“In all interpretations of Islam, Imams, whether they are Shia or Sunni, are required not only to lead in the interpretation of the faith, but equally to contribute to improving the quality of life of the people who refer to them. This dual obligation is often difficult to appreciate from the viewpoint of Christian interpretations of the role which Church leaders are expected to perform. It is on this ethical premise, which bridges faith and society, that I established the Aga Khan Development Network.”
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Nobel Institute on Democratic Development, Pluralism and Civil Society, Oslo, Norway
April 7, 2005
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“The Network’s agencies and programmes are non-denominational and open to all without discrimination, guided by the Imamat’s policy of replacing walls that divide with bridges which unite.”
Acceptance Remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan, University of Evora Honorary Doctorate, Portugal
February 12, 2006
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“Our work has always been people-driven. It grows out of the age-old Islamic ethic, committed to goals with universal relevance: the elimination of poverty, access to education, and social peace in a pluralist environment. The AKDN’s fundamental objective is to improve the quality of human life. Amongst the great common denominators of the human race is a shared aspiration, a common hope, for a better quality of life.”
Address of His Highness the Aga Khan to both Houses of the Parliament of Canada in the House of Commons Chamber, Ottawa
February 27, 2014
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“All Muslims are called upon to improve the physical condition of our world, and honouring our cultural heritage is vital to that calling. Our response in simple terms is that not a day goes by where my institution – the Ismaili Imamat – is not building or rebuilding something somewhere: a historic site perhaps, but also a hospital, a university, an industry. Our central objective is to improve the quality of life for people in the developing world…”
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the 50th anniversary of ICOMOS, London
October 22, 2015
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“… I have been involved in the field of development for nearly four decades. This engagement has been grounded in my responsibilities as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Community, and Islam’s message of the fundamental unity of “din and dunia,” of spirit and of life. Throughout its long history, the Ismaili Imamat has emphasised the importance of activities that reflect the social conscience of Islam, that contribute to the well being of Allah’s greatest creation – mankind, and the responsibility which Islam places on the fortunate and the strong to assist those less fortunate.”
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Annual Meeting of The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
May 5, 2003
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
Ismailimail 