https://troymedia.com/2018/04/12/aga-kh ... condition/
A profound legacy of improving the human condition
By Paula Arab & Associates on April 12, 2018No Comment
The Aga Khan Development Network has a deep commitment to social, economic and educational projects in developing nations
This year is the diamond jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan, the leader of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims. I would like to express my gratitude to the Ismaili community for their exceptional commitment, under the Aga Khan’s leadership, to the betterment of the human condition globally and for their many achievements in Calgary and in Canada.
It has been my privilege and honour to witness this work in Calgary and to travel to Pakistan to provide due diligence on some international educational projects operated by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). This network is a politically neutral, non-denominational agency, founded by and operating under the leadership of the Aga Khan.
I have been humbled to experience the AKDN’s deep commitment to social, economic and educational projects in some of the poorest and most vulnerable countries in the world.
In a barren, forlorn region outside of Karachi, we stood on the site where a modern university for health and research now stands.
We travelled to a region called Gilgit in the far north of Pakistan, between India and China, bordered by the Himalayas, where we visited a school for girls, started by the AKDN. The students, daughters of illiterate local farmers, study in the bleak and cold in a school heated by smelly portable kerosene heaters. We arrived on an 8C Sunday afternoon and encountered them studying outside in the afternoon for light. They shared their dreams of attending Yale University or Stanford, to become astronauts, engineers, pilots and teachers. We all know what having hope, goals, mentoring and role modelling do to contribute to achievement.
The Ismaili Muslims promote equality, justice and education. As long ago as 1947, the grandfather of the current Aga Khan announced in India, “If you can only educate one child, educate your daughter for she will teach the others.” Their strong belief system is that ignorance, poverty, despair and, indeed, terrorism, are best tackled through education and improved literacy. This is why the AKDN’s initiatives span 30 developing countries, including 10 of the poorest countries, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Afghanistan, and why the AKDN works to improve literacy rates.
They promote health care by training young women to go into rural areas to counteract prevailing myths about health and nutrition. The AKDN also focuses on economic development and revitalization in these countries to improve quality of life.
Ismaili Muslims share our values of service, ethics, civic responsibility and inclusiveness. In 2014, the Aga Khan instituted the gift of Time and Knowledge as a legacy of his golden jubilee, whereby many Ismailis travel to spearhead and build new projects, such as dentistry programs and schools.
They have enriched our Canadian mosaic by helping us bridge divides. The Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, and the soon-to-open Aga Khan Gardens in Edmonton are testaments of the contributions of His Highness throughout the world.
The Aga Khan received the first Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship in 2016 in recognition of his lifetime of work in improving the levels of education and health around the world. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship, co-founded by Madame Clarkson and John Raulston Saul, of which I am a board member, works on the principles of inclusion to enhance active citizenship among our new Canadian citizens.
In Calgary, I have experienced how community service and giving back to one’s community are part of the Ismaili DNA. Ismaili youth are raised with the expectation of doing volunteer service and they are involved in a myriad of projects. When 2,400 Afghan refugees came to Calgary, not only did the Ismaili community pledge to support them but they promised to stick with arriving families until they were functioning successfully in Calgary. This included helping with their accommodations, accompanying them to school parent-teacher interviews, helping to translate our western culture to them, instilling pride in Canadian institutions among the new immigrants and helping them learn or improve their English.
When I want to be inspired, I think about Molodad in Gilgit. He is the head of the Professional Training Development Centre there and is from a farm family of nine children. He was the only one of his family to attend school until Grade 8. He eventually attained a PhD from the University of Toronto and returned to work in Gilgit. When he goes to bed at night, he asks what else he can do to give back. He told me, “I give with my heart, my soul, my mind and everything I have so we can all be successful.”
In the context of our current political climate, I look to the Ismaili community, intent on helping people reach their personal potential through education, as a shining example of hope and optimism for the future of our world. This diamond jubilee is certainly occasion for us all to celebrate.
Ruth Ramsden-Wood is former CEO United Way of Calgary and Area and a current board member of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
aga khan, human condition
The views, opinions and positions expressed by columnists and contributors are the author’s alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of our publication.
