Prince Rahim Aga Khan Emphasizes the Public Private Partnership Conference in Syria
Damascus
Prince Rahim Aga Khan will deliver a speech during the Public Private Partnership Conference that will take place in Syria between 30 October and 1stNovember 2009.
Also, Mr. Abdullah Aldardari, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs is on the top of list of speakers, while Ministers of Transportation, Housing, Trading and Oil will attend the conference as well.
The conference is expected to reshape the future of partnership between both public and private sectors.
The conference will be organized by the British-Syrian Association in cooperation with the Office of Deputy Prime Minister.
The conference will be organized during the period from 30 October and 1 November and it will focus on four main sectors suggested by the Syrian government, as below:
- Oil and gas
- Electricity
- Social housing
- Transport and infrastructure
Some leading politicians and industrialists are among the list of high-level speakers. The event will be an appropriate platform to present their views and ideas. Speakers will represent companies and institutions from the region, Europe and India.
The list of speakers on the conference website is here:
http://www.syrianpppconference.org/speakers.aspx
The name of Prince Rahim Aga Khan is on top of the list of speakers and they have added some nice information about him.
According to conference programme, Prince Rahim will deliver his keynote address around 9:00am on Saturday 31st October http://www.syrianpppconference.org/programme.aspx
I'll post more details when becomes available
Prince Rahim in various countries / AKFED work / AKDN
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representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Rahim Aga Khan, affirmed that the conference is an important step for promoting public-private partnership, and that the Aga Khan Development Network will continue to support the development process in Syria.
http://www.sana.sy/eng/24/2009/10/31/253019.htm
Public-Private Partnerships Conference Kicks off, al-Dardari: Partnership Will Encourage Investment and Stimulate Growth
Oct 31, 2009
Damascus, (SANA) - Under the auspices of President Bashar al-Assad, the two-day Public-Private Partnerships conference, held under the slogan "Financing Syria's Infrastructure" opened on Saturday morning at the Conferences Palace in Damascus, organized by the British-Syrian Society.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari noted that Syrian economy witnessed important structural reform during the past stage based on liberating trade, reforming general finance, bolstering the role of the private sector, improving the investment environment, and exposing Syrian economy to outside competition through gradual, carefully-studied steps that take into account the nature of Syrian economy.
He went on to say that the reforms reflected positively on economic indicators in Syria, with 6% increase in growth rate during the past three years and a USD 20 billion increase in the GDP from 2000 to 2008.
Syria moved from relying on petrol and raw materials in its export to exporting products of higher added value, with the participation of the private sector in the GDP increasing to more than 65%, al-Dardari added.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that there are several steps which must be taken to guarantee the sustainability of achieved growth and preserve gains, adding that the next phase will focus on continuing the process of institutional, organizational and administrative reforms.
The next phase will also continue work to create an investment environment suitable to all types of investment establishments, in addition to continuing the reform of the tax system and improving the competence of the financial and banking systems in order to improve Syria's position in the fields of business, investment, governance and international competitiveness, he said.
Al-Dardari underlined the strategic significance of Syria's geographic position, stressing the need for building an advanced infrastructure that can develop in order to allow Syria to play its regional role, which calls for providing large-scale investment that the government alone cannot support, thus calling for partnership between the public and private sectors.
He pointed out that the public-private partnership will help accelerate and increase the participation of the private sector in economy by encouraging local and foreign private investment in all fields, including infrastructure, which will boost growth.
For his part, participating Chairman of the British-Syrian Society Fawaz al-Akhras noted that this conference took months of planning and preparations, adding that the British-Syrian Society held several conferences focusing on economic and financial reform during the past five years.
He said that public-private partnership is a complicated issue, stressing that this partnership must be placed in the proper economic, social and political context in order to allow foreign investments and build the Syrian infrastructure to meet the requirements of the process of modernization and rehabilitation.
Al-Akhras added that the conference will help address important issues and discuss the preparations being made to achieve public-private partnership, noting that this partnership is the cornerstone of the governmental modernization program.
He pointed out that there is no single model for partnership that works in all conditions, which calls for studying the state of Syria and acting accordingly. He also underlined the remarkable leap in Syria's relations with neighboring countries such as Turkey.
In turn, representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Rahim Aga Khan, affirmed that the conference is an important step for promoting public-private partnership, and that the Aga Khan Development Network will continue to support the development process in Syria.
H. Zain / H. Sabbagh / Kh. Aridi
http://www.sana.sy/eng/24/2009/10/31/253019.htm
Public-Private Partnerships Conference Kicks off, al-Dardari: Partnership Will Encourage Investment and Stimulate Growth
Oct 31, 2009
Damascus, (SANA) - Under the auspices of President Bashar al-Assad, the two-day Public-Private Partnerships conference, held under the slogan "Financing Syria's Infrastructure" opened on Saturday morning at the Conferences Palace in Damascus, organized by the British-Syrian Society.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari noted that Syrian economy witnessed important structural reform during the past stage based on liberating trade, reforming general finance, bolstering the role of the private sector, improving the investment environment, and exposing Syrian economy to outside competition through gradual, carefully-studied steps that take into account the nature of Syrian economy.
He went on to say that the reforms reflected positively on economic indicators in Syria, with 6% increase in growth rate during the past three years and a USD 20 billion increase in the GDP from 2000 to 2008.
Syria moved from relying on petrol and raw materials in its export to exporting products of higher added value, with the participation of the private sector in the GDP increasing to more than 65%, al-Dardari added.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that there are several steps which must be taken to guarantee the sustainability of achieved growth and preserve gains, adding that the next phase will focus on continuing the process of institutional, organizational and administrative reforms.
The next phase will also continue work to create an investment environment suitable to all types of investment establishments, in addition to continuing the reform of the tax system and improving the competence of the financial and banking systems in order to improve Syria's position in the fields of business, investment, governance and international competitiveness, he said.
Al-Dardari underlined the strategic significance of Syria's geographic position, stressing the need for building an advanced infrastructure that can develop in order to allow Syria to play its regional role, which calls for providing large-scale investment that the government alone cannot support, thus calling for partnership between the public and private sectors.
He pointed out that the public-private partnership will help accelerate and increase the participation of the private sector in economy by encouraging local and foreign private investment in all fields, including infrastructure, which will boost growth.
For his part, participating Chairman of the British-Syrian Society Fawaz al-Akhras noted that this conference took months of planning and preparations, adding that the British-Syrian Society held several conferences focusing on economic and financial reform during the past five years.
He said that public-private partnership is a complicated issue, stressing that this partnership must be placed in the proper economic, social and political context in order to allow foreign investments and build the Syrian infrastructure to meet the requirements of the process of modernization and rehabilitation.
Al-Akhras added that the conference will help address important issues and discuss the preparations being made to achieve public-private partnership, noting that this partnership is the cornerstone of the governmental modernization program.
He pointed out that there is no single model for partnership that works in all conditions, which calls for studying the state of Syria and acting accordingly. He also underlined the remarkable leap in Syria's relations with neighboring countries such as Turkey.
In turn, representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Rahim Aga Khan, affirmed that the conference is an important step for promoting public-private partnership, and that the Aga Khan Development Network will continue to support the development process in Syria.
H. Zain / H. Sabbagh / Kh. Aridi
http://www.sana.sy/fra/63/2009/10/31/253017.htm
Ouverture de la conférence du partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé
31 Oct 2009
Damas /La conférence sur le partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé, organisée par l'Association syro – britannique, a entamé aujourd'hui ses travaux au palais des conférences à Damas sous le titre /Financement de l'infrastructure syrienne/.
Parlant à l'ouverture de la conférence, le vice – président du Conseil des ministres pour les affaires économiques, M. Abdallah al-Dardari, a évoqué les réformes structurales qui ont marqué l'économie syrienne à l'étape dernière lesquelles s'étaient basées sur la libéralisation du commerce, la réforme financière générale, l'augmentation du rôle du secteur privé, l'amélioration des climats de l'investissement et l'intégration, à des pas comptés, de l'économie syrienne dans la compétition extérieure.
M. al-Dardari a ajouté que ces réformes avaient laissé leurs effets sur l'ensemble des indices et des changements économiques en Syrie, soulignant que l'économie syrienne a enregistré un taux de croissance d'environ 6% pendant les trois dernières années, au moment où la valeur du produit national total s'est élevé en 2008 à environ /55/ milliards de dollars contre/20/ milliards de Dollars en l'an /2000/.
M. al-Dardari a également fait noter que la Syrie a passé de sa dépendance du pétrole et des matières premières en encourageant l'exportation d'autres articles de consommation qui offrent des valeurs ajoutées plus élevées, ajoutant que la contribution du secteur privé au produit national total a augmenté de plus de 65%.
M. al-Dardari a, toutefois, estimé que le gouvernement syrien a besoin de prendre beaucoup de mesures et de démarches pour garantir la perpétuité de la croissance qu'elle avait réalisée.
20091031-185414.jpg
De même, le vice-président du Conseil ministre pour les affaires économiques a souligné que le gouvernement s'était mis à achever et à approfondir le processus de réforme du point de vue institutionnel, organisationnel et administratif, ainsi qu'à assurer aux petites, moyennes et grandes entreprises d'investissement un environnement favorisant l'investissement en poursuivant la réforme du système et de l'administration fiscaux, en augmentant la compétence du système financier et bancaire et en simplifiant les mesures relatives à l'accès et à la circulation des capitaux.
Mettant l'accent sur la position géographique importante de la Syrie qu'il a qualifiée de point central du mouvement du commerce international et des investissements conjoints avec les pays voisins, M. al-Dardari a trouvé que ceci exige la construction d'une infrastructure développé susceptible de permettre à la Syrie de jouer son rôle régional et d'opter pour des partenariats stratégiques entre les deux secteurs public et privé. "Ce genre de partenariat est susceptible d'accélérer et d'augmenter la contribution du secteur privé à l'économie nationale étant donné qu'il encourage l'investissement privé local et étranger dans tous les domaines, y compris celui de l'infrastructure", a-t-il précisé.
Le président de l'association syro – britannique, M. Fawaz al-Akhras a, de son côté, affirmé la nécessité de mettre le partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé dans un cadre économique, social et politique approprié ouvrant la porte pour l'entrée en Syrie des investissements étrangers et la construction de l'infrastructure syrienne qui, selon lui, exige de financement colossal pour qu'elle soit cohérente avec le processus de modernisation et de réforme en cours en Syrie.
Espérant que cette conférence soit capable de répondre aux questions relatives au sujet important du partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé, M. al-Akhras a estimé que ce partenariat constitue la pierre de base du programme gouvernemental de modernisation, faisant noter qu'il n'existe pas un modèle unique de tel partenariat à généraliser dans toutes les conditions "c'est pourquoi il faut bien examiner le cas syrien et déterminer les secteurs essentiels pour l'avenir de l'économie syrienne et l'amélioration de ses infrastructures actuelles.
Par ailleurs, M. al-Akhras a mis l'accent sur l'importance la grande démarche réalisée par la Syrie dans le sens de ses voisins, notamment la Turquie.
Prenant de son côté la parole, le représentant du réseau Agha Khan pour le Développement, M. Rahim Khan Agha Khan, a affirmé que le réseau Agha Khan poursuivra son soutien au processus du développement en Syrie, estimant que cette conférence constitue "une importante démarche positive" pour la promotion du partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé.
L'ont assisté à cette conférence, les ministres des Finances, du Tourisme, du Pétrole et des Richesses Minières, de l'Information, du transport, de l'Habitat et de la Construction, de l'Electricité, de l'Administration Locale, des Affaires de la Présidence de la République, aux côtés de nombre d'ambassadeurs et de représentants des missions diplomatiques en Syrie et de personnalités économiques et sociales.
N.S. / Gh.H.
Ouverture de la conférence du partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé
31 Oct 2009
Damas /La conférence sur le partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé, organisée par l'Association syro – britannique, a entamé aujourd'hui ses travaux au palais des conférences à Damas sous le titre /Financement de l'infrastructure syrienne/.
