steadfast in its commitment to uplifting underdeveloped communities, enriching their quality of life.
Since its inception in 1905 with the establishment of the first Aga Khan School in Gwadar, AKDN has embarked on a transformative journey, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development. This legacy of educational empowerment has been furthered by the Aga Khan University (AKU), founded in 1983. AKU’s focus on education, science, and technology has propelled it into a renowned research institution, particularly in health sciences and medical education. Today AKU stands as a testament to Aga Khan’s commitment to excellence. This strategic platform aims to harness the power of technology, propelling advancements in teaching, innovation, research, and learning within the medical and healthcare fields.
Moreover, the Aga Khan’s dedication to education is further reflected in the establishment of the Aga Khan Academies and Aga Khan Education Services (AKES). AKES alone includes over 300 schools and educational programs across more than 20 countries. In addition to these achievements, His Highness has established the Institute for Educational Development in Karachi and the University of Central Asia, featuring campuses in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. These institutions offer high-quality education with a strong emphasis on fostering critical thinking, promoting cultural understanding, and instilling ethical values.
AKDN’s approach is guided by an unwavering commitment to research and innovation. Amidst the looming specter of global warming and the melting glaciers in the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral region, a formidable adversary emerges climate change. In response, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) stands as a steadfast ally, forging robust partnerships with government organizations to aid mountain communities in Pakistan. AKAH’s unwavering commitment lies in empowering these communities, facilitating the development of secure, resilient habitats capable of withstanding seismic activities and natural disasters. Innovative measures, including seismic-proof buildings and early warning systems, are employed to ensure the creation of safe and sustainable living environments.
Noteworthy among AKAH’s endeavors is the Building and Construction Improvement Programme, spearheading initiatives to significantly reduce timber usage. Through ingenious solutions, the program has introduced over 60 creative alternatives, ranging from improved cooking burners to fortified walls. This remarkable feat has left an indelible impact on the region, curbing deforestation and preserving the fragile ecosystem.
As cities expand and urbanization surges forward, the challenge of preserving cultural heritage while fostering space for innovative expression looms large. Steadfast in its commitment, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) embarks on its third decade of dedicated service to cultural development. A testament to this commitment is the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, an initiative that addresses the evolving needs and aspirations of Muslim communities. This award recognizes and promotes excellence and innovation in architectural concepts, profoundly influencing the contemporary built environment. Over four decades, more than 100 projects have received recognition, often pioneering groundbreaking innovations such as green buildings and reflecting the forefront of architectural discourse.
From education to sustainable development, research, and cultural preservation, the Aga Khan Development Network’s holistic approach to development sets a commendable example. The dedication stems from a profound vision that seeks to foster “an enabling environment” for human creativity to flourish, as eloquently articulated by Aga Khan IV in one of his speeches.
Ismailimail 