Ismaili Imamat | Senior Officials of the Seat of Ismaili Imamat, Personal Representatives of the Imam, AKDN Resident Representatives, LIF, Titles of Honour

Since the Golden Jubilee of our 49th Imam, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Imamat activities across the globe have witnessed significant acceleration and scaling up of several Imamat & AKDN initiatives in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and more recently on the Australian continent.

As it stands today, across the community of what makes up a hundred and ninety five plus nation states, the Ismaili Imamat on its own accord and through its institutions (AKDN, IIS, GCP, etc.) have several hundred partnerships and collaborations in flight with a cross section of countries, UN agencies and various other international organizations, universities, corporations, and more.

Lisbon, Portugal. June 2024: Twenty two flags fly at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, representing each of the Ismaili Council jurisdictions worldwide. Image credit: IPL / The Ismaili
Lisbon, Portugal. June 2024: Twenty two flags fly at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, representing each of the Ismaili Council jurisdictions worldwide. Image credit: IPL / The Ismaili

These engagements and partnerships have led to the mutual formalization of ties between the host countries and the Ismaili Imamat –  a supra-national entity, representing the succession of Imams since the time of the Prophet Muhammad – through various agreements, protocols of cooperation, memoranda of understandings (MOUs) and treaties leading to appointments of accredited heads of mission (ambassadors, high commissioners, and others) who represent the Ismaili Imamat and vice versa.

The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims (1998), the Ismaili community’s enabling document, eludes to these emerging roles in in Articles 2 and 16.*

In addition, Article 17 refers to Hazar Imam’s prerogative in conferring titles of honour and dignities to murids at his unfettered discretion.

The privilege of diplomatic reciprocity highlights, within the commonwealth of nation states, the Ismaili Imamat’s institutional capacity and capabilities, its influence to effect change for positive outcomes, its reputation for quality and value generation, and the institution’s wisdom stemming from its 1400 years of history to synthesis new knowledge to creatively address and bring forward solutions impacting humanity’s and the planet’s most pressing problems.

Over the last 30 years, the 49th Ismaili Imam, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV has appointed more than 20 individual as Ambassadors, Envoys and Seniors Representatives (all accomplished and distinguished Ismailis with stellar credentials) to over dozen countries and international organizations. In a mutually reciprocal partnership, both Canada and Portugal have in turn also appointed successive Ambassadors to the Ismaili Imamat.

Presented below is the Ismaili Imamat’s Diplomatic Corps.


Senior Officials of the Global Seat of Ismaili Imamat (Portugal)

  • Vazir Nazim Ahmad, Head of the Department of Portugal and other Lusophone Countries
  • Ambassador Arif Lalani, Head of the Department of Diplomatic Affairs (2016-2020)
  • Diwan Dr. Shafik Sachedina, Head of Community Affairs
  • Jane Piacentini-Moore, Head of the Department for International Financial Affairs
  • Maitre Laurent Chambaz, Head of the Department for International Legal Affairs
Photos: President of the Portuguese Republic receives His Highness the Aga Khan at Belém Palace
Lisbon, Portugal, May 11, 2016: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV introduces the first five Senior Officials of the Imamat to Portugal’s President. (L-R): Dr Shafik Sachedina, Head of Community Affairs, Jane Piacentini-Moore, Head of the Department for International Financial Affairs, Ambassador Arif Lalani, Head of the Department of Diplomatic Affairs, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, His Excellency President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Nazim Ahmad, Head of the Department of Portugal and other Lusophone Countries and Maitre Laurent Chambaz, Head of the Department for International Legal Affairs. Image credit: AKDN / Luis Filipe Catarino

Personal Representatives of the Imam

Bangladesh

  • Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan has been the (Non-Resident) Personal Representative of our Imam to Bangladesh, since his appointment by the 49th Ismaili Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV a decade ago
Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 8, 2015: Prince Amyn, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s Personal Representative to Bangladesh gathered with institutional leaders at the AKDN Diplomatic Office in Dhaka. Image credit: AKDN / The Ismaili Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 8, 2015: Prince Amyn, Personal Representative of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to Bangladesh gathered with institutional leaders at the AKDN Diplomatic Office in Dhaka. Image credit: AKDN / The Ismaili Bangladesh