Parlant à l'ouverture de la conférence, le vice – président du Conseil des ministres pour les affaires économiques, M. Abdallah al-Dardari, a évoqué les réformes structurales qui ont marqué l'économie syrienne à l'étape dernière lesquelles s'étaient basées sur la libéralisation du commerce, la réforme financière générale, l'augmentation du rôle du secteur privé, l'amélioration des climats de l'investissement et l'intégration, à des pas comptés, de l'économie syrienne dans la compétition extérieure.
M. al-Dardari a ajouté que ces réformes avaient laissé leurs effets sur l'ensemble des indices et des changements économiques en Syrie, soulignant que l'économie syrienne a enregistré un taux de croissance d'environ 6% pendant les trois dernières années, au moment où la valeur du produit national total s'est élevé en 2008 à environ /55/ milliards de dollars contre/20/ milliards de Dollars en l'an /2000/.
M. al-Dardari a également fait noter que la Syrie a passé de sa dépendance du pétrole et des matières premières en encourageant l'exportation d'autres articles de consommation qui offrent des valeurs ajoutées plus élevées, ajoutant que la contribution du secteur privé au produit national total a augmenté de plus de 65%.
M. al-Dardari a, toutefois, estimé que le gouvernement syrien a besoin de prendre beaucoup de mesures et de démarches pour garantir la perpétuité de la croissance qu'elle avait réalisée.
20091031-185414.jpg
De même, le vice-président du Conseil ministre pour les affaires économiques a souligné que le gouvernement s'était mis à achever et à approfondir le processus de réforme du point de vue institutionnel, organisationnel et administratif, ainsi qu'à assurer aux petites, moyennes et grandes entreprises d'investissement un environnement favorisant l'investissement en poursuivant la réforme du système et de l'administration fiscaux, en augmentant la compétence du système financier et bancaire et en simplifiant les mesures relatives à l'accès et à la circulation des capitaux.
Mettant l'accent sur la position géographique importante de la Syrie qu'il a qualifiée de point central du mouvement du commerce international et des investissements conjoints avec les pays voisins, M. al-Dardari a trouvé que ceci exige la construction d'une infrastructure développé susceptible de permettre à la Syrie de jouer son rôle régional et d'opter pour des partenariats stratégiques entre les deux secteurs public et privé. "Ce genre de partenariat est susceptible d'accélérer et d'augmenter la contribution du secteur privé à l'économie nationale étant donné qu'il encourage l'investissement privé local et étranger dans tous les domaines, y compris celui de l'infrastructure", a-t-il précisé.
Le président de l'association syro – britannique, M. Fawaz al-Akhras a, de son côté, affirmé la nécessité de mettre le partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé dans un cadre économique, social et politique approprié ouvrant la porte pour l'entrée en Syrie des investissements étrangers et la construction de l'infrastructure syrienne qui, selon lui, exige de financement colossal pour qu'elle soit cohérente avec le processus de modernisation et de réforme en cours en Syrie.
Espérant que cette conférence soit capable de répondre aux questions relatives au sujet important du partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé, M. al-Akhras a estimé que ce partenariat constitue la pierre de base du programme gouvernemental de modernisation, faisant noter qu'il n'existe pas un modèle unique de tel partenariat à généraliser dans toutes les conditions "c'est pourquoi il faut bien examiner le cas syrien et déterminer les secteurs essentiels pour l'avenir de l'économie syrienne et l'amélioration de ses infrastructures actuelles.
Par ailleurs, M. al-Akhras a mis l'accent sur l'importance la grande démarche réalisée par la Syrie dans le sens de ses voisins, notamment la Turquie.
Prenant de son côté la parole, le représentant du réseau Agha Khan pour le Développement, M. Rahim Khan Agha Khan, a affirmé que le réseau Agha Khan poursuivra son soutien au processus du développement en Syrie, estimant que cette conférence constitue "une importante démarche positive" pour la promotion du partenariat entre les deux secteurs public et privé.
L'ont assisté à cette conférence, les ministres des Finances, du Tourisme, du Pétrole et des Richesses Minières, de l'Information, du transport, de l'Habitat et de la Construction, de l'Electricité, de l'Administration Locale, des Affaires de la Présidence de la République, aux côtés de nombre d'ambassadeurs et de représentants des missions diplomatiques en Syrie et de personnalités économiques et sociales.
N.S. / Gh.H.
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No_problem
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 5:47 am
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BeforeChrist
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 11:52 am
Looking back on this important meeting from 2009, how do you all feel things have worked out moving forward? It is now 2011 and the effects of this public-private partnership doctrine of sorts should be starting to show its face should it not? What is everybody's opinion on the topic? I hope to bring this two year old thread back to life...Admin wrote:representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Rahim Aga Khan, affirmed that the conference is an important step for promoting public-private partnership, and that the Aga Khan Development Network will continue to support the development process in Syria.
http://www.sana.sy/eng/24/2009/10/31/4396841
Public-Private Partnerships Conference Kicks off, al-Dardari: Partnership Will Encourage Investment and Stimulate Growth
Oct 31, 2009
Damascus, (SANA) - Under the auspices of President Bashar al-Assad, the two-day Public-Private Partnerships conference, held under the slogan "Financing Syria's Infrastructure" opened on Saturday morning at the Conferences Palace in Damascus, organized by the British-Syrian Society.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari noted that Syrian economy witnessed important structural reform during the past stage based on liberating trade, reforming general finance, bolstering the role of the private sector, improving the investment environment, and exposing Syrian economy to outside competition through gradual, carefully-studied steps that take into account the nature of Syrian economy.
He went on to say that the reforms reflected positively on economic indicators in Syria, with 6% increase in growth rate during the past three years and a USD 20 billion increase in the GDP from 2000 to 2008.
Syria moved from relying on petrol and raw materials in its export to exporting products of higher added value, with the participation of the private sector in the GDP increasing to more than 65%, al-Dardari added.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that there are several steps which must be taken to guarantee the sustainability of achieved growth and preserve gains, adding that the next phase will focus on continuing the process of institutional, organizational and administrative reforms.
The next phase will also continue work to create an investment environment suitable to all types of investment establishments, in addition to continuing the reform of the tax system and improving the competence of the financial and banking systems in order to improve Syria's position in the fields of business, investment, governance and international competitiveness, he said.
Al-Dardari underlined the strategic significance of Syria's geographic position, stressing the need for building an advanced infrastructure that can develop in order to allow Syria to play its regional role, which calls for providing large-scale investment that the government alone cannot support, thus calling for partnership between the public and private sectors.
He pointed out that the public-private partnership will help accelerate and increase the participation of the private sector in economy by encouraging local and foreign private investment in all fields, including infrastructure, which will boost growth.
For his part, participating Chairman of the British-Syrian Society Fawaz al-Akhras noted that this conference took months of planning and preparations, adding that the British-Syrian Society held several conferences focusing on economic and financial reform during the past five years.
He said that public-private partnership is a complicated issue, stressing that this partnership must be placed in the proper economic, social and political context in order to allow foreign investments and build the Syrian infrastructure to meet the requirements of the process of modernization and rehabilitation.
Al-Akhras added that the conference will help address important issues and discuss the preparations being made to achieve public-private partnership, noting that this partnership is the cornerstone of the governmental modernization program.
He pointed out that there is no single model for partnership that works in all conditions, which calls for studying the state of Syria and acting accordingly. He also underlined the remarkable leap in Syria's relations with neighboring countries such as Turkey.
In turn, representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Rahim Aga Khan, affirmed that the conference is an important step for promoting public-private partnership, and that the Aga Khan Development Network will continue to support the development process in Syria.
H. Zain / H. Sabbagh / Kh. Aridi
Prince Rahim Aga Khan to visit Kyrgyzstan
22/03/2011 16:51
Bishkek, March 22 /Kabar/. Prince Rahim Aga Khan will join the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Roza Otunbaeva for the official opening of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on Wednesday, March 23rd in Bishkek.
Prince Rahim is the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan – the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During a brief visit to Bishkek, Prince Rahim Aga Khan is scheduled to meet with President Otunbaeva, Government and Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan serves as a director on the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) – one of several international development and financial institutions that together with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic 10 years ago founded KICB, which has since become one of the country’s most respected banks. Prince Rahim Aga Khan also has a specific responsibility for microfinance activities of the AKDN.
AKFED is part of the wider Aga Khan Development Network – a group of private, non-denominational development agencies active in social, cultural and economic sectors in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Network has steadily expanded its presence in Central Asia, including in microfinance and banking. Central Asia is also the home to one of AKDN’s largest initiatives - the University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. UCA will provide world-class tertiary education to students in mountainous areas of these countries. The UCA’s Main Campus in Kyrgyzstan will be located in Naryn.
http://eng.kabar.kg/index.php?option=co ... 1&Itemid=3
22/03/2011 16:51
Bishkek, March 22 /Kabar/. Prince Rahim Aga Khan will join the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Roza Otunbaeva for the official opening of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on Wednesday, March 23rd in Bishkek.
Prince Rahim is the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan – the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During a brief visit to Bishkek, Prince Rahim Aga Khan is scheduled to meet with President Otunbaeva, Government and Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan serves as a director on the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) – one of several international development and financial institutions that together with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic 10 years ago founded KICB, which has since become one of the country’s most respected banks. Prince Rahim Aga Khan also has a specific responsibility for microfinance activities of the AKDN.
AKFED is part of the wider Aga Khan Development Network – a group of private, non-denominational development agencies active in social, cultural and economic sectors in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Network has steadily expanded its presence in Central Asia, including in microfinance and banking. Central Asia is also the home to one of AKDN’s largest initiatives - the University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. UCA will provide world-class tertiary education to students in mountainous areas of these countries. The UCA’s Main Campus in Kyrgyzstan will be located in Naryn.
http://eng.kabar.kg/index.php?option=co ... 1&Itemid=3
Remarks by Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the New Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank
23 March 2011
Please also see: Press Release and Photographs
Your Excellency President Otunbaeva
Honorable Speaker of Parliament
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Today is truly a special day—and for several reasons.
First, it comes at a special time of the year.
The festival of Navroz is a time when we think about renewal and rejuvenation—when we welcome a new spring season in a spirit of hope and optimism.
And that spirit is very prevalent as we gather here today to mark the opening of a new head office for KICB—and as we celebrate the spirit of forward-looking progress in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Second, this is a special day because of the people with whom we are sharing it. It is a particular honor for me to be here with President Otunbaeva, who I understand has rearranged her busy schedule to be with us today.
Thank you Madame President.
I would also like to thank His Excellency Akhmatbek Keldibekov the speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s National Assembly for joining us here today.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
And third, this is a special day because of what this event symbolizes. We can reflect today on the decade long story of KICB’s growth and progress--and we can think ahead to a future of continued achievement and success.
We also recognize today some of the qualities which have produced these past accomplishments, and which I believe will be key to future successes.
One important ingredient has been a spirit of broad based cooperation: From the very start, international cooperation has been a KICB watchword, as the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the National Bank were joined in FOUNDING this company by development and financial institutions from many parts of the world. Those of us who are associated with the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development were deeply pleased to be a part of this collaborative endeavor.
This spirit of cooperation has characterized not only the shareholders of KICB, but also its management and its highly professional staff. As we recognize them, we admire the way the Bank has evolved as one team—bringing together people of diverse backgrounds. Today, in both its internal operations and its external actions, KICB represents the spirit of pluralism, and the conviction that diversity is a source of strength and vitality.
We salute today KICB’s resolve to serve the entire spectrum of the country’s population by offering a variety of financial products and solutions. The aim is to ensure economic empowerment ranging from the small and medium enterprises to large scale corporate organizations. The Bank’s policies recognize that the strength of any society—as a whole -- will ultimately depend on the progress of each of that society’s parts.
The Bank's approach also reflects another principle of our Network, the need for multiple development inputs. What this means is that forward steps in one area—such as education or health —will work best when they are combined –and coordinated-- with other initiatives—for example in transportation, or energy supply, or agricultural production. Business investments must go hand in hand with social investments.
