Gems of Wisdom
Welcome to Gems of Wisdom, a selection of speeches by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam, or spiritual leader, of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Episodes
“My wish for the decades ahead” - New York, USA, 1 November 2017 and Aiglemont, France, 16 December 2016
In this final episode of Gems of Wisdom, we will hear two very short but impactful speeches in which the Aga Khan spoke passionately about his aspirations for the future. First, he reflected on his work towards building peace in the world in this speech on receiving the Asia Society’s Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award in New York City, USA on 1 November 2017.
The Aga Khan also discussed h
“My beloved spiritual children” - Salamiyya, Syria, 10 November 2001
This penultimate episode of Gems of Wisdom will feature a different kind of address from the public speeches heard in previous episodes. As a faith leader, the Aga Khan provided Ismaili communities around the world with spiritual and worldly guidance for almost seven decades. While these religious gatherings were usually private for Ismailis only, occasionally he spoke to large outdoor public gath
“A very significant moment in my own life” - Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, 19 June 2021
Gems of Wisdom will be drawing to a close with three special episodes. In this third last episode, we will hear the Aga Khan’s final public speech made during his lifetime, which also marked an important milestone event. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the Aga Khan gave a virtual address in this speech to the first Convocation ceremony of the University of Central Asia in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic on 1
“We would never become a demotivated, marginalised community” - Ottawa, Canada, 27 November 2013
After Uganda’s President Idi Amin expelled all South Asians from the country in 1972, thousands of Ugandan Ismaili refugees ended up rebuilding their lives and community institutions in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Aga Khan discussed the spirit of resilience that inspired the architecture of the Ismaili Centres and other buildings in this speech to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
“The ripple effect that a teacher can have” - Northern Areas, Pakistan, 19 October 2000
In a merit-based world, one important factor in helping children progress in developing societies is the quality of teaching they receive. The Aga Khan spoke about the need to strengthen teaching capacity in this speech at the inauguration of the Professional Development Centre in the Northern Areas of Pakistan on 19 October 2000.
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“Democracy can fail anywhere, at any time, in any society” - Gatineau, Canada, 19 May 2004
In recent years, a number of democracies have been failing around the world, contributing to global instability and conflict. The Aga Khan discussed the ways in which democracy can be strengthened in this speech at the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference on 19 May 2004 in Gatineau, Canada.
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“Zanzibar was a significant focal point for this region of the world” - Zanzibar, Tanzania, 30 July 2009
The island of Zanzibar on East Africa’s Swahili coast has been a cultural and economic crossroad for centuries. The Aga Khan discussed the history and future of Zanzibar as a place of pluralistic exchange in this speech at the inauguration of the revitalised Forodhani Park on 30 July 2009 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
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“The problem of persistent global poverty” - Washington, D.C., USA, 22 April 2009
One of the great challenges in the world today is addressing the problem of global poverty, especially in the developing world. The Aga Khan discussed the need for developed and developing societies to work together in tackling the challenges of poverty in this speech at the Global Philanthropy Forum on 22 April 2009 in Washington, D.C., USA.
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“The harmonious integration of the spiritual, the artistic, and the natural worlds” - Toronto, Canada, 28 May 2010
We have heard in previous episodes about the effort to educate people in Western societies about the contributions that diverse Muslim civilisations have made to the world. The Aga Khan discussed three institutions located together that he hoped would contribute to this educational endeavour in this speech at the foundation ceremony of the Aga Khan Museum, the Ismaili Centre Toronto, and the Aga K
“A symbol of the hopes of people who lived through change and turbulence” - Houston, USA, 23 June 2002
In recent decades, Ismaili Muslim communities in North America and Europe have grown significantly, often caused by people fleeing political instability and conflict. As a symbol of the community’s growing presence in the United States, the Aga Khan opened a new Jamatkhana, the place of worship used by Ismailis, during a visit to Texas in 2002. This was also his first visit to America after the 9/
“Without cultural identity, social cohesion gradually dissolves” - Amsterdam, Netherlands, 7 September 2002
Respecting diverse cultural identities is essential to building peaceful societies, especially in the developing world. The Aga Khan discussed the relationship between cultural identity and pluralism in the context of development in this speech at the Prince Claus Fund's Conference on culture and development in Amsterdam, Netherlands on 7 September 2002.