Canada

  • The then Prince Rahim Aga Khan was the (Non-Resident) Personal Representative of our 49th Ismaili Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to Canada, until his succession to Ismaili Imamat as the 50th hereditary Ismaili Imam
  • His Excellency, the Honorable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom is Canada’s current Ambassador to the Ismaili Imamat
  • The Government of Canada, through the appointment of the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, reflects the importance that Canada places on its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat
  • Mr. Goodale is the third appointee by Canada since the signing in 2014 of a Protocol of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat. Mr. Goodale succeeds Marc-André Blanchard, Canada’s then Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, and Gordon Campbell, Canada’s then High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.
Ottawa, Canada. May, 2016: Member Parliament of Canada, Mélanie Joly in conversation with His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. (Image from the Ismailimail Archives)
Ottawa, Canada. May, 2016: Member Parliament of Canada, Mélanie Joly in conversation with His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. (Image from the Ismailimail Archives)

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ralph Goodale as the new representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat.

 

The leadership of His Highness has played a valuable role in strengthening relations with Canada, and I look forward to further enhancing Canada’s partnership with the Ismaili Imamat as High Commissioner Goodale takes on his new role.”

 

~ Mélanie Joly,

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Ottawa, Canada – December 13th, 2023

Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Lisbon, Portugal. April 21, 2024: Prince Rahim receives His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale’s credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, on behalf of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. This was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa
Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Lisbon, Portugal. April 21, 2024: Prince Rahim receives His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale’s credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, on behalf of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. This was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa

“The relationship, as you know, goes back more than 50 years.

 

The work we have done with the Canadian Government has attempted to address some of the major issues of our time, and continues to do so.

 

Canada has been a preferred partner for the Imamat in the work we do internationally, but domestically as well.”

 

~ The then Prince Rahim Aga Khan,

Personal Representative of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV,

during the presentation of credential of Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat

 at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat,

Lisbon, Portugal – April 24th, 2024


Canada’s Representatives to the Ismaili Imamat

The Government of Canada, through the appointment of the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, reflects the importance that Canada places on its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat.

Canada and the Ismaili Imamat formally established their relationship in 2014, building on a long-standing partnership in the sphere of international development and expanding it into other areas, including engagement on foreign policy issues, trade and economic cooperation, and the raising of awareness in Canada of Islam and the Muslim world.

Canada and the Ismaili Imamat enjoy a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship, including through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), both of which are strategic partners of Canada in the promotion of democracy and reduction of poverty around the world.

The Government of Canada and His Highness the Aga Khan are also partners in the Global Centre for Pluralism, a secular, not-for-profit international research and education centre.

Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Lisbon, Portugal. April 21, 2024: Prince Rahim receives His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale’s credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, on behalf of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. This was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa
Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Lisbon, Portugal. April 21, 2024: Prince Rahim receives His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale’s credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, on behalf of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. This was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa

“Canada has been inspired by the work of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, empower women and girls, and help develop infrastructure in underserved regions.

 

Over many years, these efforts have improved the lives of quite literally millions of people around the world.

 

Within Canada, the Ismaili community has flourished for the past 50 years and it contributes very significantly to enhancing the strength and the prosperity of our diverse country.

 

Through their unwavering dedication to service and to helping other people and those in need, the Ismaili Muslim community exemplifies the best of what it means to be Canadian.”

 

~ Ralph Goodale,

Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat,

during the presentation of his credential at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat,

Lisbon, Portugal – April 24th, 2024

2014 witnessed the signing of a Protocol of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat. The Protocol enables reciprocal appointments of diplomatic representatives. Mr. Goodale is the third appointee by Canada since the signing of the protocol and succeeds Marc-André Blanchard, Canada’s then Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, and Gordon Campbell, Canada’s then High Commissioner in the United Kingdom. Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, is the current Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada.