The Aga Khan Development Network is deeply committed to these principles. We seek to work closely with a broad range of partners—including government, civil society, international development agencies and others – in the widest possible range of sectors and areas, from micro lending to retail banking, from primary schools to universities. Two examples here in Kyrgyzstan would be the Aga Khan School in Osh and the University of Central Asia in Naryn.
As we look to the promise of tomorrow—for this Bank , for this country, and for this region of the world—we realize that long journeys start with small but solid steps, and that each success we achieve will contribute to future progress. I am here today to pledge the continuing support of the Aga Khan Development Network to the future growth of KICB, including its expansion into every part of this country—and, beyond that, to other countries of Central Asia.
I was happy to hear that the shareholders of KICB have in principle approved a further capital increase for the bank, despite the difficulties which the world economy has recently faced. This decision is a reflection of the shareholder’s commitment not only for the future growth of the bank, but more importantly for the future development of the country.
It is also very encouraging to note the Government’s support, under the President’s leadership--in providing a healthy enabling environment for foreign direct investment. The measures taken thus far have done a great deal to build investor confidence.
I express my gratitude to the Government and the Central Bank for welcoming these initiatives and I am confident that through collaboration and common understanding, we will continue to make a difference as we pave the way for greater social and economic opportunity.
We understand how difficult these recent times have been for the people and the leaders of the Kyrgyz Republic. We admire the strength and the optimism with which so many of you have persisted in building for the future. We are inspired by your example—and we are united with you in working to strengthen the forces of progress.
My thanks again for your warm welcome on this very special and exciting day.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1049
23 March 2011
Please also see: Press Release and Photographs
Your Excellency President Otunbaeva
Honorable Speaker of Parliament
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Today is truly a special day—and for several reasons.
First, it comes at a special time of the year.
The festival of Navroz is a time when we think about renewal and rejuvenation—when we welcome a new spring season in a spirit of hope and optimism.
And that spirit is very prevalent as we gather here today to mark the opening of a new head office for KICB—and as we celebrate the spirit of forward-looking progress in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Second, this is a special day because of the people with whom we are sharing it. It is a particular honor for me to be here with President Otunbaeva, who I understand has rearranged her busy schedule to be with us today.
Thank you Madame President.
I would also like to thank His Excellency Akhmatbek Keldibekov the speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s National Assembly for joining us here today.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
And third, this is a special day because of what this event symbolizes. We can reflect today on the decade long story of KICB’s growth and progress--and we can think ahead to a future of continued achievement and success.
We also recognize today some of the qualities which have produced these past accomplishments, and which I believe will be key to future successes.
One important ingredient has been a spirit of broad based cooperation: From the very start, international cooperation has been a KICB watchword, as the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the National Bank were joined in FOUNDING this company by development and financial institutions from many parts of the world. Those of us who are associated with the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development were deeply pleased to be a part of this collaborative endeavor.
This spirit of cooperation has characterized not only the shareholders of KICB, but also its management and its highly professional staff. As we recognize them, we admire the way the Bank has evolved as one team—bringing together people of diverse backgrounds. Today, in both its internal operations and its external actions, KICB represents the spirit of pluralism, and the conviction that diversity is a source of strength and vitality.
We salute today KICB’s resolve to serve the entire spectrum of the country’s population by offering a variety of financial products and solutions. The aim is to ensure economic empowerment ranging from the small and medium enterprises to large scale corporate organizations. The Bank’s policies recognize that the strength of any society—as a whole -- will ultimately depend on the progress of each of that society’s parts.
The Bank's approach also reflects another principle of our Network, the need for multiple development inputs. What this means is that forward steps in one area—such as education or health —will work best when they are combined –and coordinated-- with other initiatives—for example in transportation, or energy supply, or agricultural production. Business investments must go hand in hand with social investments.
The Aga Khan Development Network is deeply committed to these principles. We seek to work closely with a broad range of partners—including government, civil society, international development agencies and others – in the widest possible range of sectors and areas, from micro lending to retail banking, from primary schools to universities. Two examples here in Kyrgyzstan would be the Aga Khan School in Osh and the University of Central Asia in Naryn.
As we look to the promise of tomorrow—for this Bank , for this country, and for this region of the world—we realize that long journeys start with small but solid steps, and that each success we achieve will contribute to future progress. I am here today to pledge the continuing support of the Aga Khan Development Network to the future growth of KICB, including its expansion into every part of this country—and, beyond that, to other countries of Central Asia.
I was happy to hear that the shareholders of KICB have in principle approved a further capital increase for the bank, despite the difficulties which the world economy has recently faced. This decision is a reflection of the shareholder’s commitment not only for the future growth of the bank, but more importantly for the future development of the country.
It is also very encouraging to note the Government’s support, under the President’s leadership--in providing a healthy enabling environment for foreign direct investment. The measures taken thus far have done a great deal to build investor confidence.
I express my gratitude to the Government and the Central Bank for welcoming these initiatives and I am confident that through collaboration and common understanding, we will continue to make a difference as we pave the way for greater social and economic opportunity.
We understand how difficult these recent times have been for the people and the leaders of the Kyrgyz Republic. We admire the strength and the optimism with which so many of you have persisted in building for the future. We are inspired by your example—and we are united with you in working to strengthen the forces of progress.
My thanks again for your warm welcome on this very special and exciting day.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1049
Prince Rahim's car involved in an accident
http://kp.kg/daily/25657/820273/
http://news.tj/ru/news/syn-aga-khana-iv-popal-v-avariyu
Below is the google translation of the article
Son Aga Khan IV had an accident
Tajik Regar-TadAZ is preparing for next season in Turkey
25/03/2011 16:11
Ramzia Mirzobekova
Dushanbe. March 25. Asia-Plus »- | Information about this appeared on the site Komsomolskaya Pravda - Bishkek. It is reported that the accident occurred March 23 in the afternoon.
Prince's motorcade was heading to the hotel "Hyatt", located in the center of Bishkek. Down this same street moved habitual traffic. The incident occurred when a line of machines needed to make a turn towards the hotel. Several cars maneuver carried out successfully, but when the turn was to make the car Prince Rahim, it drove at high speed vehicle.
As a result of a collision with a van was broken windshield, mangled front end. One of the passengers received serious injuries and was hospitalized.
Prince Rahim was driving the armored Audi, maybe this is the reason that he was not seriously injured. He received a hematoma in the nose, although the car has received the Prince no less serious damage than a minivan.
Who was responsible for an accident is still unknown. The Bishkek GUBDD reported that experts are studying the circumstances of the resonant accident, damage to the parties and restore the painting avtointsidenta. Official data also promised to provide a few days.
Nevertheless, in spite of what happened PE, Prince Rahim Aga Khan held on this day, several meetings, in particular, with Vice-Speaker of the Parliament Asylbek Jeenbekov and President Rosa Otunbayeva.
During the first meeting the sides discussed issues of strengthening cooperation with the Parliament Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which helped restore the south of the country after the June events. Deputy speaker of highlighted projects being implemented by the Network, in the field of education.
The second meeting was for Rahim Aga Khan, no less fruitful. During the dialogue with Rosa Otunbayeva were raised humanitarian and economic cooperation and development of relations between the parties. Working day Prince has completed the opening ceremony of the new office of the Kyrgyz large bank.
Meanwhile, as reported by the AKDN - Tajikistan, after a visit to Bishkek, Prince Rahim, along with her sister Princess Zahra visit Tajikistan. About their visit will be announced on the eve of their arrival.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan is the eldest son of the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims the Aga Khan IV and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
AKDN - a group of private agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for communities and individuals living in Africa, South Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East.
Nine Network agencies operate in the areas of social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, creed or origin. AKDN basis of ethics is compassion for the vulnerable in society.
AKDN has programs in health, microfinance, small business development, building infrastructure, tourism, banking, cultural revival, poverty alleviation in rural areas.[/b]
http://kp.kg/daily/25657/820273/
http://news.tj/ru/news/syn-aga-khana-iv-popal-v-avariyu
Below is the google translation of the article
Son Aga Khan IV had an accident
Tajik Regar-TadAZ is preparing for next season in Turkey
25/03/2011 16:11
Ramzia Mirzobekova
Dushanbe. March 25. Asia-Plus »- | Information about this appeared on the site Komsomolskaya Pravda - Bishkek. It is reported that the accident occurred March 23 in the afternoon.
Prince's motorcade was heading to the hotel "Hyatt", located in the center of Bishkek. Down this same street moved habitual traffic. The incident occurred when a line of machines needed to make a turn towards the hotel. Several cars maneuver carried out successfully, but when the turn was to make the car Prince Rahim, it drove at high speed vehicle.
As a result of a collision with a van was broken windshield, mangled front end. One of the passengers received serious injuries and was hospitalized.
Prince Rahim was driving the armored Audi, maybe this is the reason that he was not seriously injured. He received a hematoma in the nose, although the car has received the Prince no less serious damage than a minivan.
Who was responsible for an accident is still unknown. The Bishkek GUBDD reported that experts are studying the circumstances of the resonant accident, damage to the parties and restore the painting avtointsidenta. Official data also promised to provide a few days.
Nevertheless, in spite of what happened PE, Prince Rahim Aga Khan held on this day, several meetings, in particular, with Vice-Speaker of the Parliament Asylbek Jeenbekov and President Rosa Otunbayeva.
During the first meeting the sides discussed issues of strengthening cooperation with the Parliament Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which helped restore the south of the country after the June events. Deputy speaker of highlighted projects being implemented by the Network, in the field of education.
The second meeting was for Rahim Aga Khan, no less fruitful. During the dialogue with Rosa Otunbayeva were raised humanitarian and economic cooperation and development of relations between the parties. Working day Prince has completed the opening ceremony of the new office of the Kyrgyz large bank.
Meanwhile, as reported by the AKDN - Tajikistan, after a visit to Bishkek, Prince Rahim, along with her sister Princess Zahra visit Tajikistan. About their visit will be announced on the eve of their arrival.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan is the eldest son of the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims the Aga Khan IV and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
AKDN - a group of private agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for communities and individuals living in Africa, South Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East.
Nine Network agencies operate in the areas of social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, creed or origin. AKDN basis of ethics is compassion for the vulnerable in society.
AKDN has programs in health, microfinance, small business development, building infrastructure, tourism, banking, cultural revival, poverty alleviation in rural areas.[/b]
Prince Rahim Aga Khan to visit Kyrgyzstan
22/03/2011 16:51
Bishkek, March 22 /Kabar/. Prince Rahim Aga Khan will join the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Roza Otunbaeva for the official opening of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on Wednesday, March 23rd in Bishkek.
Prince Rahim is the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan – the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During a brief visit to Bishkek, Prince Rahim Aga Khan is scheduled to meet with President Otunbaeva, Government and Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan serves as a director on the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) – one of several international development and financial institutions that together with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic 10 years ago founded KICB, which has since become one of the country’s most respected banks. Prince Rahim Aga Khan also has a specific responsibility for microfinance activities of the AKDN.
AKFED is part of the wider Aga Khan Development Network – a group of private, non-denominational development agencies active in social, cultural and economic sectors in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Network has steadily expanded its presence in Central Asia, including in microfinance and banking. Central Asia is also the home to one of AKDN’s largest initiatives - the University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. UCA will provide world-class tertiary education to students in mountainous areas of these countries. The UCA’s Main Campus in Kyrgyzstan will be located in Naryn.
22/03/2011 16:51
Bishkek, March 22 /Kabar/. Prince Rahim Aga Khan will join the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Roza Otunbaeva for the official opening of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on Wednesday, March 23rd in Bishkek.
Prince Rahim is the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan – the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During a brief visit to Bishkek, Prince Rahim Aga Khan is scheduled to meet with President Otunbaeva, Government and Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan serves as a director on the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) – one of several international development and financial institutions that together with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic 10 years ago founded KICB, which has since become one of the country’s most respected banks. Prince Rahim Aga Khan also has a specific responsibility for microfinance activities of the AKDN.