Charity, Philanthropy
AKDN / AKF INITIATIVES WORLDWIDE
Aga Khan Foundation and European Union (EU) donate sports equipment worth Shs10Million
The Aga Khan Foundation in conjunction with the European Union (EU) has donated sports equipment, worthy Shs10Million, to 30 Secondary Schools in Mandera, Garissa, and Lamu Counties.
The equipment included balls for various ball games, sportswear, sticks, bats, clubs nets and goals, at her Jogoo House officer yesterday.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ambassador Amina Mohamed formally received the equipment on behalf of the three Counties at her Jogoo House yesterday. She was flanked by the
Chairman Chief Executive Officer of The National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK), Chris Galgalo and nominated Senator, who is also the Secretary-General of KNUT, Mr. Wilson Sossion.
She said the support Aga Khan Foundation had given will help close the between the Counties in Arid and Semin Arid (ASAL) regions and the rest of the country.
“It will advance the national agenda of ensuring equity in education and training,” Ambassador Mohamed noted.
She also thanked the Aga Khan Foundation and EU for supporting a learning environment that enhances academic attainment, as well as students’ social and relationship skills through sporting activities.
“Implementation of the right to education is not just about knowledge, but also the strengthening of the bodies of learners,” Ambassador Mohamed said.
The Project Manager, Aga Khan Foundation, Ms Asma Hadi said the donation was part of a three-year project that seeks to improve integration and inclusiveness among learners.
Present during the occasion were the Chief Executive Officer of NACONEK, Mr. Haroun Yusuf, and senior Education officials.
Ends
http://www.kassfm.co.ke/home/2018/04/11 ... 10million/
The Aga Khan Foundation in conjunction with the European Union (EU) has donated sports equipment, worthy Shs10Million, to 30 Secondary Schools in Mandera, Garissa, and Lamu Counties.
The equipment included balls for various ball games, sportswear, sticks, bats, clubs nets and goals, at her Jogoo House officer yesterday.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ambassador Amina Mohamed formally received the equipment on behalf of the three Counties at her Jogoo House yesterday. She was flanked by the
Chairman Chief Executive Officer of The National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK), Chris Galgalo and nominated Senator, who is also the Secretary-General of KNUT, Mr. Wilson Sossion.
She said the support Aga Khan Foundation had given will help close the between the Counties in Arid and Semin Arid (ASAL) regions and the rest of the country.
“It will advance the national agenda of ensuring equity in education and training,” Ambassador Mohamed noted.
She also thanked the Aga Khan Foundation and EU for supporting a learning environment that enhances academic attainment, as well as students’ social and relationship skills through sporting activities.
“Implementation of the right to education is not just about knowledge, but also the strengthening of the bodies of learners,” Ambassador Mohamed said.
The Project Manager, Aga Khan Foundation, Ms Asma Hadi said the donation was part of a three-year project that seeks to improve integration and inclusiveness among learners.
Present during the occasion were the Chief Executive Officer of NACONEK, Mr. Haroun Yusuf, and senior Education officials.
Ends
http://www.kassfm.co.ke/home/2018/04/11 ... 10million/
A leader should get the best out of those he works with
Interview:
Graham Wood is The CEO, Aga Khan Foundation, East Africa region. AKF is a private not-for-profit organisation, one of the social development agencies of Aga Khan Development Network agencies, AKDN.
Is what you do a role that you actively sought or is it just a career progression?
This is not a new area for me because all my career life, I have been working with vulnerable persons. Early on, in the 90’s, I worked for the humanitarian sector in Sudan, what is now South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Somalia. Before I took up this role last year, I had undertaken other leadership roles in organisations that work towards bettering the lives of the poor and marginalised.
Now I help communities achieve systemic change by helping to build systems that will work to their benefit in areas such as education, health and nutrition, agriculture and food security, civil society and economic inclusion.
What kind of skills or qualifications does one interested in working in the humanitarian and development sectors, need?
It depends on whether you want to be a specialist or, like me, a generalist. Those who specialise in certain areas, education or health for example, need to be experts in those disciplines.