This appointment reflects the importance that Canada places on its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat. As representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, High Commissioner Goodale will work to further enhance relations through strategic-level dialogue and collaboration on areas of shared interest, such as international development, foreign policy, peace and security, and on shared trade and economic objectives, as well as on the promotion of human rights, pluralism and respect for diversity.

Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Lisbon, Portugal. April 21, 2024: (L to R) His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale; Prince Rahim; Mahmoud Eboo. Earlier, on behalf of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Prince Rahim received Mr Goodale’s credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. This was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Mr Goodale is the third appointee by Canada since the signing in 2014 of a Protocol of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat. The Protocol enables reciprocal appointments of diplomatic representatives. Mr. Goodale succeeds Marc-André Blanchard, Canada’s then Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, and Gordon Campbell, Canada’s then High Commissioner in the United Kingdom. Mahmoud Eboo, is the Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa
Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Lisbon, Portugal. April 21, 2024: (L to R) His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale; Prince Rahim; Mahmoud Eboo. Earlier, on behalf of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Prince Rahim received Mr Goodale’s credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. This was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Mahmoud Eboo, is the Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa

“As Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat, I extend deepest sympathies to His Highness’s family, all the Aga Khan entities in Canada & the entire Ismaili community.

 

Humanitarianism, peace, development & vibrant pluralism are among his fine legacies.”

 

~ Ralph Goodale,

Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat (2023+),

High Commissioner of Canada in the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (2021+),

Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization,

London, England – February 4th, 2025

Ottawa, Canada., May 1, 2018: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV being greeted on arrival by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie; Marc-André Blanchard, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations and soon to be Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat; various members of Parliament and other civil society leaders. Image credit: AKDN / Zahur Ramji
Ottawa, Canada., May 1, 2018: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV being greeted on arrival by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie; Marc-André Blanchard, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations and soon to be Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat; various members of Parliament and other civil society leaders. Image credit: AKDN / Zahur Ramji

“Condolences to the family of His Highness the Aga Khan and ⁦the Ismaili community in Canada and around the world.

 

His words on pluralism will resonate forever:

‘Pluralism is no longer an asset or a prerequisite for progress and development, it is vital to our existence’.

 

[It has been] an honour and privilege to represent Canada to the Ismaili Imamat.

 

The Ismaili community makes a significant contribution in Canada and throughout the world.

 

The Aga Khan’s celebration of pluralism is an inspiration to the world.

Canada is a proud development partner of AKDN.”

 

~ Marc-Andre Blanchard,

Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat (2018-20),

Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York (2016-20),

former Chair & CEO, McCarthy Tétrault,

London, England – February 4th, 2025

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan receives His Excellency Gordon Campbell at Aiglemont. (L-R): Malik Talib, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada; Rouben Khatchadourian, Political Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission to the UK; Prince Rahim Aga, Personal Representative of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to Canada; His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat and Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada; and Dr Shafik Sachedina, Head of the Department of Diplomatic Affairs at Hazar Imam’s Secretariat. (image credit: AKDN / CÉCILE GENEST)
Gouvieux, France, March 4, 2015: His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV receives His Excellency Gordon Campbell at Aiglemont. (L-R): Vazir Malik Talib, the then President of the Ismaili Council for Canada; Rouben Khatchadourian, Political Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission to the UK; the then Prince Rahim Aga, Personal Representative of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to Canada; His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat and Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Vazir Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada; and Diwan Dr Shafik Sachedina, the then Head of the Department of Diplomatic Affairs at Hazar Imam’s Secretariat. Image credit: AKDN / Cecile Genest

Portugal’s Representatives to the Ismaili Imamat

Lisbon, Portugal, 12 May 2016: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan speaking with former Foreign Affairs Minister Luis Amado as the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, looks on. (Image credit: AKDN / Luis Filipe Catarino)
Lisbon, Portugal, May 11, 2016: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV speaking with former Foreign Affairs Minister Luis Amado as the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, looks on. Image credit: AKDN / Luis Filipe Catarino

In 2016, Luís Amado was appointed by the Government of Portugal to lead the Portuguese delegation to the Ismaili Imamat and in this capacity he was a bridge between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat led by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

The appointment by former Foreign Minister José Sócrates and former chairman of Banif was published in the Diário da República (Portuguese Government’s Official Gazette), with the signing of the then Foreign Minister, Augusto Santos Silva. In addition to Luís Amado, Mário Jesus dos Santos and João Pedro Lourenço Antunes were also named. These three senior officials were part of the “Joint Committee,” which contained three more members appointed by the Ismaili Imamat, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.

