Reports on this page compiled and prepared by MALIK MERCHANT
Publisher/Editor Simergphotos, Simerg and Barakah

Barakah, a website dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat launched this page on July 13, 2021 to highlight the latest news on Mawlana Hazar Imam and his family that is published in the official websites of the Ismaili Imamat, the world media as well as social-media websites such as Twitter. Where copyright restrictions do not allow us to publish the information posted at source, we will endeavour to provide links to the news items published on external websites.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May 12, 2022: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Welcomes Monsignor Peña Parra of the Vatican to the Ismaili Centre Lisbon

The official website of the Ismaili Muslim community, the Ismaili reports that on May 12, 2022, signor Peña Parra, the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, was welcomed to the Ismaili Centre Lisbon by Prince Rahim, accompanied by Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, and Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal.

The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the international context in regions of the world where the Ismaili Imamat and the Holy See have a strong presence, the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) around the world, and the relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Portugal. In particular, they discussed pathways of cooperation for the improvement of the quality of life of populations in Lusophone countries and in other regions of the world. 

Monsignor Peña Parra is visiting Portugal to inaugurate venues for the celebrations of World Youth Day, due to take place in Lisbon in August 2023, and to lead the ceremonies to commemorate the apparitions at the Shrine of Fátima (Mary). During his visit, he will also meet with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Prime Minister António Costa.

__________________

April 21, 2022: Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Hussain Attend Iftar Dinner at Ismaili Centre Lisbon

On April 21, 2022, the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon hosted an Iftar dinner at which least 12 different religious traditions were represented, including attendees from the Muslim community in Lisbon, the Hindu community, the Buddhist Union, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Religious Freedom Commission. Diplomats from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the European Union were also present. The president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, was also present along with Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Hussain. Iftar is the meal served to bring people together at the end of a day of fasting during the month of Ramadan. Guests in attendance were invited to break the Ramadhan fast soon after sunset with dates, dried fruits, nuts, and water, as is tradition. A rendition of ‘Bismillah’ was performed by the Portugal Ismaili Choir to mark the time of Iftar.

Video: The Portuguese President’s Inspiring Remarks at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon on the Occasion of the Breaking of the Ramadhan Fast

Ramadan is a time of contemplation and piety through good deeds such as charitable giving and voluntary service. It is an important time to reflect on our duty to the needy in society. In light of this, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa remarked: “This holy month is viewed by various communities of Muslims around the world as a comprehensive tool for change in various spheres of our lives including the social, spiritual, intellectual, humanitarian, the inner, and the outer. Portugal and the people of Portugal share with the Ismaili community the fundamental objective of doing whatever we can to improve the dignity of human life.”

Guests enjoyed an eclectic Iftar dinner — itself a celebration of culture and pluralism — featuring a mix of dishes from South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. “Gatherings such as this one, of unity and understanding, are needed now more than ever,” remarked Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal.

Reports and photos have been compiled from The Ismaili and the website of the Portugal Presidency

__________________

April 11, 2022: Princess Zahra Aga Khan in Dar es Salaam for New Cancer Treatment Centre

The Citizen Tanzania reports that the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has officially launched the construction of its state-of-the-art Cancer Treatment Centre. The Tanzanian Health minister Ummy Mwalimu and Princess Zahra Aga Khan laid the foundation stone for the Cancer Centre. Please click Aga Khan constructing Sh13.8bn Cancer Centre in Dar es Salaam for full report and photos of the event. Also, see following tweets.

TWEETS RELATED TO THE EVENT

Waziri Ummy ametaja saratani zinazoongoza nchini ni ya mlango wa kizazi kwa wanawake, saratani ya matiti pamoja na saratani ya tezi dume huku maeneo yanayongoza kwa kwa wagonjwa wengi ni mikoa ya kanda ya mashariki (61%), kanda ya kaskazini (17.3%) na kanda ya ziwa (9.1%). pic.twitter.com/eZevqWflQw

— Wizara ya Afya Tanzania 🇹🇿 (@wizara_afyatz) April 10, 2022

Waziri Ummy amesema hayo wakati wa uwekaji wa jiwe la msingi wa ujenzi wa kituo cha kisasa cha matibabu ya saratani ambacho kinatekelezwa kwa ubia kati ya Serikali na Taasisi ya Agha Khan. Tanzania inakadiriwa kuwa na wagonjwa wa saratani 42,060 kila mwaka sawa na wagonjwa 76… pic.twitter.com/x9z9eX6m6x

— Wizara ya Afya Tanzania 🇹🇿 (@wizara_afyatz) April 10, 2022

Coverage at AKDN

Complete coverage of the foundation laying ceremony, including a press release, photos and speeches made by the Tanzanian Health Minister and Princess Zahra can be read by clicking on AKDN: Foundation stone laid for Tanzanian cancer care centre, 1.7m to benefit.