More...
https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/myne ... index.html
Interview:
Graham Wood is The CEO, Aga Khan Foundation, East Africa region. AKF is a private not-for-profit organisation, one of the social development agencies of Aga Khan Development Network agencies, AKDN.
Is what you do a role that you actively sought or is it just a career progression?
This is not a new area for me because all my career life, I have been working with vulnerable persons. Early on, in the 90’s, I worked for the humanitarian sector in Sudan, what is now South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Somalia. Before I took up this role last year, I had undertaken other leadership roles in organisations that work towards bettering the lives of the poor and marginalised.
Now I help communities achieve systemic change by helping to build systems that will work to their benefit in areas such as education, health and nutrition, agriculture and food security, civil society and economic inclusion.
What kind of skills or qualifications does one interested in working in the humanitarian and development sectors, need?
It depends on whether you want to be a specialist or, like me, a generalist. Those who specialise in certain areas, education or health for example, need to be experts in those disciplines.
More...
https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/myne ... index.html
Agriculture and food security - Overview
Boosting agricultural yields in food-scarce areas has been at the centre of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)’s activities since it began. Agriculture remains the single largest employer in the world, providing livelihoods for 40 percent of today’s global population. The world’s 500 million small farms worldwide provide up to 80 percent of the food consumed.
However, 800 million people worldwide still lack regular access to adequate amounts of food. Adding to the traditional challenges is a changing climate that is impacting many farmers:global emissions of carbon dioxide have increased by almost 50 percent since 1990; and Himalayan snow and ice are expected to decline 20 percent by 2030.
In organising AKF’s activities in the following categories, AKF aims to provide enduring solutions to chronic or emerging issues.For example, it is mindful of how the gender gap affects agriculture and food security. It is estimated that the elimination of the gender gap would lower the number of undernourished people in the world by 150 million
More...
http://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-kh ... y/overview
Boosting agricultural yields in food-scarce areas has been at the centre of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)’s activities since it began. Agriculture remains the single largest employer in the world, providing livelihoods for 40 percent of today’s global population. The world’s 500 million small farms worldwide provide up to 80 percent of the food consumed.
However, 800 million people worldwide still lack regular access to adequate amounts of food. Adding to the traditional challenges is a changing climate that is impacting many farmers:global emissions of carbon dioxide have increased by almost 50 percent since 1990; and Himalayan snow and ice are expected to decline 20 percent by 2030.
In organising AKF’s activities in the following categories, AKF aims to provide enduring solutions to chronic or emerging issues.For example, it is mindful of how the gender gap affects agriculture and food security. It is estimated that the elimination of the gender gap would lower the number of undernourished people in the world by 150 million
More...
http://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-kh ... y/overview
https://www.eturbonews.com/185126/true- ... ng-737-max
True Italian Style by Qatar Airways: Air Italy’s first Boeing 737 Max
By
Juergen T Steinmetz -
May 12, 2018
Air Italy today unveiled its long-awaited first Boeing 737 Max in striking new livery at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre in Seattle, in front of a crowd of VIP dignitaries and guests, including His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, alongside international media.
The aircraft, the first of approximately 50 new aircraft to be added to the Air Italy fleet by 2022, is the first of 20 brand new Boeing 737 Max aircraft that will join the airline over the next three years.
During a press conference held prior to the delivery ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways; Mr. Marco Rigotti, Chairman of Alisarda and AQA Holding; Mr. Sultan Allana of Alisarda and AKFED; and Mr. Francesco Violante, Chairman of Air Italy, spoke of Air Italy’s future focus on the passenger experience as it strives to become Italy’s first carrier of choice.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commented: “I am delighted to be at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre today in Seattle to mark yet another landmark event, the delivery of Air Italy’s first new Boeing 737 Max aircraft in striking new livery, first presented in Milan in February this year. To see the aircraft here for the first time, it truly brings to life the next exciting chapter for Italy’s future carrier of choice, providing the people of Italy with the sophisticated travel experience that they deserve.”