In all, six members made up the designated “Joint Committee” according to the agreement signed in 2015 between Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat and ratified in October 2015. The Joint Committee had two functions:

  • to ensure the implementation of the agreement; and
  • to ensure and resolve disputes that may arise, since its jurisdiction was outside the purview of the courts.

The agreement between the Portuguese Government and the Ismaili Imamat was signed in 2015 by the government of Pedro Passos Coelho, with unanimous support by all political parties. Through this agreement the Ismaili Imamat, a religious community with over 15 million Muslims would build its global headquarters in Lisbon that would also lead to investments and employment in Portugal. In return, the Ismaili Imamat would receive benefits and prerogatives that are typically guaranteed to a state.

Lisbon, Portugal. April 26, 2024 – Heads of State from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) were hosted at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat. The then Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan welcomed Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and leaders from other Lusophone countries. In attendance were (L to R): Their Excellencies Presidents José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, Prince Aly Muhammad, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of Sao Tome and Principe, José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa
Lisbon, Portugal. April 26, 2024 – Heads of State from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) were hosted at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat. The then Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan welcomed Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and leaders from other Lusophone countries. In attendance were (L to R): Their Excellencies Presidents José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, Prince Aly Muhammad, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of Sao Tome and Principe, José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal. Image credit: AKDN / Fernando Costa

Protocols of Cooperation have also been agreed between various countries of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the Ismaili Imamat, directly and through the instrumentality of the AKDN institutions.

  1. Protocol of Cooperation with Guinea-Bissau (2025)
  2. Protocol of Cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe (2025)
  3. Protocol of Cooperation with Timor-Leste (2024) This was the first agreement with a Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) member state since the 2015 agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and the Portuguese Republic
  4. Protocol of Intentions with Brazil (2018)
Lisbon, Portugal. April 26, 2024 – Heads of State from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) were hosted at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat. The then Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan welcomed Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and leaders from other Lusophone countries. In attendance were Their Excellencies José Maria Neves, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, José Ramos-Horta, and Carlos Manuel Vila Nova – the Presidents of Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-Leste, and Sao Tome and Principe, respectively, accompanied by their delegations. Other guests at the event included the President of Portugal’s Parliament, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and other senior state officials and diplomats, and the leaders of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in Portugal.

Russia

Moscow, Russia. October 2, 2017: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia M.L. Bogdanov in conversation with the delegation of the Aga Khan Foundation headed by the Personal Representative of the Spiritual Leader of the Ismaili Nizari Ismaili Muslims, His Highness  Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Shafik Sachedina. Image credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Moscow, Russia. October 2, 2017: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia M.L. Bogdanov in conversation with the delegation of the Aga Khan Foundation headed by the Personal Representative of the Spiritual Leader of the Ismaili Nizari Ismaili Muslims, His Highness  Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Shafik Sachedina. Image credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, reports that the then Vazir Shafik Sachedina, Personal Representative of the Spiritual Leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, together with the delegation of the Aga Khan Foundation, were warmly received by Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov.

The meeting held on October 2nd, 2017, focused on the ongoing situation in the Middle East with an emphasis on the developments in Syria and Afghanistan.

Mr. Sachedina praised Russia’s consistent and principled position in favour of quickly and peacefully resolving conflicts in the region and waging an uncompromising fight against terrorism and extremism. While discussing problems related to Syria, the emphasis was on the importance of establishing a constructive negotiating process between the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the opposition in order to promote a political solution to the Syrian crisis in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.