AKFED is part of the wider Aga Khan Development Network – a group of private, non-denominational development agencies active in social, cultural and economic sectors in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Network has steadily expanded its presence in Central Asia, including in microfinance and banking. Central Asia is also the home to one of AKDN’s largest initiatives - the University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. UCA will provide world-class tertiary education to students in mountainous areas of these countries. The UCA’s Main Campus in Kyrgyzstan will be located in Naryn.
<http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak ... 2317_q.jpg>
AFGHAN ISMAILIS اسماعیلیان افغانستان
Prince Rahim Aga Khan's armored Audi had collided with a minivan, as
he was heading to Hayat Hotel in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. We inform you
that Al-hamdullilah he is doing well after the accident.
The accident happens at 3:06 p.m. Bishkek local time. While Prince
Rahim's car got on the left lane to turn to the hotel, Prince Rahim's
Audi c...ollided with the minivan.
<http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak ... 2317_q.jpg>
<http://www.facebook.com/AfghanIsmailis>
<http://www.facebook.com/AfghanIsmailis/ ... 5723945191#>
AFGHAN ISMAILIS اسماعیلیان افغانستان
Prince Rahim Aga Khan, along with the President of the Kyrgyz
Republic, Rosa Otunbayeva attended the official opening of the new
headquarters of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on
Wednesday, March 23, 2011.
It was expected that ...during Prince Rahim’s brief visit to Bishkek,
he would have held series of meetings with President Rosa Otunbayeva,
the Government high ranking members, and Parliament of the Kyrgyz
Republic, which unfortunately this incident happened.See More
about an hour ago ·
AFGHAN ISMAILIS اسماعیلیان افغانستان
Prince Rahim Aga Khan's armored Audi had collided with a minivan, as
he was heading to Hayat Hotel in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. We inform you
that Al-hamdullilah he is doing well after the accident.
The accident happens at 3:06 p.m. Bishkek local time. While Prince
Rahim's car got on the left lane to turn to the hotel, Prince Rahim's
Audi c...ollided with the minivan.
<http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak ... 2317_q.jpg>
<http://www.facebook.com/AfghanIsmailis>
<http://www.facebook.com/AfghanIsmailis/ ... 5723945191#>
AFGHAN ISMAILIS اسماعیلیان افغانستان
Prince Rahim Aga Khan, along with the President of the Kyrgyz
Republic, Rosa Otunbayeva attended the official opening of the new
headquarters of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on
Wednesday, March 23, 2011.
It was expected that ...during Prince Rahim’s brief visit to Bishkek,
he would have held series of meetings with President Rosa Otunbayeva,
the Government high ranking members, and Parliament of the Kyrgyz
Republic, which unfortunately this incident happened.See More
about an hour ago ·
More photos and links here
http://www.akdn.org/photos_show.asp?Sid=175
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 23/03/2011 - Bishkek, 23rd March, 2011 – Her Excellency President Otunbaeva today officially inaugurated the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) in the presence of Prince Rahim Aga Khan -- the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan - the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) one of the organisations that helped establish the bank.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan welcomes President Roza Otunbaeva of Kyrgyzstan to the inauguration of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank in Bishkek, 23 March 2011. - Photo: AKDN / Sultan Dosaliev
President Roza Otunbaeva and Prince Rahim Aga Khan unveil a commemorative plaque at the official opening of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank, 23 March 2011. - Photo: AKDN / Sultan Dosaliev
President Roza Otunbaeva, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament, the CEO and Board of Directors of KICB and members of the AKDN delegation at the inauguration of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank in Bishkek, 23 March 2011. - Photo: AKDN / Sultan Dosaliev
http://www.akdn.org/photos_show.asp?Sid=175
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 23/03/2011 - Bishkek, 23rd March, 2011 – Her Excellency President Otunbaeva today officially inaugurated the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) in the presence of Prince Rahim Aga Khan -- the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan - the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) one of the organisations that helped establish the bank.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan welcomes President Roza Otunbaeva of Kyrgyzstan to the inauguration of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank in Bishkek, 23 March 2011. - Photo: AKDN / Sultan Dosaliev
President Roza Otunbaeva and Prince Rahim Aga Khan unveil a commemorative plaque at the official opening of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank, 23 March 2011. - Photo: AKDN / Sultan Dosaliev
President Roza Otunbaeva, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament, the CEO and Board of Directors of KICB and members of the AKDN delegation at the inauguration of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank in Bishkek, 23 March 2011. - Photo: AKDN / Sultan Dosaliev
From http://www.akdn.org/Content/1049
Remarks by Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the New Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank
23 March 2011
Your Excellency President Otunbaeva
Honorable Speaker of Parliament
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Today is truly a special day—and for several reasons.
First, it comes at a special time of the year.
The festival of Navroz is a time when we think about renewal and rejuvenation—when we welcome a new spring season in a spirit of hope and optimism.
And that spirit is very prevalent as we gather here today to mark the opening of a new head office for KICB—and as we celebrate the spirit of forward-looking progress in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Second, this is a special day because of the people with whom we are sharing it. It is a particular honor for me to be here with President Otunbaeva, who I understand has rearranged her busy schedule to be with us today.
Thank you Madame President.
I would also like to thank His Excellency Akhmatbek Keldibekov the speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s National Assembly for joining us here today.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
And third, this is a special day because of what this event symbolizes. We can reflect today on the decade long story of KICB’s growth and progress--and we can think ahead to a future of continued achievement and success.
We also recognize today some of the qualities which have produced these past accomplishments, and which I believe will be key to future successes.
One important ingredient has been a spirit of broad based cooperation: From the very start, international cooperation has been a KICB watchword, as the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the National Bank were joined in FOUNDING this company by development and financial institutions from many parts of the world. Those of us who are associated with the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development were deeply pleased to be a part of this collaborative endeavor.
This spirit of cooperation has characterized not only the shareholders of KICB, but also its management and its highly professional staff. As we recognize them, we admire the way the Bank has evolved as one team—bringing together people of diverse backgrounds. Today, in both its internal operations and its external actions, KICB represents the spirit of pluralism, and the conviction that diversity is a source of strength and vitality.
We salute today KICB’s resolve to serve the entire spectrum of the country’s population by offering a variety of financial products and solutions. The aim is to ensure economic empowerment ranging from the small and medium enterprises to large scale corporate organizations. The Bank’s policies recognize that the strength of any society—as a whole -- will ultimately depend on the progress of each of that society’s parts.
The Bank's approach also reflects another principle of our Network, the need for multiple development inputs. What this means is that forward steps in one area—such as education or health —will work best when they are combined –and coordinated-- with other initiatives—for example in transportation, or energy supply, or agricultural production. Business investments must go hand in hand with social investments.
The Aga Khan Development Network is deeply committed to these principles. We seek to work closely with a broad range of partners—including government, civil society, international development agencies and others – in the widest possible range of sectors and areas, from micro lending to retail banking, from primary schools to universities. Two examples here in Kyrgyzstan would be the Aga Khan School in Osh and the University of Central Asia in Naryn.
As we look to the promise of tomorrow—for this Bank , for this country, and for this region of the world—we realize that long journeys start with small but solid steps, and that each success we achieve will contribute to future progress. I am here today to pledge the continuing support of the Aga Khan Development Network to the future growth of KICB, including its expansion into every part of this country—and, beyond that, to other countries of Central Asia.
I was happy to hear that the shareholders of KICB have in principle approved a further capital increase for the bank, despite the difficulties which the world economy has recently faced. This decision is a reflection of the shareholder’s commitment not only for the future growth of the bank, but more importantly for the future development of the country.
It is also very encouraging to note the Government’s support, under the President’s leadership--in providing a healthy enabling environment for foreign direct investment. The measures taken thus far have done a great deal to build investor confidence.
I express my gratitude to the Government and the Central Bank for welcoming these initiatives and I am confident that through collaboration and common understanding, we will continue to make a difference as we pave the way for greater social and economic opportunity.
We understand how difficult these recent times have been for the people and the leaders of the Kyrgyz Republic. We admire the strength and the optimism with which so many of you have persisted in building for the future. We are inspired by your example—and we are united with you in working to strengthen the forces of progress.
My thanks again for your warm welcome on this very special and exciting day.
Remarks by Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the New Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank
23 March 2011
Your Excellency President Otunbaeva
Honorable Speaker of Parliament
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Today is truly a special day—and for several reasons.
First, it comes at a special time of the year.
The festival of Navroz is a time when we think about renewal and rejuvenation—when we welcome a new spring season in a spirit of hope and optimism.
And that spirit is very prevalent as we gather here today to mark the opening of a new head office for KICB—and as we celebrate the spirit of forward-looking progress in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Second, this is a special day because of the people with whom we are sharing it. It is a particular honor for me to be here with President Otunbaeva, who I understand has rearranged her busy schedule to be with us today.
Thank you Madame President.
I would also like to thank His Excellency Akhmatbek Keldibekov the speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s National Assembly for joining us here today.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
And third, this is a special day because of what this event symbolizes. We can reflect today on the decade long story of KICB’s growth and progress--and we can think ahead to a future of continued achievement and success.
We also recognize today some of the qualities which have produced these past accomplishments, and which I believe will be key to future successes.
One important ingredient has been a spirit of broad based cooperation: From the very start, international cooperation has been a KICB watchword, as the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the National Bank were joined in FOUNDING this company by development and financial institutions from many parts of the world. Those of us who are associated with the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development were deeply pleased to be a part of this collaborative endeavor.
This spirit of cooperation has characterized not only the shareholders of KICB, but also its management and its highly professional staff. As we recognize them, we admire the way the Bank has evolved as one team—bringing together people of diverse backgrounds. Today, in both its internal operations and its external actions, KICB represents the spirit of pluralism, and the conviction that diversity is a source of strength and vitality.
We salute today KICB’s resolve to serve the entire spectrum of the country’s population by offering a variety of financial products and solutions. The aim is to ensure economic empowerment ranging from the small and medium enterprises to large scale corporate organizations. The Bank’s policies recognize that the strength of any society—as a whole -- will ultimately depend on the progress of each of that society’s parts.
The Bank's approach also reflects another principle of our Network, the need for multiple development inputs. What this means is that forward steps in one area—such as education or health —will work best when they are combined –and coordinated-- with other initiatives—for example in transportation, or energy supply, or agricultural production. Business investments must go hand in hand with social investments.
The Aga Khan Development Network is deeply committed to these principles. We seek to work closely with a broad range of partners—including government, civil society, international development agencies and others – in the widest possible range of sectors and areas, from micro lending to retail banking, from primary schools to universities. Two examples here in Kyrgyzstan would be the Aga Khan School in Osh and the University of Central Asia in Naryn.
As we look to the promise of tomorrow—for this Bank , for this country, and for this region of the world—we realize that long journeys start with small but solid steps, and that each success we achieve will contribute to future progress. I am here today to pledge the continuing support of the Aga Khan Development Network to the future growth of KICB, including its expansion into every part of this country—and, beyond that, to other countries of Central Asia.
I was happy to hear that the shareholders of KICB have in principle approved a further capital increase for the bank, despite the difficulties which the world economy has recently faced. This decision is a reflection of the shareholder’s commitment not only for the future growth of the bank, but more importantly for the future development of the country.
It is also very encouraging to note the Government’s support, under the President’s leadership--in providing a healthy enabling environment for foreign direct investment. The measures taken thus far have done a great deal to build investor confidence.
I express my gratitude to the Government and the Central Bank for welcoming these initiatives and I am confident that through collaboration and common understanding, we will continue to make a difference as we pave the way for greater social and economic opportunity.
We understand how difficult these recent times have been for the people and the leaders of the Kyrgyz Republic. We admire the strength and the optimism with which so many of you have persisted in building for the future. We are inspired by your example—and we are united with you in working to strengthen the forces of progress.
My thanks again for your warm welcome on this very special and exciting day.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan visits Tajikistan
28/03/2011 12:03
Zarina Ergasheva
DUSHANBE, March 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Prince Rahim Aga Khan, eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Dushanbe on March 27.