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“The promise of democracy has too often been disappointed” - New York, USA, 15 May 2006
Strengthening democracy and governance is critical to improving quality of life and offering hope to people living in developing societies. The Aga Khan offered four suggestions to build more stable democracies in this speech at the graduation ceremony at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs on 15 May 2006 in New York, USA.
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“Confronting the knowledge deficit which now plagues too many Islamic societies” - Cairo, Egypt, 15 June 2006
In recent decades, new technologies have caused agricultural and industrial societies to be replaced by what has been called the knowledge society. The Aga Khan discussed how Muslim societies can reclaim their position as knowledge societies of the future in this speech at the American University in Cairo on 15 June 2006 in Cairo, Egypt.
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“Ignorance could yield to understanding through the power of education” - London, UK, 26 June 2018
In an effort to research and raise awareness about the rich diversity and intellectual contributions of Muslim civilisations, including Ismailis, two academic institutions were established by the Ismaili Imamat in the United Kingdom, namely The Institute of Ismaili Studies and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. The Aga Khan discussed these educational endeav
“Pluralism is the indispensable foundation for human peace and progress” - Ottawa, Canada, 16 May 2017
The Global Centre for Pluralism was established as a partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Canada, working to influence perspectives, inform policies and inspire actions to advance pluralism. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed his aspirations for the Centre in this speech at the opening of the headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, Canada on
“When hope fades, extremist ideologies feed on the despair” - Toledo, Spain, 2 March 2006
Investing in cultural heritage can have a positive impact on the quality of life in developing societies, offering hope to poor and vulnerable communities. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spoke about the AKDN’s work in cultural preservation in this speech at the Royal Toledo Foundation award ceremony on 2 March 2006 in Toledo, Spain.
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“A for-profit international development agency” - Athi River, Kenya, 19 December 2003
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, or AKFED, is a for-profit agency that reinvests all of its profits into future development activities. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the work and impact that AKFED companies seek to make in this speech at the opening of Alltex EPZ Ltd in Athi River, Kenya on 19 December 2003.
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“Culture is entwined for Muslims with matters of faith” - London, UK, 12 July 2007
Prior to the opening of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, objects from its collection were exhibited in various museums and galleries around the world. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spoke about the educational role that the arts can play in addressing knowledge gaps about the Muslim world in this speech at the Spirit and Life exhibition in London, UK on 12 July 2007.
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“The northernmost Islamic garden ever created” - Edmonton, Canada, 16 October 2018
While many of the AKDN’s park and garden projects have been part of development efforts in Asia and Africa, several garden projects have also been built in North America and Europe with a purpose to educate Western societies about Muslim cultures and values. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spoke about the inspiring power of Islamic gardens in this speech at the opening of the Aga Khan Garden
“Instability is infectious, but so is hope” - Lisbon, Portugal, 12 June 2014
The North-South Prize is awarded each year to two candidates who promote solidarity between the North and South, and have distinguished themselves in the protection of human rights, defence of pluralist democracy, and raising public awareness on issues of global interdependence and solidarity. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the importance of pluralism and hope in this speech at th
“A strategic investment which many private investors might be reluctant to make” - Kampala, Uganda, 10 November 2006
Tourism is one way to help spark investment in developing societies. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spoke about the role that luxury hotels, tourism, and for-profit ventures play in the development work of the AKDN in this speech at the opening of the Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda on 10 November 2006.
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“Critical components of any global development policy” - Berlin, Germany, 6 September 2004
In order for developing countries to be transformed into peaceful and productive modern societies, certain components need to be in place. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the preconditions for uplifting developing societies, including democracy, pluralism, and civil society, in this speech to the annual Conference of German Ambassadors on 6 September 2004 in Berlin, Germany.
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“Reap the benefits of new technology” - Washington, D.C., USA, 10 November 1999
The development of the Internet has caused massive changes in global communications and the proliferation of knowledge, particularly since its rapid rise in the 1990s. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the AKDN’s pioneering uses of information technologies to enhance their development work in the areas of culture, health care, and education in this speech at the World Bank InfoDev Co
“Complex problems confronting sustainable development in mountain areas” - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 31 October 2002
Mountain societies face several unique development challenges, including many countries in Central Asia where the AKDN is active. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the problems and potentials of mountain communities in this speech at the Global Mountain Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 31 October 2002.