Ismaili Imamat’s AKDN Resident Representatives

  1. Afghanistan:
    1. Sheherazade Hirji (2019 – 2022)
    2. Akbar Ali Pesnani (2013-2019)
    3. Vazir Saheba Nurjehan Mawani, Order of Canada  (2013-2019)
    4. Aly Mawji (2005-2013, AKDN Country Coordinator 2001-2005), recipient of European Foundation Centre’s 2nd annual Raymond Georis Prize for Innovative Philanthropy in Europe
  2. Bangladesh:
    1. Munir M. Merali (2014 – 2025)
  3. Canada:
    1. Vazir Dr. Mahmoud Eboo (2014 – Current)
  4. East African Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda):
    1. Vazir Mahmood Ahmed (former AKDN Resident Representative to Uganda) (2012 – 2016)
  5. France:
    1. Shamir SamdjeeLégion d’Honneur (France’s Legion of Honour) (2025 – present)
  6. Kenya:
    1. Vazir Amin Mawji, Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2024 – present)
    2. Vazir Dr. Azim Lakhani (2016 – 2024)
    3. Vazir Aziz Bhaloo (2007 – 2015)
    4. Vazir Anil Ishani (1998 – 2007)
  7. Kyrgyzstan:
    1. Vazir Dr Barkat Fazal (2022- present)
    2. Vazir Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Pakistan), Officier de l ‘Ordre National du Merite (France) (2014 – 2022)
    3. Vazir Saheba Nurjehan Mawani, Order of Canada  (2005 – 2013)
  8. Mali & West Africa (Burkina Faso; Côte d’Ivoire; Senegal):
    1. Vazir Ferid Nandjee (2003 – 2025)
  9. Portugal, Mozambique and the Lusophone countries (Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste):
    1. Vazir Nazim Ahmad, Comendador da Ordem do Mérito (Commander of the Order of Merit) (1998 – present)
  10. Syria:
    1. Mohamed Saifo  (2010 – present)
  11. Tajikistan:
    1. Qozidavlat Qoimdodov (2019 – present, Tajikistan’s Government Coordinator of AKDN Tajikistan 2000–2005)
    2. Akbar Ali Pesnani (2013 – 2019)
    3. Munir M. Merali (2006 – 2013)
  12. Tanzania:
    1. Vazir Amin Mawji, Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2025 – present)
    2. Vazir Amin Kurji, Légion d’Honneur (France’s Legion of Honour) (2004 – 2025)
  13. Uganda:
    1. Vazir Amin Mawji, Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2016 – present)
    2. Vazir Mahmood Ahmed (2005 – 2016)

AKDN Resident Representative is a position akin to an ambassador. While the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a non-denominational entity, it is supranational in the context of its reach and operations. AKDN is a contemporary endeavor of the Ismaili Imamat to realize the social conscious of Islam through institutional action and it is inspired by the ethics of Islam as interpreted by the Shia-Alid tradition. As Imam – Spiritual Leader of the Ismailis, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and Hazar Imam – His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, both have emphasized the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith, one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds the dignity of man, Allah’s noblest creation.

The diplomatic reciprocity AKDN enjoys in the global diplomacy arena speaks of the importance of the contribution, impact and relevance the Ismaili Imamat has in the community of nations in modern times.

According to Wikipedia, an Ambassador is an official envoy, especially a highest ranking diplomat who represents a state and is usually accredited to another sovereign state, or to an international organization as the Resident Representative of their own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment. The “Ambassadors” to the British Commonwealth of Nations are known as High Commissioners and “Ambassadors” of the Holy See are known as Papal or Apostolic Nuncios.

Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, during his Takht-nishini Farman informed the jamats that updates to the Ismaili Constitution have been made effective February 11th, 2025 to reflect new developments and needs of the global ismaili community and better serve as the framework for the Jamat’s organization and governance. Mawlana Hazar Imam further elaborated that the update reflects, among other things, the recognition of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon.


International Relations

The Ismaili Imamat, historically and in the contemporary period, has engaged in formal and informal diplomatic relations with various entities. These engagements have been driven by the Imamat’s interests, stemming from the ethics of Islam, to improve the quality of life globally, and to advance the causes of human dignity, pluralistic engagements and peace building.