__________________

March 31, 2022: Statement by Prince Rahim Aga Khan at Afghanistan Conference

On March 31, 2022 at a virtual conference convened by UN Secretary General António Guterres to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, speaking on behalf of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, affirmed the “unfailing commitment of the Ismaili Imamat and the AKDN to the people of Afghanistan.”

He said: “Since August [2021], despite huge challenges, in cooperation with UN agencies, the Aga Khan Development Network has maintained its life-saving work across Afghanistan: keeping its hospitals and clinics open; assisting communities with food, shelter and livelihoods; and continuing to help thousands of children of both genders to access learning. Our experience over the past three decades, along with generous support from many international partners, has taught us to believe deeply in the capacity of Afghans, in their pluralism, and in the strength of their vibrant, diverse communities. They have shown time and again that they are resilient and resourceful, but today, they need help.”

Please read the press release, and Prince Rahim’s complete statement at AKDN, as well as watch his statement below. The press release of the UNSG’s statement at the conference can be read HERE.

The Afghanistan People Need Help….and Urgent and Practical Attention

__________________

March 30, 2022: Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Hussain Welcome President of Greece as She Meets Refugees at Ismaili Centre Lisbon

Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to be elected President of Greece, visited the Ismaili Centre Lisbon on March 30, 2022 and met with refugee families who have arrived in Portugal from Greece in recent months. Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her brother Prince Hussain received the President on her arrival.

Over the past three years, according to the International Rescue Committee, Greece has taken in over 50,000 refugees from the Middle East and South and Central Asia, hoping to escape conflict and poverty, and find a safe, secure new home. Hundreds of refugees have arrived in Portugal from Greece. One of the refugees the President met was 13-year-old Arezu Kabuli from Afghanistan who has been awarded a scholarship to study at the International School of Boston, starting autumn 2022.

In recent years, the government of Portugal has prioritised the reception and integration of refugees, and works with local authorities and civil society in a continuous effort to support this commitment. Speaking of the newly arrived families in Portugal, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, expressed his greetings to them, affirming that, “we shall continue to do all that we can to assist in their integration and in starting a new life at our side, as members of our community that they now are.”

Please read complete report with more photos at The Ismaili: Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visits the Ismaili Centre Lisbon

__________________

March 26, 2022: Prince Hussain Aga Khan Attends Blood Donor Clinic at Ismaili Centre Lisbon

Ismaili CIVIC Portugal hosted a blood donation campaign on March 26, 2022 at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon. The Portuguese Minister for Health and Prince Hussain attended the pop-up clinic, organised to boost blood reserves in the country. Dr Marta Temido, Portugal’s Minister for Health was welcomed to the Ismaili Centre by Prince Hussain, and spoke of her admiration for Ismaili CIVIC volunteers. “Today, we are marking an initiative of the Ismaili Community in Portugal and the IPST in order to appeal for donation and to mark tomorrow’s Blood Donor day,” she said.

Volunteer Karim Rahimo has donated blood on separate 3 occasions in the last year. “I am a regular donor because I feel it is my civic duty, and it doesn’t cost me anything,” he said. “It feels very good to donate as part of a global initiative via Ismaili CIVIC – I usually donate in other contexts but it feels even better to do so with my community.”