Chairman of Alisarda, Mr. Marco Rigotti, said: “This first Boeing B737 Max will offer our customers a journey in true Italian style. While seated in this comfortable and stylish aircraft, flying from Milan onwards to our domestic network of popular destinations such as Taormina in Sicily, the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Rome, Sorrento and Capri or the pristine landscape in Calabria, we want our passengers to sense the beauty of Italy and warm welcome they will receive upon landing.”
Chairman of Air Italy, Mr. Francesco Violante, commented: “I would like to extend my thanks to Boeing and all of those involved in this, the production of our very first Boeing 737 Max in the Air Italy livery. Since we first announced the striking new design at a press conference in Milan in February this year, there has been much anticipation for this moment. We look forward to taking to the skies and bringing this aircraft to Italy for the first time.”
Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, Mr. Ihssane Mounir, added: “It is an exciting time to fly with Air Italy as it brings new levels of innovation, performance and comfort to the Italian aviation market. We are honoured that Air Italy and Qatar Airways have placed their trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX to help them achieve their bold and visionary goals.”
The new Boeing 737 Max aircraft features modern and spacious cabins, superior operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. The aircraft will also feature Business Class cabins and will replace Air Italy’s existing Boeing 737NGs.
Air Italy will also receive five Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year from the Qatar Airways’ fleet, prior to these being further replaced by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Qatar Airways previously strengthened its commitment to Air Italy in 2017 with the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy, while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda kept 51 per cent.
Network destinations will also enjoy continued expansion, with new long-range routes from Milan to New York, Miami, Bangkok and Mumbai already announced. Air Italy this month also inaugurated short-haul routes connecting Milan to Rome, Naples, Palermo and Olbia. Additional routes from Milan to the Sicilian east coast city of Catania and Lamezia Terme in Calabria will commence on 1 July and 1 September respectively.
Further plans also include strengthening the short-range network to improve connectivity and launching the first long-range destination from Rome Fiumicino in 2019. Air Italy aims to fly more than 50 year-round routes by 2022.
Keywords: Alisarda, Meridiana, merger, Qatar Airline, Air Italy
True Italian Style by Qatar Airways: Air Italy’s first Boeing 737 Max
By
Juergen T Steinmetz -
May 12, 2018
Air Italy today unveiled its long-awaited first Boeing 737 Max in striking new livery at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre in Seattle, in front of a crowd of VIP dignitaries and guests, including His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, alongside international media.
The aircraft, the first of approximately 50 new aircraft to be added to the Air Italy fleet by 2022, is the first of 20 brand new Boeing 737 Max aircraft that will join the airline over the next three years.
During a press conference held prior to the delivery ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways; Mr. Marco Rigotti, Chairman of Alisarda and AQA Holding; Mr. Sultan Allana of Alisarda and AKFED; and Mr. Francesco Violante, Chairman of Air Italy, spoke of Air Italy’s future focus on the passenger experience as it strives to become Italy’s first carrier of choice.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commented: “I am delighted to be at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre today in Seattle to mark yet another landmark event, the delivery of Air Italy’s first new Boeing 737 Max aircraft in striking new livery, first presented in Milan in February this year. To see the aircraft here for the first time, it truly brings to life the next exciting chapter for Italy’s future carrier of choice, providing the people of Italy with the sophisticated travel experience that they deserve.”
Chairman of Alisarda, Mr. Marco Rigotti, said: “This first Boeing B737 Max will offer our customers a journey in true Italian style. While seated in this comfortable and stylish aircraft, flying from Milan onwards to our domestic network of popular destinations such as Taormina in Sicily, the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Rome, Sorrento and Capri or the pristine landscape in Calabria, we want our passengers to sense the beauty of Italy and warm welcome they will receive upon landing.”
Chairman of Air Italy, Mr. Francesco Violante, commented: “I would like to extend my thanks to Boeing and all of those involved in this, the production of our very first Boeing 737 Max in the Air Italy livery. Since we first announced the striking new design at a press conference in Milan in February this year, there has been much anticipation for this moment. We look forward to taking to the skies and bringing this aircraft to Italy for the first time.”
Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, Mr. Ihssane Mounir, added: “It is an exciting time to fly with Air Italy as it brings new levels of innovation, performance and comfort to the Italian aviation market. We are honoured that Air Italy and Qatar Airways have placed their trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX to help them achieve their bold and visionary goals.”
The new Boeing 737 Max aircraft features modern and spacious cabins, superior operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. The aircraft will also feature Business Class cabins and will replace Air Italy’s existing Boeing 737NGs.
Air Italy will also receive five Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year from the Qatar Airways’ fleet, prior to these being further replaced by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Qatar Airways previously strengthened its commitment to Air Italy in 2017 with the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy, while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda kept 51 per cent.
Network destinations will also enjoy continued expansion, with new long-range routes from Milan to New York, Miami, Bangkok and Mumbai already announced. Air Italy this month also inaugurated short-haul routes connecting Milan to Rome, Naples, Palermo and Olbia. Additional routes from Milan to the Sicilian east coast city of Catania and Lamezia Terme in Calabria will commence on 1 July and 1 September respectively.
Further plans also include strengthening the short-range network to improve connectivity and launching the first long-range destination from Rome Fiumicino in 2019. Air Italy aims to fly more than 50 year-round routes by 2022.
Keywords: Alisarda, Meridiana, merger, Qatar Airline, Air Italy
Last edited by Admin on Mon May 14, 2018 4:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.aviationpros.com/press_relea ... new-livery
Air Italy Receives Its First Boeing 737 Max In Striking New Livery May 14, 2018
DOHA, Qatar – Air Italy unveiled its long awaited first Boeing 737 Max in striking new livery at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre in Seattle, in front of a crowd of VIP dignitaries and guests, including His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, alongside international media.
The aircraft, the first of approximately 50 new aircraft to be added to the Air Italy fleet by 2022, is the first of 20 brand new Boeing 737 Max aircraft that will join the airline over the next three years.
During a press conference held prior to the delivery ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways; Mr. Marco Rigotti, Chairman of Alisarda and AQA Holding; Mr. Sultan Allana of Alisarda and AKFED; and Mr. Francesco Violante, Chairman of Air Italy, spoke of Air Italy’s future focus on the passenger experience as it strives to become Italy’s first carrier of choice.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commented: “I am delighted to be at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre today in Seattle to mark yet another landmark event, the delivery of Air Italy’s first new Boeing 737 Max aircraft in striking new livery, first presented in Milan in February this year. To see the aircraft here for the first time, it truly brings to life the next exciting chapter for Italy’s future carrier of choice, providing the people of Italy with the sophisticated travel experience that they deserve.”
Chairman of Alisarda, Mr. Marco Rigotti, said: “This first Boeing B737 Max will offer our customers a journey in true Italian style. While seated in this comfortable and stylish aircraft, flying from Milan onwards to our domestic network of popular destinations such as Taormina in Sicily, the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Rome, Sorrento and Capri or the pristine landscape in Calabria, we want our passengers to sense the beauty of Italy and warm welcome they will receive upon landing.”
Chairman of Air Italy, Mr. Francesco Violante, commented: “I would like to extend my thanks to Boeing and all of those involved in this, the production of our very first Boeing 737 Max in the Air Italy livery. Since we first announced the striking new design at a press conference in Milan in February this year, there has been much anticipation for this moment. We look forward to taking to the skies and bringing this aircraft to Italy for the first time.”
Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, Mr. Ihssane Mounir, added: “It is an exciting time to fly with Air Italy as it brings new levels of innovation, performance and comfort to the Italian aviation market. We are honoured that Air Italy and Qatar Airways have placed their trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX to help them achieve their bold and visionary goals.”
The new Boeing 737 Max aircraft features modern and spacious cabins, superior operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. The aircraft will also feature Business Class cabins and will replace Air Italy’s existing Boeing 737NGs.
Air Italy will also receive five Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year from the Qatar Airways’ fleet, prior to these being further replaced by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Qatar Airways previously strengthened its commitment to Air Italy in 2017 with the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy, while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda kept 51 per cent.