This sense of common purpose underlines the Ismaili Imamat’s collaboration with national governments, their regional groupings (including, for instance the EU and EAC), international public agencies and a myriad of non-governmental organizations.

Based on shared objectives and values, governments, supranational and international agencies extends the courtesies and privileges of diplomatic recognition (as defined by the Vienna Convention) to the Ismaili Imamat to facilitate collaboration. Protocols of Cooperation have been agreed between various countries and the Ismaili Imamat, directly and through the instrumentality of the AKDN institutions. Among the states and organizations that have entered into formal relationships with the Ismaili Imamat are:

Lisbon, Portugal. June 2024: Twenty two flags fly at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, representing each of the Ismaili Council jurisdictions worldwide. Image credit: IPL / The Ismaili
Lisbon, Portugal. June 2024: Twenty two flags fly at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, representing each of the Ismaili Council jurisdictions worldwide. Image credit: IPL / The Ismaili
  1. Afghanistan
  2. Bangladesh
  3. Brazil
  4. Canada
  5. East African Community (EAC)
  6. European Commission (EC)
  7. France
  8. Guinea-Bissau
  9. Kazakhstan
  10. Kyrgyzstan
  11. Mali
  12. Mozambique
  13. Pakistan
  14. Portugal
  15. São Tomé and Príncipe
  16. Syria
  17. Timor-Leste
  18. American states of California, Illinois and Texas

Doha, Qatar, 22 May 2025 – His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V today concluded a visit to Qatar, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and His Excellency Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund for Development, to strengthen collaboration in global development and culture.

Two agreements were signed during the visit: a Memorandum of Understanding between the Aga Khan Development Network and the Qatar Fund for Development that aims to advance inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in support of countries facing urgent and multifaceted challenges; and a collaboration agreement between the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Qatar Museums.

The agreements will enable deeper collaboration in regions of common interest, including Central and South Asia and the Middle East, in fields such as economic empowerment, health care, climate resilience, education, training for heritage preservation, urban revitalisation and music.

The visit continues the enduring engagement of the Ismaili Imamat with countries in the Gulf region, including the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Collaboration with institutions based in Qatar had begun in 2010 when His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV (d. 2025), father of His Highness the Aga Khan V, visited Doha at the conclusion of the 11th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.


Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF)

The Ismaili Leaders International Forum (LIF) is a consultative body appointed by the 49th Ismaili Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. It meets periodically, with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s consent, to discuss matters of strategic importance to the wellbeing of the global Jamat. Below is the list of the LIF Chairs since the promulgation of the Ismaili Constitution in 1986.

Lisbon, Portugal. June 2024: Members of the Ismaili Leaders' International Forum (LIF) gather for a group photograph at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Front row middle: Vazir Malik Talib, current Chairman of the LIF and on his right, Diwan Shafik Sachedina, Head of Community Affairs and former LIF Chair. Image credit: IPL / The Ismaili
Lisbon, Portugal. June 2024: Members of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF) gather for a group photograph at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon.  Front row middle: Vazir Malik Talib, current Chairman of the LIF and on his right, Diwan Shafik Sachedina, Head of Community Affairs and former LIF Chair. Image credit: IPL / The Ismaili

Titles of Honour

  • Diwan / Diwanbanoo (spouse) / Diwan Saheba (in their own right)
  • Vazir / Vazirbanoo (spouse) / Vazir Saheba (in their own right)
  • Aitmadi / Aitmadibanoo (spouse) / Aitmadi Saheba (in their own right)
  • Rai / Raibanoo (spouse) / Rai Saheba (in their own right)
  • Alijah / Alijahbanoo (spouse) / Alijah Saheba (in their own right)
  • Huzur Mukhi / Huzur Mukhiani (spouse) / Huzur Mukhiani (in their own right)
Lisbon, Portugal. May 4, 2025: Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with Diwan Shafik Sachedina and his wife Diwan-banoo Nadia Sachedina. Image credit: IPL / Akbar Hakim
Lisbon, Portugal. May 4, 2025: Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with Diwan Shafik Sachedina and his wife Diwanbanoo Nadia Sachedina. Image credit: IPL / Akbar Hakim