Please read complete report with more photos at The Ismaili: Blood Donor Clinic

__________________

March 17-19, 2022: Prince Rahim Aga Khan in Mozambique

Day 3: March 19, 2022

At a special event held in Maputo on Saturday March 19, 2022, the Aga Khan Academy Maputo was inaugurated by Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique, and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, in the presence of Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Hosted at the school’s newly opened Commons building, the inauguration was attended by students and staff of the school; government and state officials; representatives of faith communities, businesses, and civil society; and leaders of the Jamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Story continues after photo and video

WATCH VIDEO OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE AGA KHAN ACADEMY

_________________

The Portuguese newspaper Obsevador in its report noted that the Presidents of both Mozambique and Portugal applauded the partnership that the two countries maintain with the Ismaili Muslim community. According to the paper, the Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, praised “the vision of His Highness Aga Khan”, and his message of humanism and fraternity. The President said that “there are millions of children and young people around the world who cannot attend an academy like this. [And that] they have to be the best to respond to this opportunity that others don’t have. And then, the best to build Mozambique, a Mozambique open to all religions, to those who have no religion, to all opinions, to all dreams, to all projects for the future. That is your duty”, he told the students of the Academy.

Story continues below

President Filipe Nyusi commended the presence of an Aga Khan Academy in Maputo, along with other ongoing AKDN initiatives in the country. “We have been following the positive impact of various socio-economic projects undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network, which greatly contribute to the progress of Mozambique, in line with our country’s own development programme,” he said.

According to Obsevador, President Nyusi suggested that AKDN should invest in a hospital, in order to fill the gaps in health in the country. “Even if it’s only a third of this school”, said the head of state in his remarks.

Story continues below

In his remarks, Prince Rahim spoke of the vision of the Academy and the Aga Khan Curricular Strands which make the school unique.

“As a centre of excellence,” he said, “this Academy will equip its students with the tools needed to be competitive and to thrive, as they go on to their universities and then enter the arena of adult life. And it will teach them to push themselves to be the best they can possibly be.”

The Aga Khan Academies aim to develop future leaders with the skills and knowledge to support positive development in their societies. To achieve this, they recruit exceptional young people from all backgrounds regardless of socio-economic means, and provide them with the highest international standard of education. 

Story continues below

“The wide geographic spread of the Academies is by design,” said Prince Rahim, “to allow students and staff to seamlessly travel to Academies in other countries, see different cultures, and build an appreciation and a love for them.”

Prince Rahim joined President Nyusi and President Rebelo de Sousa as they unveiled the inaugural plaque before taking a tour of the Academy campus.

__________________

MORE PHOTO COVERAGE

Special Photo Album of the Inauguration of the Aga Khan Academy from the Presidency of Portugal

External links

• See more photos and also listen to the coverage by clicking The Presidency of Portugal.
• For coverage of the inauguration of the Aga Khan Academy on the official website of the Ismaili community please click The Ismaili – Shaping the leaders of tomorrow

_______________________

Day 2: March 18, 2022

This section covers via text and/or photos brief summaries of Prince Rahim’s visit to (1) the Maputo Jamatkhana and (2) the Aga Khan Academy ahead of its inauguration on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

(1) Situated in the heart of Mozambique’s capital, along the Indian Ocean coast, Maputo Jamatkhana stands as a monument to the long history of the Ismaili community in southern Africa. Prince Rahim Aga Khan toured the building and grounds on March 18, 2022, the second day of his 3-day visit to Mozambique.

Prince Rahim was welcomed by Amin Rawjee, President of the Ismaili Council for Mozambique, as the Imamat flag stood raised atop the Jamatkhana. Prince Rahim met with leaders of the Ismaili community and toured the historic Jamatkhana’s spaces, gardens, and religious education classrooms.

The Jamatkhana built in 1941 underwent significant extensions in the mid 1960’s. The extension was inaugurated in 1968 by the then Governor General, Dr Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa, father of the current President of Portugal, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa whose visit to Mozambique coincides with that of Prince Rahim.

(2) Prince Rahim later visited the Aga Khan Academy Maputo ahead of its official inauguration on Saturday, March 19. He spent time with teachers and staff of the school and toured the Academy campus and facilities, including the state-of-the-art science building, sports hall, and newly completed commons building.

_________________

Day 1: March 17, 2022

This section covers via text and/or photos brief summaries of Prince Rahim’s meetings with (1) the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, (2) the President of Mozambique, and (3) President of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique as well as (4) being the chief guest at the state banquet honouring the visit by the President of Portugal.