According to the AKDN Tajikistan, during the four-day visit Prince Rahim Aga Khan will review AKDN programs, including microfinance projects. He is expected to travel to Sughd and Khatlon provinces and Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) to meet with beneficiaries. He will also meet with government officials.
Prince Rahim arrived in Dushanbe from the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, where he attended an official inauguration of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on March 23. AKDN is one of organizations that helped establish this bank, which was established in 2001 with the share capital of US$ 7 million. The Bank’s shareholders are the Government of Kyrgyzstan, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Deutsche Investitions und Entwicklungsgesellschaft GmbH (DEG), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and International Finance Corporation (IFC). KfW is a co-founder of the bank and also provides access to long-term financial resources.
Prince Rahim serves as a director on the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and has specific responsibility for microfinance activities of the AKDN globally.
Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender.
In Tajikistan, the AKDN activities include the Mountain Societies Development Program (MSDSP), which currently implements rural development projects in various regions of the country. Economic development projects include a hydroelectric plant (Pamir 1) that supplies Gorno Badakhshan with electricity; a mobile phone provider that cover 90 percent of the country; and a hotel being built in Dushanbe. The largest project underway is the creation of a campus of the University of Central Asia, in Khorog, which will have a broad socioeconomic impact on the entire region and beyond.
http://news.tj/en/news/prince-rahim-aga ... um=twitter
28/03/2011 12:03
Zarina Ergasheva
DUSHANBE, March 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Prince Rahim Aga Khan, eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Dushanbe on March 27.
According to the AKDN Tajikistan, during the four-day visit Prince Rahim Aga Khan will review AKDN programs, including microfinance projects. He is expected to travel to Sughd and Khatlon provinces and Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) to meet with beneficiaries. He will also meet with government officials.
Prince Rahim arrived in Dushanbe from the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, where he attended an official inauguration of the new Head Office of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) on March 23. AKDN is one of organizations that helped establish this bank, which was established in 2001 with the share capital of US$ 7 million. The Bank’s shareholders are the Government of Kyrgyzstan, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Deutsche Investitions und Entwicklungsgesellschaft GmbH (DEG), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and International Finance Corporation (IFC). KfW is a co-founder of the bank and also provides access to long-term financial resources.
Prince Rahim serves as a director on the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and has specific responsibility for microfinance activities of the AKDN globally.
Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender.
In Tajikistan, the AKDN activities include the Mountain Societies Development Program (MSDSP), which currently implements rural development projects in various regions of the country. Economic development projects include a hydroelectric plant (Pamir 1) that supplies Gorno Badakhshan with electricity; a mobile phone provider that cover 90 percent of the country; and a hotel being built in Dushanbe. The largest project underway is the creation of a campus of the University of Central Asia, in Khorog, which will have a broad socioeconomic impact on the entire region and beyond.
http://news.tj/en/news/prince-rahim-aga ... um=twitter
Mumbai: DCB Bank inaugurates new Corporate Office – Ceremony attended by Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Posted on July 17, 2012
Mumbai, Friday July 13, 2012: DCB Bank (Development Credit Bank Limited) new Corporate Office was inaugurated by Mr. P Vijaya Bhaskar, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India at a ceremony graced by Prince Rahim Aga Khan from Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Mr. Sultan Allana, Director AKFED, Mr. Nasser Munjee, Chairman DCB Bank and Board of Directors DCB Bank. The new Corporate Office is located on the 6th floor of Peninsula Business Park in Lower Parel.
http://ismailimail.files.wordpress.com/ ... /30917.pdf
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2012/0 ... ilimail%29
Posted on July 17, 2012
Mumbai, Friday July 13, 2012: DCB Bank (Development Credit Bank Limited) new Corporate Office was inaugurated by Mr. P Vijaya Bhaskar, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India at a ceremony graced by Prince Rahim Aga Khan from Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Mr. Sultan Allana, Director AKFED, Mr. Nasser Munjee, Chairman DCB Bank and Board of Directors DCB Bank. The new Corporate Office is located on the 6th floor of Peninsula Business Park in Lower Parel.
http://ismailimail.files.wordpress.com/ ... /30917.pdf
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2012/0 ... ilimail%29
Prince Rahim at Udaipur 15 July 2012 with Ms. Kendra spears
Visit of HH Prince Rahim Aga Khan
On the 15th July HH Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Ms. Kendra Spears visited The
City Palace Museum, Udaipur where he was greeted by Mr. Bhupendra Singh
Auwa, Deputy Secretary MMCF - Administration, Udaipur. In the visitors book
HH wrote "Thanks you for an absolutely incredible tour. It has been a most
fascinating, enlightening experience which I will not forget". HH also
visited the Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur where he was
greeted by Mr. Adityaveer Singh, GMGO, Group Operations, HRH Group of
Hotels, Udaipur.
On the 15th July HH Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Ms. Kendra Spears visited The
City Palace Museum, Udaipur where he was greeted by Mr. Bhupendra Singh
Auwa, Deputy Secretary MMCF - Administration, Udaipur. In the visitors book
HH wrote "Thanks you for an absolutely incredible tour. It has been a most
fascinating, enlightening experience which I will not forget". HH also
visited the Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur where he was
greeted by Mr. Adityaveer Singh, GMGO, Group Operations, HRH Group of
Hotels, Udaipur.
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/bibby-sowray/
American supermodel Kendra Spears is set to become a Princess as she announces her engagement to Prince Rahim Aga Khan, eldest son of Aga Khan IV.
Kendra Spears has been dubbed the 'mini Cindy Crawford' thanks to her brunette locks and a mole on her upper lip similar to that of famous supermodel - but now she's set to have a whole new identity: Princess.
Related articles
The 24-year-old American has become engaged to 42-year-old Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the eldest son of His Highness Aga Khan IV, the current Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims. Although the fact that they were courting seems to have gone under the radar, the Aga Khan Development Network released a statement announcing their engagement on Friday, in which it is stated that "The couple will be married in a Muslim ceremony. The date of the marriage has not been set yet." The announcement was accompanied by official photographs of the couple in which Spears wears a conservative blue dress and flashes her large diamond ring. Spears later confirmed the news, tweeting "Thank you all for the kind tweets! We're very excited!
"pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/iphone/homepage.aspx#_articleb8d9f827-cf1e-473b-b4c0-cb767a1eadda/waarticleb8d9f827-cf1e-473b-b4c0-cb767a1eadda/b8d9f827-cf1e-473b-b4c0-cb767a1eadda//true
Calgary Herald
Canada
Sat, 25 Apr 2015
ROBERT REMINGTON FOR THE CALGARY HERALD Robert Remington is a former Herald editorial writer and columnist.
LEARNING ON HIGH
Calgary charity helps Aga Khan fight extremism one school at a time
Our world is getting more complicated. What we need are the fundamental values … represented by the Aga Khan.
I am standing on the banks of the Panj River looking at the dystopian nightmare of Afghanistan. It is a brilliant spring day in the snow-capped Pamir Mountains, with trees starting to bud from the warmth of the sun. The citizens of bustling Khorog, dressed in a colourful melange of western and traditional clothing, congregate around an outdoor market on the Tajikistan side of the river.
Trucks and shiny vehicles whiz through town. A palpable mood of prosperity hangs in the clear mountain air of Khorog, fuelled by construction of the University of Central Asia, a daring, seemingly illogical project by the resolute Aga Khan Development Network. On the Afghanistan side, it is quiet. I see nobody, only a forlorn collection of drab stone houses set on a rocky moonscape at the base of a snow-capped mountain.
Jim Gray and a small group of Calgary visitors are impressed by the scope of the project. The Khorog campus of University of Central Asia is being built at an elevation of 2,200 metres — about the same altitude as Mount Assiniboine Lodge in the Canadian Rockies west of Calgary, but in a landscape so remote it takes 14 hours to get here by road from the modern Tajikistan capital of Dushanbe. We arrived on a small Russian Antonov AN-28 aircraft through rugged mountain peaks on a 90-minute fight that the Lonely Planet guidebook describes as either one of the “most exhilarating or terrifying” experiences of your life.
The Khorog site is one of three high-mountain campuses of the University of Central Asia being built by the Aga Khan network in remote areas of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan at historical crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. Gray, the legendary Calgary oilman and philanthropist, has been involved with the Aga Khan network for more than a decade after raising $5 million from 125 Calgary donors — funds matched by the Canadian government — to kick-start an Aga Khan teacher training institute in East Africa. Gray has since visited Aga Khan projects in Pakistan and Africa, and this month completed his fifth such trip to see Aga Khan projects in India and Central Asia, including Khorog.
“To me, the Aga Khan sets the gold standard for international development,” Gray says.
As he learns more about the organization, he is astounded by its scope and reach. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has tentacles in 30 nations, driven by an ethic to bring education, health and economic development to the poorest regions of the world.
Motivated by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center, Gray and a key group of Calgarians — businessmen Sherali Saju and Chris Robb and lawyer Brian Felesky — chose to partner with the AKDN after determining it was the best organization in which to invest as a means of combating poverty, disease and radical fundamentalism that have given rise to genocidal terrorists like ISIS, al- Qaida and Boko Haram.
While those organizations are razing ancient monuments, killing ‘infidels,’ subjugating women and suppressing culture and music, the Aga Khan’s progressive Shiite branch of Islam is restoring archeological sites to United Nations World Heritage site status, partnering with the Smithsonian Institution to record and preserve traditional dance and music, providing non-secular education for thousands, engaging in rural development and investing in everything from hydroelectric projects to brickyards in its mission to support impoverished communities in some of the most difficult regions of the world.
The organization is a beacon against those who condemn Islam because of the actions of extremists who promote terrorism in its name. A small but striking example of the Aga Khan’s intervention to prevent radicalism was evident when the Calgary group visited a marginalized Muslim neighbourhood of Hyderabad, India, where the Aga Khan’s education arm is running an outreach program for high school dropouts. I saw young Muslim men being taught not just core subjects, but also learning the Aga Khan’s values of religious tolerance, gender equality and pluralism.
Guided by the ethical principles of the spiritual leader of world’s Ismaili Muslims, the Swiss-born, British-raised billionaire Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Aga Khan Development Network quietly pursues its principles with no regard to faith, origin or gender. It does not run TV ads seeking support to assist its work of eliminating child poverty or building its non-denominational network of 325 schools, two universities, 11 hospitals and 195 health clinics in 30 countries. It relies instead on support from the Ismaili community, grants from donor nations and profits generated by its worldwide business empire.
Because of its low-profile philosophy of letting its work speak for itself, the organization remains an enigma to many despite an average annual budget of $600 million US for its non-profit development activities. Its economic stakes in some 90 companies generated revenues of $3.5 billion US in 2013, with surpluses reinvested in further development activities.
In an empire so vast, the money raised by the Calgary group — known as Awali from the Swahili word for ‘the beginning’ — seems almost insignificant. But as the only group of private donors to the Aga Khan network, the Calgary group’s contribution has not gone unnoticed.
“This is one of the most remarkable groups of men and women I have ever met,” says Shamsh Kassim-Lakah, the Aga Khan diplomatic representative in Central Asia, one of 10 regions where the Aga Khan organization holds diplomatic status.
He is amazed Gray and group members travel at their own expense to view Aga Khan projects in some of the world’s most remote and challenging places.
I have travelled with Gray and other members of the group three times. I have walked with them through the slums of Karachi, Delhi and Nairobi and seen them moved to tears by Aga Khan contributions in the developing world.
The organization employs 80,000 people, more than 90 per cent of whom are non-Ismaili. Among them is Bohdan Krawchenko, former director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta. He joined the University of Central Asia as director general a decade ago after seeing an ad in The Economist.
“I thought it was an audacious, mad idea,” he says of the remote mountain university project. “I thought that anybody who can think of such a mad idea must be worth working for.”
If the University of Central Asia can make a difference on the frontiers of radicalism, it can’t be soon enough. A week after the Calgary group visited Khorog, about 30 members of the Afghan National Army were killed in an attack by Taliban and ISIS affiliated militants in the Jurm district of Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province, about a six-hour drive through the mountains. The Afghan army was carrying out counter-attacks and was planning a major offensive in the region, according to a statement last week by Afghan Deputy Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri.