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“Encounters of people and cultures” - Cambridge, Massachusetts, 27 May 1994
The 1990s were a time of dynamic change in the world. The collapse of the Soviet Union brought about the end of the Cold War, the creation of many newly independent states, and the rapid increase in encounters between cultures. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV addressed these cultural encounters, particularly between the Muslim world and Western societies, in this speech at the Massachusetts
“A new Seat of the Ismaili Imamat” - Lisbon, Portugal, 10 July 2018
Over several decades, the Ismaili Imamat developed a close relationship with the government of Portugal, which culminated in an agreement in 2015 to establish a Seat of the Ismaili Imamat there. The Aga Khan spoke about this relationship and the significance of the Seat in this speech to the Portuguese Parliament on 10 July 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal.
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“The best of charity, in Islamic terms, can go beyond material support alone” - Islamabad, Pakistan, 17 October 2000
Charitable giving is closely linked with religions, and can take on many forms, including gifts of time, talent, and funds. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed Islam’s traditions of giving in this speech at the Conference of Indigenous Philanthropy on 17 October 2000 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
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“Caricatures which have brought such pain to Islamic peoples” - Evora, Portugal, 12 February 2006
In 2006, a Danish newspaper sparked a global controversy by publishing a series of offensive drawings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his progeny. Protests and violence erupted around the world, amidst a vigorous debate about freedom and responsibility. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spoke about the need for more pluralistic societies in the following excerpts of this speech at t
“Milestone moment in the early history of the University of Central Asia” - Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, 19 October 2016
To address the unique challenges faced by people living in mountain societies, particularly in Central Asia in the post-Cold War period, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV worked with the governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan to establish the University of Central Asia, or UCA. He spoke about the vision for the university in this speech at the inauguration of the first
“Increasing frustration concerning the pluralism story” - Toronto, Canada, 21 September 2016
Global citizenship refers to the idea that all people are connected not just with one country but with a broader global community, and requires a steadfast commitment to the ideals of belonging and inclusion. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the importance of global citizenship in the face of growing challenges to pluralism in this speech, made upon receiving the inaugural Adrienne
“Environmental goals and development goals must be part of a complementary agenda” - Jinja, Uganda, 21 August 2007
In Islamic belief, humans are entrusted with the responsibility to care for our worldly environment. In order to combat the threat of climate change, greater focus needs to be placed on finding renewable energy sources. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV addressed the relationship between environmental goals and development goals in this speech at the foundation ceremony of the Bujagali hydropo
“An investment made in the earliest preschool years” - Mombasa, Kenya, 14 August 2007
The Madrasa Early Childhood Programme is a partnership between the Aga Khan Foundation and local Muslim organisations, through which over 200 preschools have been established in communities in East Africa. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the importance of early childhood development, a period in which the human brain develops most quickly, in this speech at the 25th anniversary of
“International development and its relationship to education” - University of Alberta, 9 June 2009
In previous episodes, we have heard His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV speak about the role of education in strengthening developing societies. He had also discussed the important role that universities and other educational institutions can play in areas relevant to the field of international development, such as government, civil society, ethical literacy, and pluralism. He addressed these is
“Discovery of knowledge as a spiritual responsibility” - Dhaka, Bangladesh, 20 May 2008
High quality education is a critical way to promote the long-term development of societies by nurturing the growth of future leaders. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spoke about the vision of the Aga Khan Academies in this speech at the foundation ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 20 May 2008.
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“Each generation must leave for its successors a wholesome and sustainable social and physical environment” - Washington, D.C., USA, 26 January 2005
The Muslim world has rich and diverse architectural traditions stretching back centuries. However, in the modern age, these traditions were being lost and were in need of being revitalised. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was awarded the National Building Museum’s Vincent Scully Prize in 2005 and participated in a seminar where he made this speech on 26 January 2005 in Washington, DC.
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“Progress of democracy in our world is fundamentally linked to improving the quality of human life” - Athens, Greece, 15 September 2015
For several decades, Western countries have promoted democratic governance in many parts of the world, including Muslim societies. However, many democracies have struggled in recent years. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV outlined his views on how to strengthen democracy in this speech at the International New York Times Athens Democracy Forum, held on 15 September 2015 in Athens, Greece.