(1) Prince Rahim Aga Khan, eldest son of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in Maputo on March 17, 2022 for a three-day visit to Mozambique. He had earlier visited Dubai from March 14-16, 2022 (see Dubai story below). Prince Rahim’s visit began at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare for a meeting with Minister Nyeleti Brooke Mondlane (see photo, above), who congratulated Prince Rahim on the inauguration of the Aga Khan Academy Maputo. She fondly recalled her childhood, when she and her siblings attended Aga Khan schools in neighbouring Tanzania.

Story continues below after photo and video

~~~

Watch News Report of Prince Rahim’s Meeting with President Nyusi aired on Televisão de Moçambique (TVM)

~~~

(2) Prince Rahim also visited the Presidential Palace in Maputo, where he met with President Filipe Nyusi (see photo and video, above). Prince Rahim conveyed Mawlana Hazar Imam’s greetings and warm wishes to President Nyusi, and acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Mozambique.

Milestone Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) projects in Mozambique over the past two decades include the rehabilitation of the historic Polana Serena Hotel, one of Africa’s grandest hotels; a Coastal Rural Support Programme that supports entrepreneurship and skills development in the country’s poorest northern districts; and the Moztex garment factory, which employs and trains over 700 staff, more than 90 per cent of whom are women. AKDN’s projects in Mozambique have directly reached over half a million beneficiaries since 2001.

Story continues below

(3) Prince Rahim then travelled to the Parliament building to meet with Esperança Laurinda Bias, President of the Assembly of the Republic (see photos, above). The President thanked Prince Rahim for his visit to Mozambique and praised the work of AKDN in the country, especially in the Cabo Delgado province.

(4) Prince Rahim was the Guest of Honour at a state banquet hosted by President Filipe Nyusi at the Presidential Palace Ponta Vermelha in honour of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, who is also visiting Mozambique (see photo, above). In their remarks at the banquet, both President Nyusi and President de Sousa paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam and the efforts of the Aga Khan Development Network to improve quality of life in Mozambique and around the world.

_______________

March 14-16, 2022: Prince Rahim Aga Khan in Dubai

From March 14-16, 2022, Prince Rahim visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the invitation of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Member of the Cabinet and the Minister of Tolerance for the United Arab Emirates. During his visit , Prince Rahim toured the newly opened Museum of the Future and met with His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan at Expo 2020, Dubai. Prince Rahim’s meeting with Sheikh Nahayan enabled discussion of the importance of advancing appreciation of pluralism.. His Excellency, hosted a lunch in his honour, following which Prince Rahim toured several pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai, including Vision and Alif Pavilions. The AKDN, working with Ministries of the United Arab Emirates and local and international civil society organisations, has coordinated numerous engagements at Expo 2020 Dubai, particularly in the areas of climate change and biodiversity, tolerance and inclusivity, culture, education, knowledge and learning.

Prince Rahim conveyed Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s warmest greetings, and congratulated the UAE on the success of Expo 2020. Prince Rahim also met with Her Excellency Reem al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; and Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth at the UAE Pavilion Majlis. During their meeting they spoke about the successful collaboration between Expo 2020 and Aga Khan Development Network agencies and discussed potential opportunities for partnership beyond Expo 2020, primarily in the fields of education and culture.

Story continues below

During the visit, Prince Rahim also had discussions with His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, about areas where the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the UAE can work together to improve the quality of life of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Prince Rahim conveyed to His Highness the greetings and appreciation of Mawlana Hazar Imam for their personal friendship and the strong support extended to the AKDN and the Ismaili Muslim community, which has a long-established settlement in the UAE.

These sentiments were warmly reciprocated by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who expressed his gratitude for the work of the AKDN and the Ismaili Muslim community. He acknowledged contributions to Dubai’s cultural life and intellectual pursuits enabled by the Ismaili Centre in Dubai.  He also conveyed his regard for the AKDN’s initiatives in numerous fields of international development, including the heritage of Muslim societies, regeneration projects in historic settings in the Islamic world, education, community development and the environment.

Prince Rahim commended the UAE’s humanitarian efforts and the Government’s successes in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. He also congratulated Dubai’s leadership for its dedication and commitment to welcoming an exchange of ideas and knowledge from around the world.