Although unaware of the incident when we last spoke, Gray would likely say the attack is grim reminder why the Aga Khan’s work is so vital in the region.
“Our world is getting more violent. Our world is getting more complicated. What we need are the fundamental values that are represented by the Aga Khan.”
Calgary Herald
Canada
Sat, 25 Apr 2015
ROBERT REMINGTON FOR THE CALGARY HERALD Robert Remington is a former Herald editorial writer and columnist.
LEARNING ON HIGH
Calgary charity helps Aga Khan fight extremism one school at a time
Our world is getting more complicated. What we need are the fundamental values … represented by the Aga Khan.
I am standing on the banks of the Panj River looking at the dystopian nightmare of Afghanistan. It is a brilliant spring day in the snow-capped Pamir Mountains, with trees starting to bud from the warmth of the sun. The citizens of bustling Khorog, dressed in a colourful melange of western and traditional clothing, congregate around an outdoor market on the Tajikistan side of the river.
Trucks and shiny vehicles whiz through town. A palpable mood of prosperity hangs in the clear mountain air of Khorog, fuelled by construction of the University of Central Asia, a daring, seemingly illogical project by the resolute Aga Khan Development Network. On the Afghanistan side, it is quiet. I see nobody, only a forlorn collection of drab stone houses set on a rocky moonscape at the base of a snow-capped mountain.
Jim Gray and a small group of Calgary visitors are impressed by the scope of the project. The Khorog campus of University of Central Asia is being built at an elevation of 2,200 metres — about the same altitude as Mount Assiniboine Lodge in the Canadian Rockies west of Calgary, but in a landscape so remote it takes 14 hours to get here by road from the modern Tajikistan capital of Dushanbe. We arrived on a small Russian Antonov AN-28 aircraft through rugged mountain peaks on a 90-minute fight that the Lonely Planet guidebook describes as either one of the “most exhilarating or terrifying” experiences of your life.
The Khorog site is one of three high-mountain campuses of the University of Central Asia being built by the Aga Khan network in remote areas of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan at historical crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. Gray, the legendary Calgary oilman and philanthropist, has been involved with the Aga Khan network for more than a decade after raising $5 million from 125 Calgary donors — funds matched by the Canadian government — to kick-start an Aga Khan teacher training institute in East Africa. Gray has since visited Aga Khan projects in Pakistan and Africa, and this month completed his fifth such trip to see Aga Khan projects in India and Central Asia, including Khorog.
“To me, the Aga Khan sets the gold standard for international development,” Gray says.
As he learns more about the organization, he is astounded by its scope and reach. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has tentacles in 30 nations, driven by an ethic to bring education, health and economic development to the poorest regions of the world.
Motivated by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center, Gray and a key group of Calgarians — businessmen Sherali Saju and Chris Robb and lawyer Brian Felesky — chose to partner with the AKDN after determining it was the best organization in which to invest as a means of combating poverty, disease and radical fundamentalism that have given rise to genocidal terrorists like ISIS, al- Qaida and Boko Haram.
While those organizations are razing ancient monuments, killing ‘infidels,’ subjugating women and suppressing culture and music, the Aga Khan’s progressive Shiite branch of Islam is restoring archeological sites to United Nations World Heritage site status, partnering with the Smithsonian Institution to record and preserve traditional dance and music, providing non-secular education for thousands, engaging in rural development and investing in everything from hydroelectric projects to brickyards in its mission to support impoverished communities in some of the most difficult regions of the world.
The organization is a beacon against those who condemn Islam because of the actions of extremists who promote terrorism in its name. A small but striking example of the Aga Khan’s intervention to prevent radicalism was evident when the Calgary group visited a marginalized Muslim neighbourhood of Hyderabad, India, where the Aga Khan’s education arm is running an outreach program for high school dropouts. I saw young Muslim men being taught not just core subjects, but also learning the Aga Khan’s values of religious tolerance, gender equality and pluralism.
Guided by the ethical principles of the spiritual leader of world’s Ismaili Muslims, the Swiss-born, British-raised billionaire Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Aga Khan Development Network quietly pursues its principles with no regard to faith, origin or gender. It does not run TV ads seeking support to assist its work of eliminating child poverty or building its non-denominational network of 325 schools, two universities, 11 hospitals and 195 health clinics in 30 countries. It relies instead on support from the Ismaili community, grants from donor nations and profits generated by its worldwide business empire.
Because of its low-profile philosophy of letting its work speak for itself, the organization remains an enigma to many despite an average annual budget of $600 million US for its non-profit development activities. Its economic stakes in some 90 companies generated revenues of $3.5 billion US in 2013, with surpluses reinvested in further development activities.
In an empire so vast, the money raised by the Calgary group — known as Awali from the Swahili word for ‘the beginning’ — seems almost insignificant. But as the only group of private donors to the Aga Khan network, the Calgary group’s contribution has not gone unnoticed.
“This is one of the most remarkable groups of men and women I have ever met,” says Shamsh Kassim-Lakah, the Aga Khan diplomatic representative in Central Asia, one of 10 regions where the Aga Khan organization holds diplomatic status.
He is amazed Gray and group members travel at their own expense to view Aga Khan projects in some of the world’s most remote and challenging places.
I have travelled with Gray and other members of the group three times. I have walked with them through the slums of Karachi, Delhi and Nairobi and seen them moved to tears by Aga Khan contributions in the developing world.
The organization employs 80,000 people, more than 90 per cent of whom are non-Ismaili. Among them is Bohdan Krawchenko, former director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta. He joined the University of Central Asia as director general a decade ago after seeing an ad in The Economist.
“I thought it was an audacious, mad idea,” he says of the remote mountain university project. “I thought that anybody who can think of such a mad idea must be worth working for.”
If the University of Central Asia can make a difference on the frontiers of radicalism, it can’t be soon enough. A week after the Calgary group visited Khorog, about 30 members of the Afghan National Army were killed in an attack by Taliban and ISIS affiliated militants in the Jurm district of Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province, about a six-hour drive through the mountains. The Afghan army was carrying out counter-attacks and was planning a major offensive in the region, according to a statement last week by Afghan Deputy Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri.
Although unaware of the incident when we last spoke, Gray would likely say the attack is grim reminder why the Aga Khan’s work is so vital in the region.
“Our world is getting more violent. Our world is getting more complicated. What we need are the fundamental values that are represented by the Aga Khan.”
Part 2 of the article posted above...
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-new ... ntral-asia
Calgary group brings hope to Central Asia
The craggy, geologically young mountains below me are said to be the soul of Kyrgyzstan. They are the highest ranges in Central Asia, covering 93 per cent of the country. Those who attempt to tame its steep valleys cling precariously to terraced slopes. In its high meadows, nomadic cattle herders have worked this wild landscape for more than 2,000 years.
It is early April as we fly from the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek over the breathtaking ranges of the so-called Celestial Mountains. It has been a mild winter, allowing cattle to be moved early to the jailoo, or summer, pastures used by local herdsmen.
Occasionally we glimpse rural Kyrgyzstan’s “cities of the dead” walled ancestral cemeteries with ornate, domed mausoleums and minarets, necropolises standing like ghost towns on the remote landscape.
Our helicopter descends into the Naryn Valley, where we get our first glimpse of the site of the campus of the unlikely University of Central Asia. My initial impression is that His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV — or simply “HH” as some of his followers call him — has lost his senses.
Who in their right mind would build a high-altitude university in the poorest and most remote region of little-known Kyrgyzstan, a campus complete with its own water reservoir, geothermal heating system, soccer field and interconnected buildings to protect students against the area’s harsh winters? At the campus construction site, fences have been erected to keep out the cattle that wander freely through town.
Two similar campuses are also under construction by the Aga Khan in Khorog,Tajikistan on the Afghanistan border and in Tekeli, Kazakhstan. Established by treaty between the three governments, the University of Central Asia is the world’s first internationally chartered university.
To Brian Felesky, the answer to the Aga Khan’s plan for the region is obvious.
“I think it is absolutely visionary,” says the Calgary lawyer, who has come here as part of group of Calgarians led by prominent Calgary oilman and philanthropist Jim Gray. The Calgary group — which includes Felesky and businessmen Chris Robb and Sherali Saju — spent three weeks recently touring Aga Khan projects in India, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Under the name Awali, from a Swahili word for “the beginning,” Gray, Felesky, Saju and Robb head a list of 125 donors, most from Calgary, who helped kickstart an Aga Khan teacher training institute in East Africa 10 years ago. Gray, who believes in education as the best way to combat the global ills of poverty, disease and radical fundamentalism, regularly returns with various group members to visit Aga Khan projects in the developing world. For this, his fifth such trip, Gray had to pull out maps for Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
“For me, there was big black hole between Russia, China, India and Pakistan. I understood Afghanistan, but north of there it was blank. When we told our friends where we were going, they said, ‘You’re nuts. It’s dangerous. It’s primitive.’ Quite frankly, it’s just the opposite.”
Central Asia is comprised of what is informally known as the “stans,” five republics of the former Soviet Union — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Invaded, conquered and dominated by larger neighbouring powers throughout its existence — China to the east, Russia to the north, India and Pakistan to the south and the former Persian and Turkic empires to the west — the region has struggled since the collapse of the Soviet Union with economic upheavals, revolutions and ethnic conflicts.
Although corruption abounds, modern Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have embraced western liberal traditions in an attempt to curb the growth of radical fundamentalism. The predominantly Muslim republics officially remain fiercely secular, a relic of Soviet influence and a nomadic past that thwarted the development of a religious establishment.
However, despite reports of forced beard-shavings of radical-looking men in Tajikistan, restrictions on Islamic dress, strict supervision of mosques and legislated secular education, an estimated 400 Kyrgs and Tajiks are believed to have joined ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq. Earlier this month, militant fighters that reportedly included Arab, Uzbek, Tajik, Uyghur and Chechen radicals killed and wounded 30 members of the Afghan army in the Jurm district of northern Afghanistan, about six hours by mountain road from the University of Central Asia’s campus at Khorog, Tajikistan.
Officials fear further radicalization in Central Asia if young Tajik and Kyrg migrant workers are forced to return home from Russia, where the collapse of oil prices and Western sanctions resulting from Russian involvement in Ukraine and Crimea have weakened the Russian economy. In Tajikistan, nearly one million men have migrated to Russia, sending home dwindling remittances that at one time equaled nearly half of the nation’s GDP.
Should they be forced to return, “the creation of one million jobs in Tajikistan will be impossible,” Shodikhon Jamshedov, the governor of Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan province, said at a meeting with the Calgary group. Jamshedov made a point of reminding the Calgarians that Canada supports sanctions against Russia, noting: “A weak Russia is very bad for this part of the world.” The implication was clear — that the unintended consequences of Western sanctions against Russia could be unemployment and poverty in Central Asia that may give rise to radical extremism.
Against this complicated cauldron of economic instability, ethnic tensions and geostrategic importance, group members like Robb are convinced that the work of the Aga Khan Development Network is vitally important.
“Every time we get inside the (Aga Khan) system, we come away with an impressive feeling of the quality of its work. This is amazing stuff,” Robb says.
Related
Aga Khan works to build a better world
In its three-week tour through India, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the Calgary group visited Aga Khan schools where values like religious tolerance and gender equality are taught alongside math and science. It visited archeological sites being restored by the Aga Khan to United Nations World Heritage status, saw crowded Aga Khan hospitals undergoing expansions in major Indian cities, and walked a slum area of Delhi undergoing redevelopment led by Aga Khan health and education agencies in co-operation with other groups.
In a determined, impressive effort to seed students for the University of Central Asia, the education arm of the Aga Khan Development Network has worked for the past 12 years upgrading education in the region through its network of schools. In Kyrgyzstan, a van that serves as a mobile digital library brings education to the remote jailoos, parking alongside yurts.