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“Improving maternal, neonatal and child health should be one of the highest priorities” - Toronto, Canada, 29 May 2014
Despite significant progress in maternal, newborn, and child health globally, many preventable maternal deaths still occur in developing countries, where many women are not attended to by a trained midwife, nurse or doctor during childbirth. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV addressed this topic and AKDN’s related initiatives in this speech at the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Summit held
“A gift from the past that will keep on giving” - New Delhi, India, 21 February 2018
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has invested in cultural heritage projects in various countries, including revitalising Islamic monuments and gardens. This includes a series of interconnected heritage projects in New Delhi, India, which His Highness the Aga Khan discussed in this speech at the inauguration of the Sunder Nursery, held on 21 February 2018.
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“Diversification without disintegration, this is the greatest challenge of our time” - Providence, USA, 10 March 2014
In our previous episode, we heard the His Highness the Aga Khan’s commencement speech at Brown University in 1996. Eighteen years later, he was invited to Brown University again to deliver the 88th Stephen Ogden Lecture on 10 March 2014. The Aga Khan reflected on the changes in the world over this period, often linked to individuals learning to live amongst increasing diversity.
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“A bridge across the gulf of knowledge which separates the Islamic world from the West” - Providence, USA, 26 May 1996
The Soviet Union fell in 1991, ending a decades-long ideological conflict with the United States known as the Cold War. The years that followed saw considerable change around the world, including growing perceptions of a so-called Clash of Civilisations between the Muslim world and the West. His Highness the Aga Khan addressed this changing landscape and the gulf of knowledge between the West and
“Ethical media practices throughout the developing world” – Nairobi, Kenya, 18 March 2010
His Highness the Aga Khan established the Nation Media Group in 1960 to be a fair-minded, independent media voice to assist in East Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy. To mark the Nation Media Group’s 50th anniversary, the Aga Khan reflected on the role of media in Africa’s development in this speech on 18 March 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya.
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“Traditions evolve in a context, and the context always changes” – London, UK, 19 October 2003
Many modern leaders and thinkers have been trying to determine how the Muslim world can reclaim the position of intellectual and cultural leadership in the world that it once held. His Highness the Aga Khan reflected on this question in this speech at the 25th anniversary graduation of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, held in London on 19 October 2003.
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“Civil society is one of the most powerful forces in our time” - Ottawa, Canada, 27 February 2014
Civil society is that part of society, distinct from the state, government and business, in which citizens create organisations that are private and motivated to enhance the public good. His Highness the Aga Khan spoke about the important role of a strong civil society in this speech to the Parliament of Canada on 27 February 2014. It was the first time in Canadian history that a faith leader had
“Building an effective cosmopolitan ethic in a fragmented world” - Cambridge, USA, 12 November 2015
In 2015, His Highness the Aga Khan was invited to deliver the prestigious Jodidi lecture at Harvard University, the university that he graduated from in 1959. In this speech, made on 12 November 2015, he addressed the topic of “The Cosmopolitan Ethic in a fragmented world.”
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“An education for success in the modern world” - Osh, Kyrgyz Republic, 30 October 2002
To assist the development of several former Soviet republics in Central Asia as they transitioned into independent nations, the Aga Khan Development Network began to establish various institutions, particularly in education. His Highness the Aga Khan spoke about what constitutes a successful education in the modern world in this speech at the opening of the Aga Khan School in Osh in the Kyrgyz Rep
“Touching the very foundations of my ancestors, the Fatimids” - Cairo, Egypt, 25 March 2005
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture converted a centuries-old rubbish dump in historic Cairo into the spectacular Al-Azhar Park. This was the first of several parks and gardens that have become catalysts for change in many ways - environmental, social, economic, and educational. His Highness the Aga Khan addressed the evolution of the Al-Azhar Park project in this speech at the inauguration ceremony on
“A clash of ignorance” - Houston, USA, 23 June 2002
The 9/11 terrorist attacks that took place in the United States in 2001 have had a profound impact on the relationship between Western societies and Muslim-majority societies. His Highness the Aga Khan visited the United States the following year and made this speech in Houston on 23 June 2002, at a banquet attended by the Governor of Texas, other government officials, and civil society leaders.