The AKDN, working with Ministries of the United Arab Emirates and local and international civil society organisations, has coordinated numerous engagements at Expo 2020 Dubai, particularly in the areas of climate change and biodiversity, tolerance and inclusivity, culture, education, knowledge and learning.

Prince Rahim also toured the recently opened Museum of the Future, where he met with Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation and Majed Al Mansoori, Deputy Executive Director of the Museum. He praised the Museum’s work to bring together innovators, scientists and prominent figures from leading fields to share their vision of crafting a sustainable, inclusive future.

Story continues below

Prior to his departure, Prince Rahim met with volunteers from the Ismaili Muslim community at the Ismaili Centre Dubai.

The delegation accompanying Prince Rahim during the visit to Dubai comprised of Sultan Ali Allana, Director of Economic Development; Jane Piacentini-Moore, Senior Official, International Financial Affairs; Nazim Ahmad, Senior Official and Diplomatic Representative; and Aziz Merchant, President of the Ismaili Community in the UAE.

External Links:

For further coverage of Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s visit to Dubai, please click on the following links:

• AKDN: Prince Rahim Visits Expo 2020 Dubai
• The Ismaili: Prince Rahim Visits Mozambique
• Government of Dubai Media Office: Maktoum bin Mohammed meets with Rahim Aga Khan and discusses new ways to support underprivileged communities around the world

__________________

FEBRUARY 26, 2022: PRINCESS ZAHRA AGA KHAN PRAISES AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES FOR RESILIENCE DURING THE PANDEMIC

More than 660 students in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda graduated from the Aga Khan University (AKU) in a live-streamed Global Convocation Ceremony that was watched by viewers around the world. The ceremony in Nairobi was attended in-person by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and saw the University commit to becoming carbon neutral in its operations by 2030. Climate scientist, author and activist Dr Peter Kalmus addressed the convocation as its chief guest. The Global Convocation Ceremony also featured the inauguration of President Sulaiman Shahabuddin, who became the third president in AKU’s 39-year history. 

Speaking on behalf of the University’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, Princess Zahra Aga Khan praised the graduates for the resilience and agility they demonstrated throughout the pandemic and highlighted AKU’s contributions to the countries it serves. 

“Globally, AKU has educated 18,000 individuals,” Princess Zahra said. “It cares for more than 2 million patients every year from internationally accredited hospitals and was recently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in public health. It also serves as a trusted advisor to government and is a powerful advocate for pluralism and women’s empowerment. During the pandemic, the value of the University’s capacity for cutting-edge inquiry has never been clearer.”

Addressing the members of the Class of 2021 in all four countries, Princess Zahra said: “No AKU class has worked harder for this moment than you have. The last two years challenged you with lockdowns, quarantines and isolation. In the years to come, you will always be able to look back and draw strength from your achievements during this momentous period.” (Click text of speech)

Please visit Barakah’s sister website Simerg for text and videos of speeches made by Princess Zahra, Peter Kalmus and and Sulaiman Shahabuddin.

__________________

FEBRUARY 09, 2022: PRINCE RAHIM AGA KHAN MEETS WITH UN SECRETARY GENERAL Mr António Guterres

Note: The meeting between the United Nations Secretary General and Prince Rahim had been officially announced in the Secretary General’s daily schedule for February 9, 2022. The following statement was issued on the website of the UNSG following the meeting:

“Earlier today [February 9, 2022], the Secretary-General received Prince Rahim Aga Khan. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the work of the Aga Khan Development Network which he said was a symbol of tolerance and solidarity. The two discussed a number of situations around the world as well as how to increase the cooperation between the UN and Aga Khan Development Network.” (Read UNSG statement at source).  

__________________

FEBRUARY 4, 2022: MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL

__________________

December 25, 2021: Prince RAHIM MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL

The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community recently reported that Prince Rahim Aga Khan, older son of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, met with His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, on December 25, 2021 at the Presidential Palace. At the meeting, Prince Rahim conveyed to the President and the people of Portugal Season’s Greetings and best wishes for the new year.

The President and Prince Rahim acknowledged the strong relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Portugal, and spoke about the presence and activities of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Portugal, Portuguese-speaking countries, and globally. 