Network destinations will also enjoy continued expansion, with new long-range routes from Milan to New York, Miami, Bangkok and Mumbai already announced. Air Italy this month also inaugurated short-haul routes connecting Milan to Rome, Naples, Palermo and Olbia. Additional routes from Milan to the Sicilian east coast city of Catania and Lamezia Terme in Calabria will commence on 1 July and 1 September respectively.
Further plans also include strengthening the short-range network to improve connectivity and launching the first long-range destination from Rome Fiumicino in 2019. Air Italy aims to fly more than 50 year-round routes by 2022.
Air Italy Receives Its First Boeing 737 Max In Striking New Livery May 14, 2018
DOHA, Qatar – Air Italy unveiled its long awaited first Boeing 737 Max in striking new livery at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre in Seattle, in front of a crowd of VIP dignitaries and guests, including His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, alongside international media.
The aircraft, the first of approximately 50 new aircraft to be added to the Air Italy fleet by 2022, is the first of 20 brand new Boeing 737 Max aircraft that will join the airline over the next three years.
During a press conference held prior to the delivery ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways; Mr. Marco Rigotti, Chairman of Alisarda and AQA Holding; Mr. Sultan Allana of Alisarda and AKFED; and Mr. Francesco Violante, Chairman of Air Italy, spoke of Air Italy’s future focus on the passenger experience as it strives to become Italy’s first carrier of choice.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commented: “I am delighted to be at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre today in Seattle to mark yet another landmark event, the delivery of Air Italy’s first new Boeing 737 Max aircraft in striking new livery, first presented in Milan in February this year. To see the aircraft here for the first time, it truly brings to life the next exciting chapter for Italy’s future carrier of choice, providing the people of Italy with the sophisticated travel experience that they deserve.”
Chairman of Alisarda, Mr. Marco Rigotti, said: “This first Boeing B737 Max will offer our customers a journey in true Italian style. While seated in this comfortable and stylish aircraft, flying from Milan onwards to our domestic network of popular destinations such as Taormina in Sicily, the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Rome, Sorrento and Capri or the pristine landscape in Calabria, we want our passengers to sense the beauty of Italy and warm welcome they will receive upon landing.”
Chairman of Air Italy, Mr. Francesco Violante, commented: “I would like to extend my thanks to Boeing and all of those involved in this, the production of our very first Boeing 737 Max in the Air Italy livery. Since we first announced the striking new design at a press conference in Milan in February this year, there has been much anticipation for this moment. We look forward to taking to the skies and bringing this aircraft to Italy for the first time.”
Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, Mr. Ihssane Mounir, added: “It is an exciting time to fly with Air Italy as it brings new levels of innovation, performance and comfort to the Italian aviation market. We are honoured that Air Italy and Qatar Airways have placed their trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX to help them achieve their bold and visionary goals.”
The new Boeing 737 Max aircraft features modern and spacious cabins, superior operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. The aircraft will also feature Business Class cabins and will replace Air Italy’s existing Boeing 737NGs.
Air Italy will also receive five Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year from the Qatar Airways’ fleet, prior to these being further replaced by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Qatar Airways previously strengthened its commitment to Air Italy in 2017 with the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy, while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda kept 51 per cent.
Network destinations will also enjoy continued expansion, with new long-range routes from Milan to New York, Miami, Bangkok and Mumbai already announced. Air Italy this month also inaugurated short-haul routes connecting Milan to Rome, Naples, Palermo and Olbia. Additional routes from Milan to the Sicilian east coast city of Catania and Lamezia Terme in Calabria will commence on 1 July and 1 September respectively.
Further plans also include strengthening the short-range network to improve connectivity and launching the first long-range destination from Rome Fiumicino in 2019. Air Italy aims to fly more than 50 year-round routes by 2022.
Aga Khan Foundation in Portugal
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private non-for profit international development agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which brings together a number of profit and non-for profit agencies that work primarily to improve livelihoods and the quality of life of vulnerable populations, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their race, religion, ethnicity or gender. Each agency carries out its own mandate and all of them work together within the Network so that their different activities interact and mutually strengthen each other. The interventions are designed to add value and critical mass to the economic, social and cultural development of each region, both in rural and urban areas.
