On February 4, 2025 the world bid farewell to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, a towering figure of wisdom, philanthropy, and visionary leadership. As the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, he devoted over six decades to uplifting millions worldwide, transcending religious and national boundaries to champion education, healthcare, and economic development.
Born into privilege, Prince Karim Aga Khan chose service over opulence, dedicating his life to creating institutions that empowered the marginalized. His visionary leadership of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) transformed communities, from pioneering sustainable infrastructure to establishing world-class universities and hospitals in underserved regions. His work was not just about charity but about building lasting frameworks for self-sufficiency and dignity.
A true statesman, he was a bridge between cultures, advocating pluralism and mutual respect in an increasingly divided world. His efforts in architecture and cultural preservation, recognized with numerous global honors, ensured that heritage was not lost to modernity but preserved as a source of identity and inspiration.
A true statesman, he was a bridge between cultures, advocating pluralism and mutual respect in an increasingly divided world. His efforts in architecture and cultural preservation, recognized with numerous global honors, ensured that heritage was not lost to modernity but preserved as a source of identity and inspiration.
We cannot make the world safe for democracy unless we also make the world safe for diversity.