They also took the opportunity to discuss other matters of mutual interest, such as those related to international affairs and regions where the Ismaili Imamat and AKDN have a strong presence, including Central and South Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa thanked Prince Rahim for the courtesy visit, and requested that he convey to Mawlana Hazar Imam his warmest greetings and best wishes.

__________________

October 24, 2021: Prince Amyn and Portuguese President inaugurate NOVA University’s Westmont Hospitality Hall

On October 24, 2021, Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa joined Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, for the inauguration of the Westmont Hospitality Hall at NOVA University in Lisbon, Portugal. The newly opened space will serve as a home for the Westmont Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at NOVA University’s School of Business and Economics (SBE), which is celebrating the third anniversary of the opening of its campus in Carcavelos. The school’s students and faculty are known as an open and collaborative community, focused on the positive impact of their work and research in the world.

The Westmont Institute is the latest development in the partnership between NOVA SBE and Westmont Hospitality Group, a joint initiative aiming to develop and promote education in hospitality, tourism, and service management. Westmont Hospitality Group, founded by Canada’s Mangalji family, is a global brand that owns and manages more than 400 hotels all over the world. Its mission includes a desire to use hospitality, travel, and tourism as a way of promoting a more sustainable world.

Story continues below

In his remarks at the event, Prince Amyn congratulated NOVA SBE and shared his hopes for the future of the project. “The Westmont Institute of Tourism and Hospitality will have the mission to inspire and prepare leaders in the tourism and hospitality industries,” he said, “providing not only excellence in service, but sound business knowledge to promote and support sustainable tourism ventures both in Portugal and, I hope, in Africa and developing countries.”

The entire hospitality industry has suffered multiple adverse effects due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the new Institute inaugurated today hopes to harness the potential of tourism to drive innovative responses to complex challenges such as this.

“I think that tourism, by opening up to travellers’ new lifestyles, new cultures, new traditions, acts as a strong educational experience and breeds understanding, and appreciation of shared values — of how much we share, and not how great are our differences, and that ultimately it promotes a pluralistic approach,” continued Prince Amyn, who has decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry globally.

A full report as well as a video of the event appears on the Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community.

__________________

October 14, 2021: Prince Rahim Aga Khan attends Tajikistan Cultural Event at UNESCO in Paris

As part of his official three-day visit to France, the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron attended the official opening ceremony of an exhibition called Tajikistan – the Land of Golden Rivers, at the Guimet Museum in Paris on October 13, 2021. The museum is well known for having one of the largest collections abroad of Asian art. The exhibition includes a display of 300 objects from the antiquity of the Tajik people to the present day.

On Thursday October 14, the President attended an event dedicated to the Cultural Day of Tajikistan at the UNESCO Headquarters to mark Tajikistan’s 30th anniversary of independence. Prince Rahim Aga Khan was present at the cultural celebration along with UNESCO’s Director-General Ms Audrey Azoulay.

Story continues below

Prince Rahim conveyed Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s warmest greetings and congratulations, and affirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to Tajikistan’s peace and prosperity. AKDN’s investments in Tajikistan span the economic, humanitarian, social, and cultural sectors, helping to improve the quality of life of all Tajik peoples.

__________________

July 13, 2021: Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Rahim Meet French Prime Minister Jean Castex – Tweet and photos

Heureux d'accueillir Son Altesse l'Aga Khan à Matignon pour un échange sur les grands enjeux internationaux, la situation de l'Islam de France mais aussi faire aboutir nos projets communs. pic.twitter.com/UBfUhdZfGi

— Jean Castex (@JeanCASTEX) July 13, 2021

Translation (via Twitter): Happy to welcome His Highness the Aga Khan to Matignon for an exchange on major international issues, the situation of Islam in France but also to bring our common projects to fruition.

Note(s): Jean Castex has been the Prime Minister of France since July 2020. He welcomed Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Rahim at his official residence, the Hôtel de Matignon, which is located in the 7th district of Paris.

****

The following photographs are reproduced from The.Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community.

Date page created: July 13, 2021.
Last updated: May 12, 2022 (See recent events at top of page).

_______________________

Barakah welcomes your feedback. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation. Before departing this website please take a moment to visit Barakah’s Table of Contents for links to more than 260 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, his family and the Ismaili Imamat.