The Aga Khan’s University of Central Asia uses a specially equipped van that functions as a mobile digital library to upgrade education in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. () For City story by Robert Remington
Courtesy University of Central Asia / Calgary Herald​
Although the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims (a progressive Shia branch of Islam), the Aga Khan has a fundamental ethic to improve health, education and economic opportunities for people in some of the poorest regions of the world without respect to race, creed or gender.
“What impresses me is that he has a 50-year plan,” says Gray. “That is absolutely profound. I sincerely believe that without education there is no hope, and the Aga Khan is providing that hope. It is a wonderful example of what we need in this world. We will prevail.”
Robert Remington is a former Herald editorial writer and columnist.
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-new ... ntral-asia
Calgary group brings hope to Central Asia
The craggy, geologically young mountains below me are said to be the soul of Kyrgyzstan. They are the highest ranges in Central Asia, covering 93 per cent of the country. Those who attempt to tame its steep valleys cling precariously to terraced slopes. In its high meadows, nomadic cattle herders have worked this wild landscape for more than 2,000 years.
It is early April as we fly from the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek over the breathtaking ranges of the so-called Celestial Mountains. It has been a mild winter, allowing cattle to be moved early to the jailoo, or summer, pastures used by local herdsmen.
Occasionally we glimpse rural Kyrgyzstan’s “cities of the dead” walled ancestral cemeteries with ornate, domed mausoleums and minarets, necropolises standing like ghost towns on the remote landscape.
Our helicopter descends into the Naryn Valley, where we get our first glimpse of the site of the campus of the unlikely University of Central Asia. My initial impression is that His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV — or simply “HH” as some of his followers call him — has lost his senses.
Who in their right mind would build a high-altitude university in the poorest and most remote region of little-known Kyrgyzstan, a campus complete with its own water reservoir, geothermal heating system, soccer field and interconnected buildings to protect students against the area’s harsh winters? At the campus construction site, fences have been erected to keep out the cattle that wander freely through town.
Two similar campuses are also under construction by the Aga Khan in Khorog,Tajikistan on the Afghanistan border and in Tekeli, Kazakhstan. Established by treaty between the three governments, the University of Central Asia is the world’s first internationally chartered university.
To Brian Felesky, the answer to the Aga Khan’s plan for the region is obvious.
“I think it is absolutely visionary,” says the Calgary lawyer, who has come here as part of group of Calgarians led by prominent Calgary oilman and philanthropist Jim Gray. The Calgary group — which includes Felesky and businessmen Chris Robb and Sherali Saju — spent three weeks recently touring Aga Khan projects in India, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Under the name Awali, from a Swahili word for “the beginning,” Gray, Felesky, Saju and Robb head a list of 125 donors, most from Calgary, who helped kickstart an Aga Khan teacher training institute in East Africa 10 years ago. Gray, who believes in education as the best way to combat the global ills of poverty, disease and radical fundamentalism, regularly returns with various group members to visit Aga Khan projects in the developing world. For this, his fifth such trip, Gray had to pull out maps for Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
“For me, there was big black hole between Russia, China, India and Pakistan. I understood Afghanistan, but north of there it was blank. When we told our friends where we were going, they said, ‘You’re nuts. It’s dangerous. It’s primitive.’ Quite frankly, it’s just the opposite.”
Central Asia is comprised of what is informally known as the “stans,” five republics of the former Soviet Union — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Invaded, conquered and dominated by larger neighbouring powers throughout its existence — China to the east, Russia to the north, India and Pakistan to the south and the former Persian and Turkic empires to the west — the region has struggled since the collapse of the Soviet Union with economic upheavals, revolutions and ethnic conflicts.
Although corruption abounds, modern Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have embraced western liberal traditions in an attempt to curb the growth of radical fundamentalism. The predominantly Muslim republics officially remain fiercely secular, a relic of Soviet influence and a nomadic past that thwarted the development of a religious establishment.
However, despite reports of forced beard-shavings of radical-looking men in Tajikistan, restrictions on Islamic dress, strict supervision of mosques and legislated secular education, an estimated 400 Kyrgs and Tajiks are believed to have joined ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq. Earlier this month, militant fighters that reportedly included Arab, Uzbek, Tajik, Uyghur and Chechen radicals killed and wounded 30 members of the Afghan army in the Jurm district of northern Afghanistan, about six hours by mountain road from the University of Central Asia’s campus at Khorog, Tajikistan.
Officials fear further radicalization in Central Asia if young Tajik and Kyrg migrant workers are forced to return home from Russia, where the collapse of oil prices and Western sanctions resulting from Russian involvement in Ukraine and Crimea have weakened the Russian economy. In Tajikistan, nearly one million men have migrated to Russia, sending home dwindling remittances that at one time equaled nearly half of the nation’s GDP.
Should they be forced to return, “the creation of one million jobs in Tajikistan will be impossible,” Shodikhon Jamshedov, the governor of Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan province, said at a meeting with the Calgary group. Jamshedov made a point of reminding the Calgarians that Canada supports sanctions against Russia, noting: “A weak Russia is very bad for this part of the world.” The implication was clear — that the unintended consequences of Western sanctions against Russia could be unemployment and poverty in Central Asia that may give rise to radical extremism.
Against this complicated cauldron of economic instability, ethnic tensions and geostrategic importance, group members like Robb are convinced that the work of the Aga Khan Development Network is vitally important.
“Every time we get inside the (Aga Khan) system, we come away with an impressive feeling of the quality of its work. This is amazing stuff,” Robb says.
Related
Aga Khan works to build a better world
In its three-week tour through India, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the Calgary group visited Aga Khan schools where values like religious tolerance and gender equality are taught alongside math and science. It visited archeological sites being restored by the Aga Khan to United Nations World Heritage status, saw crowded Aga Khan hospitals undergoing expansions in major Indian cities, and walked a slum area of Delhi undergoing redevelopment led by Aga Khan health and education agencies in co-operation with other groups.
In a determined, impressive effort to seed students for the University of Central Asia, the education arm of the Aga Khan Development Network has worked for the past 12 years upgrading education in the region through its network of schools. In Kyrgyzstan, a van that serves as a mobile digital library brings education to the remote jailoos, parking alongside yurts.
The Aga Khan’s University of Central Asia uses a specially equipped van that functions as a mobile digital library to upgrade education in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. () For City story by Robert Remington
Courtesy University of Central Asia / Calgary Herald​
Although the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims (a progressive Shia branch of Islam), the Aga Khan has a fundamental ethic to improve health, education and economic opportunities for people in some of the poorest regions of the world without respect to race, creed or gender.
“What impresses me is that he has a 50-year plan,” says Gray. “That is absolutely profound. I sincerely believe that without education there is no hope, and the Aga Khan is providing that hope. It is a wonderful example of what we need in this world. We will prevail.”
Robert Remington is a former Herald editorial writer and columnist.
Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim see opportunities ahead in Pakistan
TheIsmaili.org
27 May 2016
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... d-pakistan
Islamabad, 27 May 2016 — As their working visit to Pakistan drew to a close, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim expressed optimism and a sense of opportunity about the tasks that lay ahead of the Aga Khan Development Network in improving quality of life for the people of the country.
Also see:
» Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim visit Gilgit and inaugurate health centre
“For me and Princess Zahra, the main takeaway is that we’ve heard the word ‘optimism’ several times today, and I think that’s what I’m feeling now,” said Prince Rahim, speaking at a dinner hosted by the Ismaili Council for Pakistan on Wednesday evening. Noting that while there are challenges ahead, he said that these “are not insurmountable — we have to look at them as opportunities and a chance to help people who are in need.”
The two had travelled to Gilgit in northern Pakistan earlier in the week, where they inaugurated a new medical centre and visited a school, a professional development centre for educators, and a recently built Jamatkhana.
Speaking at the institutional dinner, Hafiz Sherali, President of the Ismaili Council, remarked on the ambitions of the AKDN’s work in the region. “[It] will provide more access for marginalised communities to education, healthcare, rural development, risk mitigation and economic opportunities.”
“Your presence is reassuring for all of us that Pakistan has a bright future,” President Sherali told Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim. “It is a safe place for our children to grow up and thrive in the educational institutions and work environment. The birth country of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III is, and will remain, a steady home for the community in the decades to come.”
Earlier in the day Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim attended a signing ceremony to mark the coming together of HBL (Habib Bank Ltd) and First MicroFinanceBank Ltd through the acquisition by HBL of a 51 per cent majority share of the nationwide microfinance pioneer, whose roots are in the credit and savings section of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme.
Owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, HBL is Pakistan’s first commercial bank. The combination of the two financial institutions aims to better serve customers from all segments of Pakistani society.
During the course of their visit, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim also met with Jamati and AKDN leaders to assess the needs of the Jamat and review the impact of the existing programmes.
The institutional dinner featured a performance by Shehzad Roy, a well-known Ismaili singer, musician and philanthropist, who had specially composed a song for the event in honour of Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim. Accomplished Ismaili mountaineer-siblings Samina Baig and Mirza Ali Baig presented Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim a photographic memento of the summits that they scaled together — the highest peaks on seven continents.
Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim departed Pakistan the next day. Prince Rahim concluded his dinner remarks by expressing appreciation for the work that went into organising their visit: “President, Vice-President, the volunteers, the entire Jamaat — it’s been a huge amount of work, I know that… so thank you.”
“I feel optimistic, I know my sister feels optimistic, sad to leave and very very grateful for the amount of work and effort that went into this trip.”
TheIsmaili.org
27 May 2016
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... d-pakistan
Islamabad, 27 May 2016 — As their working visit to Pakistan drew to a close, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim expressed optimism and a sense of opportunity about the tasks that lay ahead of the Aga Khan Development Network in improving quality of life for the people of the country.
Also see:
» Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim visit Gilgit and inaugurate health centre
“For me and Princess Zahra, the main takeaway is that we’ve heard the word ‘optimism’ several times today, and I think that’s what I’m feeling now,” said Prince Rahim, speaking at a dinner hosted by the Ismaili Council for Pakistan on Wednesday evening. Noting that while there are challenges ahead, he said that these “are not insurmountable — we have to look at them as opportunities and a chance to help people who are in need.”
The two had travelled to Gilgit in northern Pakistan earlier in the week, where they inaugurated a new medical centre and visited a school, a professional development centre for educators, and a recently built Jamatkhana.
Speaking at the institutional dinner, Hafiz Sherali, President of the Ismaili Council, remarked on the ambitions of the AKDN’s work in the region. “[It] will provide more access for marginalised communities to education, healthcare, rural development, risk mitigation and economic opportunities.”
“Your presence is reassuring for all of us that Pakistan has a bright future,” President Sherali told Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim. “It is a safe place for our children to grow up and thrive in the educational institutions and work environment. The birth country of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III is, and will remain, a steady home for the community in the decades to come.”
Earlier in the day Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim attended a signing ceremony to mark the coming together of HBL (Habib Bank Ltd) and First MicroFinanceBank Ltd through the acquisition by HBL of a 51 per cent majority share of the nationwide microfinance pioneer, whose roots are in the credit and savings section of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme.
Owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, HBL is Pakistan’s first commercial bank. The combination of the two financial institutions aims to better serve customers from all segments of Pakistani society.
During the course of their visit, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim also met with Jamati and AKDN leaders to assess the needs of the Jamat and review the impact of the existing programmes.
The institutional dinner featured a performance by Shehzad Roy, a well-known Ismaili singer, musician and philanthropist, who had specially composed a song for the event in honour of Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim. Accomplished Ismaili mountaineer-siblings Samina Baig and Mirza Ali Baig presented Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim a photographic memento of the summits that they scaled together — the highest peaks on seven continents.
Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim departed Pakistan the next day. Prince Rahim concluded his dinner remarks by expressing appreciation for the work that went into organising their visit: “President, Vice-President, the volunteers, the entire Jamaat — it’s been a huge amount of work, I know that… so thank you.”
“I feel optimistic, I know my sister feels optimistic, sad to leave and very very grateful for the amount of work and effort that went into this trip.”