“Leading participants in the knowledge society” - Karachi, Pakistan, 6 December 2006
Centuries ago, Muslim societies were among the leading civilisations in the world, driven by and building upon the discovery of new knowledge. His Highness the Aga Khan raised the question of how modern Muslim societies can strengthen themselves by becoming leading participants in today’s knowledge society in this speech at the Aga Khan University’s convocation in Karachi, Pakistan on 6 December 2
“The spiritual roots of tolerance” - Tutzing, Germany, 12 February 2006
As a strong proponent of pluralism, His Highness the Aga Khan has often emphasised its spiritual roots, in various world religions. He was presented with the Tolerance Award by the Tutzing Evangelical Academy in Germany, where he delivered this speech on 12 February 2006.
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“The Holy Prophet's life gives us every fundamental guideline that we require” - Karachi, Pakistan, 12 March 1976
Diverse Muslim societies and communities are searching for ways to bridge the traditional teachings of Islam with the modern challenges of today’s world. His Highness the Aga Khan delivered this Presidential address at the International Seerat Conference, a gathering of Islamic scholars hosted by the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs in Karachi, on 12 March 1976.
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“A place for contemplation and search for enlightenment” - Dubai, UAE, 13 December 2003
The Ismaili Centres are high profile, ambassadorial buildings. They incorporate a Jamatkhana as a place of prayer for the Ismaili community, alongside secular spaces that also serve wider society. Jamatkhanas are one of the diverse spaces of worship found among Muslim communities globally. His Highness the Aga Khan gave this speech on 13 December 2003 at the foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Cent
“In Islamic thought… beauty and mystery are not separated from intellect” - Ottawa, Canada, 6 December 2008
The architecture of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Canada is inspired by the mysteries of rock crystal. His Highness the Aga Khan spoke about this symbolism and of the relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada in this speech at the opening ceremony on 6 December 2008.
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“Musical language as an elemental expression of human spirituality” - Lisbon, Portugal, 31 March 2019
While rich musical traditions exist in Muslim societies, some interpretations of Islam reject music as not permissible. His Highness the Aga Khan spoke about the importance of the musical traditions of the Muslim world in this speech at the first prize-giving ceremony of the Aga Khan Music Awards on 31 March 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal.
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“The Qur’an… has been an inexhaustible well-spring of inspiration” - London, UK, 19 October 2003
The Holy Qur’an has been a source of inspiration for Muslims through the ages. His Highness the Aga Khan delivered this opening address at an international conference titled “Word of God, Art of Man: The Qur’an and its Creative Expressions,” organised by The Institute of Ismaili Studies on 19 October 2003 in London.
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“Architecture is the only art form which has a direct, daily impact on the quality of human life” - Al-Ain, UAE, 6 November 2016
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was created in 1977 to help revitalise the rich Muslim architectural traditions that were being lost in the modern world. His Highness the Aga Khan spoke about the impact and future direction of the award at the 13th prize-giving ceremony held on 6 November 2016 in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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“Diversity as an opportunity rather than a burden” - Toronto, Canada, 15 October 2010
In a globalised world, one of the major challenges is that diverse peoples, cultures, and religions are increasingly in contact with one another, which, at times, leads to conflict and even violence. His Highness the Aga Khan has been a major champion for pluralism, valuing diversity as a strength rather than a threat. He delivered this LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture on the 15th of October 2010 in Tor
“Cultural investments as a springboard for development” - London, UK, 22 October 2015
In societies that face pressing social and economic needs, investing in cultural heritage is sometimes considered wasteful or excessive. His Highness the Aga Khan has long argued that protecting and revitalising cultural heritage is a positive contributor to the socio-economic development of societies. He delivered this keynote address at the 50th anniversary conference of the International Counci
“The most important skill anyone can learn is the ability to go on learning” - Atlanta, USA, 18 April 2008
His Highness the Aga Khan has, over many decades, argued for the importance of investing in high quality education for all. He considers an educated population essential for a peaceful, stable and productive society. The Aga Khan delivered the Peterson Lecture at the annual meeting of the International Baccalaureate on 18 April 2008 in Atlanta, USA.
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