Appointments to the Title of Diwan in recent history by:

  • 50th Imam, His Highness Prince Rarim Aga Khan V
  • 49th Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV
    • Sir Eboo Pir Bhai (1983)
  • 48th Imam, His Highness Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan II
    • Muhammad Ibrahim M. Rawjee (1946)
    • Ghulam Hussain Mohammad Jindani (1948)

A Tradition of International Service​

France Honours Mowlana Hazir Imam and Prince Amyn, and pays tribute to the Aga Khan Family
In this picture front row (left to right)
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan (sister of the His Highness the Aga Khan IV, daughter of Prince Alykhan and granddaughter of His Highness the Aga Khan III)
Mowlana Sultan Mohammed Shah – His Highness the Aga Khan III – 48th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims
Back row and standing (left to right)
Mowlana Hazar Imam – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV – His Highness the Aga Khan IV – 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims (elder son of Prince Alykhan and grandson of His Highness the Aga Khan III)
Prince Aly Soloman Khan Aga Khan (elder son of His Highness the Aga Khan III and father of His Highness the Aga Khan IV)
Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan (younger son of His Highness the Aga Khan III and uncle of His Highness the Aga Khan IV)
Begam Mata Salamat (wife of His Highness the Aga Khan III)
Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan (brother of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, younger son of Prince Alykhan and grandson of His Highness the Aga Khan III)

In recent generations, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s family has followed a​ tradition of service in international affairs. The Aga Khan IV’s grandfather was President of the League of Nations and his father, Prince Aly Khan, was Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations. His uncle, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, had been United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations’ Coordinator for assistance to Afghanistan and United Nations’ Executive Delegate of the Iraq-Turkey border areas. The Aga Khan IV’s brother, Prince Amyn, entered the United Nations Secretariat, Department of Economic and Social Affairs following his graduation from Harvard in 1965. Since 1968, Prince Amyn has been closely involved with the governance of the principal development institutions of the Imamat.

The Aga Khan IV’s eldest child and daughter, Princess Zahra, who graduated from Harvard in 1994 with a BA Honors Degree in Third World Development Studies, has coordination responsibilities relating to specific social development institutions of the Imamat and is based at his Secretariat. His elder son, the then Prince Rahim, who graduated from Brown University (USA) in 1995, has similar responsibilities in respect of the Imamat’s economic development institutions and is chairs AKDN’s committee on climate change. The Aga Khan IV’s younger son, Prince Hussain, who graduated from Williams College (USA) in 1997, joined the Secretariat and is involved in the cultural activities of the Network.

Lisbon, Portugal. June 19, 2021:Virtual Event - First Convocation of the University of Central Asia His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and members of his family pose for a group photograph on the occasion of the University of Central Asia’s inaugural convocation, hosted as a virtual event. Standing from left to right: Princess Zahra, Prince Hussain, Prince Amyn Mohamed and the then Prince Rahim. Image credit: Thomas Wibaux / AKDN
Lisbon, Portugal. June 19, 2021: Virtual Event – First Convocation of the University of Central Asia His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and members of his family pose for a group photograph on the occasion of the University of Central Asia’s inaugural convocation, hosted as a virtual event. Standing from left to right: Princess Zahra, Prince Hussain, Prince Amyn Mohamed and the then Prince Rahim. Image credit: Thomas Wibaux / AKDN
Lisbon, Portugal. May 22, 2021:Virtual Event - Global Convocation of Aga Khan University His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and members of his family pose for a group photograph on the occasion of the Aga Khan University’s first ever global convocation, hosted as a virtual event. Standing from left to right: Princess Zahra, Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Hussain, the then Prince Rahim and Prince Amyn Mohamed. Image credit: Cécile Genest / IPL
Lisbon, Portugal. May 22, 2021: Virtual Event – Global Convocation of Aga Khan University His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and members of his family pose for a group photograph on the occasion of the Aga Khan University’s first ever global convocation, hosted as a virtual event. Standing from left to right: Princess Zahra, Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Hussain, the then Prince Rahim and Prince Amyn Mohamed. Image credit: Cécile Genest / IPL