Meet the drivers of the Le Mans Classic 2016
12 July 2016
Racing at Le Mans is one of the great privileges for a driver, be it an amateur taking the plunge for the first time or a former winner keen to relive the seminal experience. We met several during last weekend’s Le Mans Classic, who were all revelling in the chance to tackle the hallowed circuit...
Prince Rahim Aga Khan
The Aga Khans have long been known for their love of the automobile, and Prince Rahim carries the mantle in style. This year, he drove the one of the original 1953 Carrera Panamericana Porsche 356s in Plateau 2, and also had a brief stint in his own 1965 911 in Plateau 4. His co-driver, U.K.-based Porsche specialist Andy Prill (who also drove a 3.0 RS in Plateau 6) told us “Prince Rahim has only been participating in historic racing for the last two or three years, but he’s already proving to be very good at it.” Indeed, the 356 came third in the Index of Performance, and Rahim and Prill took home a trophy.
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/articl ... assic-2016
12 July 2016
Racing at Le Mans is one of the great privileges for a driver, be it an amateur taking the plunge for the first time or a former winner keen to relive the seminal experience. We met several during last weekend’s Le Mans Classic, who were all revelling in the chance to tackle the hallowed circuit...
Prince Rahim Aga Khan
The Aga Khans have long been known for their love of the automobile, and Prince Rahim carries the mantle in style. This year, he drove the one of the original 1953 Carrera Panamericana Porsche 356s in Plateau 2, and also had a brief stint in his own 1965 911 in Plateau 4. His co-driver, U.K.-based Porsche specialist Andy Prill (who also drove a 3.0 RS in Plateau 6) told us “Prince Rahim has only been participating in historic racing for the last two or three years, but he’s already proving to be very good at it.” Indeed, the 356 came third in the Index of Performance, and Rahim and Prill took home a trophy.
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/articl ... assic-2016
http://kabar.kg/eng/society/full/16882
KABAR
07/09 15:04
Prince Rahim Aga Khan: “It was a pleasure to witness the spectacular opening of the Second World Nomad Games”
Cholpon-Ata, September 6 / Kabar /. Representing His Highness the Aga Khan, Prince Rahim Aga Khan attended the official opening of the Second World Nomad Games, 2016, at the invitation of H.E. President Almazbek Atambayev. He was amongst 30 other Heads of Delegations, which included Heads of Republics, Ministers and other high level dignitaries, Aga Khan Development Network Representation Office in Bishkek reports.
With more than 1,000 performers and an exhilarating sound and light show, the opening ceremony, presented themes common to nomadic traditions in diverse geographical and cultural contexts, while highlighting those specific to Kyrgyzstan. Some 2,000 athletes from 40 countries are participating in over 20 sports competitions. These include wrestling, horse racing, archery, horseback wrestling, kok-boru, Central Asia’s most renowned horseback competition and toguz korgool (a nomadic intellectual game).
“I am delighted to be back in Kyrgyzstan to enjoy its stunning landscapes, traditions of hospitality and to meet old and new friends. It was a pleasure to witness the spectacular opening of the Second World Nomad Games and in particular to experience the enthusiasm of the Kyrgyz peoples for their nomadic traditions,” noted Prince Rahim, who headed the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Delegation, which included Shamsh KassimLakha, the Diplomatic Representative of the AKDN in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Welcoming Prince Rahim to the Naryn Oblast section of the ethno-village specially built for the second day of the ceremonies, the Naryn Governor, Amanbai Kayipov, remarked, “We are honoured by your presence and look forward to welcoming you to our oblast to see first-hand the positive contribution of AKDN programmes to the lives of the people.”
The Second World Nomad Games will continue until 8 September on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, the tenth largest lake in the world. Musicians trained by the Aga Khan Music Initiative will perform traditional pieces specially composed for the closing ceremony of the Games.
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, is a private, international, non-denominational development organisation. It employs over 80,000 people in over 30 countries. Its agencies address complex development issues, including the provision of quality healthcare and education services, cultural and economic revitalisation, micro-enterprise, entrepreneurship and economic development, the advancement of civil society and the protection of the environment. The AKDN aims to improve living conditions and opportunities for people without regard to their particular religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
KABAR
07/09 15:04
Prince Rahim Aga Khan: “It was a pleasure to witness the spectacular opening of the Second World Nomad Games”
Cholpon-Ata, September 6 / Kabar /. Representing His Highness the Aga Khan, Prince Rahim Aga Khan attended the official opening of the Second World Nomad Games, 2016, at the invitation of H.E. President Almazbek Atambayev. He was amongst 30 other Heads of Delegations, which included Heads of Republics, Ministers and other high level dignitaries, Aga Khan Development Network Representation Office in Bishkek reports.
With more than 1,000 performers and an exhilarating sound and light show, the opening ceremony, presented themes common to nomadic traditions in diverse geographical and cultural contexts, while highlighting those specific to Kyrgyzstan. Some 2,000 athletes from 40 countries are participating in over 20 sports competitions. These include wrestling, horse racing, archery, horseback wrestling, kok-boru, Central Asia’s most renowned horseback competition and toguz korgool (a nomadic intellectual game).
“I am delighted to be back in Kyrgyzstan to enjoy its stunning landscapes, traditions of hospitality and to meet old and new friends. It was a pleasure to witness the spectacular opening of the Second World Nomad Games and in particular to experience the enthusiasm of the Kyrgyz peoples for their nomadic traditions,” noted Prince Rahim, who headed the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Delegation, which included Shamsh KassimLakha, the Diplomatic Representative of the AKDN in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Welcoming Prince Rahim to the Naryn Oblast section of the ethno-village specially built for the second day of the ceremonies, the Naryn Governor, Amanbai Kayipov, remarked, “We are honoured by your presence and look forward to welcoming you to our oblast to see first-hand the positive contribution of AKDN programmes to the lives of the people.”
The Second World Nomad Games will continue until 8 September on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, the tenth largest lake in the world. Musicians trained by the Aga Khan Music Initiative will perform traditional pieces specially composed for the closing ceremony of the Games.
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, is a private, international, non-denominational development organisation. It employs over 80,000 people in over 30 countries. Its agencies address complex development issues, including the provision of quality healthcare and education services, cultural and economic revitalisation, micro-enterprise, entrepreneurship and economic development, the advancement of civil society and the protection of the environment. The AKDN aims to improve living conditions and opportunities for people without regard to their particular religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
Last edited by Admin on Mon Aug 30, 2021 12:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
Prince Rahim attends World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan
TheIsmaili.org
7 September 2016
Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, 6 September 2016 — Prince Rahim represented Mawlana Hazar Imam at the opening ceremony of the Second World Nomad Games, an international event that celebrates the cultural heritage of nomadic peoples throughout out the world.
Attending at the invitation of His Excellency President Almazbek Atambayev, Prince Rahim led the Aga Khan Development Network delegation, which included Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, the Diplomatic Representative of the AKDN in the Kyrgyz Republic. Some 30 other delegations were also present, including heads of state, ministers and other high level dignitaries.
“I am delighted to be back in Kyrgyzstan to enjoy its stunning landscapes, traditions of hospitality and to meet old and new friends,” said Prince Rahim.
More than 1 000 performers took part in the opening ceremony, putting on an exhilarating show of sound and light that presented themes common to nomadic traditions in diverse geographical and cultural contexts, while highlighting those specific to Kyrgyzstan.
Some 2 000 athletes from 40 countries are participating in over 20 sports competitions taking place along the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. These include wrestling, horse racing, archery, horseback wrestling, kok-boru — Central Asia’s most renowned horseback competition — and toguz korgool (a nomadic intellectual game).
“It was a pleasure to witness the spectacular opening of the Second World Nomad Games and in particular to experience the enthusiasm of the Kyrgyz peoples for their nomadic traditions,” said Prince Rahim.
Naryn Governor Amanbai Kayipov welcomed Prince Rahim to the Naryn Oblast section of an ethno-village built specially for the second day of the ceremonies.
“We are honoured by your presence and look forward to welcoming you to our oblast to see first-hand the positive contribution of AKDN programmes to the lives of the people,” said the Governor.
The Second World Nomad Games continue until 8 September. Musicians trained by the Aga Khan Music Initiative will perform specially composed traditional pieces for the closing ceremony of the Games.
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... kyrgyzstan
TheIsmaili.org
7 September 2016
Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, 6 September 2016 — Prince Rahim represented Mawlana Hazar Imam at the opening ceremony of the Second World Nomad Games, an international event that celebrates the cultural heritage of nomadic peoples throughout out the world.
Attending at the invitation of His Excellency President Almazbek Atambayev, Prince Rahim led the Aga Khan Development Network delegation, which included Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, the Diplomatic Representative of the AKDN in the Kyrgyz Republic. Some 30 other delegations were also present, including heads of state, ministers and other high level dignitaries.
“I am delighted to be back in Kyrgyzstan to enjoy its stunning landscapes, traditions of hospitality and to meet old and new friends,” said Prince Rahim.
More than 1 000 performers took part in the opening ceremony, putting on an exhilarating show of sound and light that presented themes common to nomadic traditions in diverse geographical and cultural contexts, while highlighting those specific to Kyrgyzstan.
Some 2 000 athletes from 40 countries are participating in over 20 sports competitions taking place along the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. These include wrestling, horse racing, archery, horseback wrestling, kok-boru — Central Asia’s most renowned horseback competition — and toguz korgool (a nomadic intellectual game).
“It was a pleasure to witness the spectacular opening of the Second World Nomad Games and in particular to experience the enthusiasm of the Kyrgyz peoples for their nomadic traditions,” said Prince Rahim.
Naryn Governor Amanbai Kayipov welcomed Prince Rahim to the Naryn Oblast section of an ethno-village built specially for the second day of the ceremonies.
“We are honoured by your presence and look forward to welcoming you to our oblast to see first-hand the positive contribution of AKDN programmes to the lives of the people,” said the Governor.
The Second World Nomad Games continue until 8 September. Musicians trained by the Aga Khan Music Initiative will perform specially composed traditional pieces for the closing ceremony of the Games.
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... kyrgyzstan
Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa expecting second child
TheIsmaili.org
7 October 2016
Aiglemont, 7 October 2016 — Mawlana Hazar Imam informed the Jamat today that Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa are once again expecting.
“It gives me the greatest happiness to announce that Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa are expecting their second child,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam in a written message. “This wonderful news, which I am delighted to share with you, brings immense joy and happiness to all our family and to the Ismaili community worldwide.”
The couple’s first child, Prince Irfan, was born on 11 April 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. Their second baby is due in early 2017.
Ismailis are gathering in Jamatkhanas around the world to celebrate the happy news.
On behalf of the global Jamat, Aitmadi Mahmoud Eboo, Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders' International Forum (LIF) has submitted a message of congratulations to Mawlana Hazar Imam and the entire Imamat family, and also conveyed warmest wishes to Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa on this very happy occasion.
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... cond-child
TheIsmaili.org
7 October 2016
Aiglemont, 7 October 2016 — Mawlana Hazar Imam informed the Jamat today that Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa are once again expecting.
“It gives me the greatest happiness to announce that Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa are expecting their second child,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam in a written message. “This wonderful news, which I am delighted to share with you, brings immense joy and happiness to all our family and to the Ismaili community worldwide.”
The couple’s first child, Prince Irfan, was born on 11 April 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. Their second baby is due in early 2017.
Ismailis are gathering in Jamatkhanas around the world to celebrate the happy news.
On behalf of the global Jamat, Aitmadi Mahmoud Eboo, Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders' International Forum (LIF) has submitted a message of congratulations to Mawlana Hazar Imam and the entire Imamat family, and also conveyed warmest wishes to Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa on this very happy occasion.
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... cond-child
2018, October 29: Prince Rahim Aga Khan arrived in Gilgit Baltistan for AKDN work.
He is seen here in Hunza in a shop the next day on 30 October 2018.
2018, October 29: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Visits The First Micro Finance Bank at Gahkuch, GHIZER
He is seen here in Hunza in a shop the next day on 30 October 2018.
2018, October 29: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Visits The First Micro Finance Bank at Gahkuch, GHIZER
Last edited by Admin on Fri Nov 02, 2018 1:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