In consonance with this vision of Islam and their tradition of service to humanity, wherever Ismailis live, they have elaborated a well-defined institutional framework to carry out social, economic and cultural activities. Under the Aga Khan’s leadership, this framework has expanded and evolved into Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of institutions working to improve living conditions and opportunities in specific regions of the developing world. In every country, these institutions work for the common good of all citizens regardless of their origin or religion. Their individual mandates range from architecture, education and health to the promotion of private sector enterprise, the enhancement of non-government organisations and rural development.​


  • Note: The global Seat of the Ismaili Imamat and its Senior Officials are not mentioned in the 1998 edition of The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, but the spirit and essence of the emerging institutions and their resources are present in the document.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. Its aim is to facilitate “the development of friendly relations” among governments through a uniform set of practices and principles; most notably, it codifies the longstanding custom of diplomatic immunity, in which diplomatic missions are granted privileges that enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country.

The Vienna Convention is a cornerstone of modern international relations and international law and is almost universally ratified and observed; it is considered one of the most successful legal instruments drafted under the United Nations.


Research,  Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali


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Seat of Ismaili Imamat & Ismaili Imamat’s Diplomatic Corps

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Canada
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Discover, Explore & Learn more via:

  1. The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims (1998)
  2. The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims (1986)
  3. X | Ralph Goodale – Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat (3rd Ambassador to Ismaili Imamat)
  4. X | Marc-Andre Blanchard – Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat (2nd Ambassador to Ismaili Imamat)
  5. The Ismaili | New Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat presents credentials
  6. Government of Canada – Global Affairs Canada | Minister Joly announces appointment of the Honourable Ralph Goodale as representative of Canada to Ismaili Imamat
  7. AKDN | New Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat presents credentials
  8. AKDN | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
  9. The Ismaili Imamat
  10. Economico | Luís Amado vai ser o braço do Governo nas relações com príncipe Aga Khan (Luís Amado will be the arm of the Government in relations with Prince Aga Khan)
  11. Negocios | Luís Amado faz a ponte entre o Governo e o príncipe Aga Khan (Luís Amado is a bridge between the Government and the Prince Aga Khan)
  12. Diário da República (Portuguese Government’s Official Gazette)
  13. X – AKDN | Heads of State from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries ( @_CPLP ) were hosted this week at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal. Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan welcomed Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and leaders from other Lusophone countries
  14. Timor-Leste Presidencia da Republica | President José Ramos-Horta joined heads of state from other Portuguese-speaking nations at a landmark celebration hosted by the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon on Wednesday (April 25, 2024), commemorating 50 years since Portugal’s democratic Carnation Revolution – Strengthening Lusophone-Ismaili Community Bonds – Gratitude for Emphasis on Peace & Multilateralism
  15. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation | On the meeting of the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and African Countries, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia M.L. Bogdanov with the delegation of the Aga Khan Foundation headed by the personal representative of the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Nizari Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Sh. Saschedina
  16. New America | Arif Lalani Senior Fellow, Future Security
  17. TV Ontario | Video – Aga Khan IV’s Legacy in Canada and Beyond
  18. Wikipedia | Qozidavlat Qoimdodov
  19. Wikipedia | Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
  20. AKDN | AKDN Quick Facts
  21. AKU | About AKU | The Chancellor | A Tradition of International​ Service​
  22. IIS | The Ismaili Imamat – Brief History
  23. IIS | AKDN Ethical Framework
  24. Encyclopedia of Ismailism by Mumtaz Tajdin (page 86)
  25. AKDN | His Highness the Aga Khan concludes visit to the State of Qatar
  26. AKDN | Prince Rahim meets with French Interior Minister in Paris
  27. Official Journal of the French Republic | Decree of July 13, 2021 concerning promotion and appointment to the National Order of the Legion of Honor
  28. AKDN | His Highness the Aga Khan attends UN Oceans Conference

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