In Portugal, the Foundation works in areas such as early childhood development, education, civil society, economic inclusion and seniors with an action-research approach. This methodology seeks to enhance the development of networks, innovative community-driven solutions and models addressing global challenges. The Foundation works through intellectual and financial partnerships within the public a
Download brochure at;
http://www.akdn.org/publication/aga-kha ... n-portugal
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private non-for profit international development agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which brings together a number of profit and non-for profit agencies that work primarily to improve livelihoods and the quality of life of vulnerable populations, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their race, religion, ethnicity or gender. Each agency carries out its own mandate and all of them work together within the Network so that their different activities interact and mutually strengthen each other. The interventions are designed to add value and critical mass to the economic, social and cultural development of each region, both in rural and urban areas.
In Portugal, the Foundation works in areas such as early childhood development, education, civil society, economic inclusion and seniors with an action-research approach. This methodology seeks to enhance the development of networks, innovative community-driven solutions and models addressing global challenges. The Foundation works through intellectual and financial partnerships within the public a
Download brochure at;
http://www.akdn.org/publication/aga-kha ... n-portugal
http://www.busiweek.com/aga-khan-founda ... laptops-2/
Aga Khan Foundation bails out West Nile pupils with laptops
21st May 2016
WEST NILE, UGANDA–Aga Khan Foundation's ICT in Education Project handed over 305 Laptops and 75 tablets to the District Education Officer. The laptops are to be distributed in 20 schools within Arua.
The ICT in Education project is implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation in Partnership with Dubai Cares and the government of Uganda. The project seeks to improve the use of ICT in education delivery in the West Nile Region for both the pupils and teachers.
The hand over event that was held in the office of the District Education Officer and also had the other important stakeholders like the RDC, LC 5 Chairman, CAO, 5 head teachers and some pupils to witness the hand over.
The project has been on since 2015 in the districts of Arua, Koboko and Yumbe with each district having its own unique component for example in Arua the project has piloted with 20 primary schools where laptops and tables have been distributed with digital content developed by the teachers, education officers, inspectors of schools and also the coordinating center tutors form the teacher training colleges. This content has been uploaded into the tablets and laptops targeting primary one and two pupils. The content used is both in Lugubara and English. The content is used to reinforce what is already being taught in the class rooms and make education more interesting for the pupils.
The project also have the component of supporting teachers through teachers’ professional development, a service provider ECO-Mobile developed an SMS platform working with MTN and Airtel with a short code from Uganda Communication Commission that is used by the teachers to share content teacher to teacher.
The team at the Aga Khan Foundation carries out intensive monitoring and evaluation to seek to better understand the impact of the intervention, it is against this background that it was discovered that the laptops shared earlier were not enough with more pupils than the laptops/tablets in each of the 20 schools. The team at the Aga Khan Foundation put in a request to Dubai Cares for the provision of more laptops and this was granted. 305 Laptops for the pupils and 75 tablets for head teachers to monitor the work being done.
Faith (a pupil) from Mvara Junior Primary School said “This ICT has helped us with a lot learning, reading and spelling addition to learning about farms. “
Beatrice the Head Mistress of Mvara Junior Primary School said “This project has really helped us a great deal, right now the children are learning computer and the ones who already learnt are now teachers helping their fellow pupils. The teachers’ are also integrating this in all the subjects for example they make their class lists using the computers and are now like mentors to other schools where this project is yet to reach. As a result the project has also boosted enrollment and also improved performance with the children being able to read. The one issue we face is that the laptops are not enough otherwise we are thankful”
The district education officer thanked the Aga Khan Foundation for their interventions in the effort to improve the education in system in Arua. He thanked the foundation for working closely with Education office. He said “This was just a dream at the start but now look where we are am sure the future is bright”
The RDC commended the Aga Khan Foundation for the great job being done and promised to use his office to support the intervention and other Aga Khan projects yet to come. He also called upon the pupils who were in attendance to take the opportunity to learn ICT very seriously given the modern world in which they live.
Aga Khan Foundation bails out West Nile pupils with laptops
21st May 2016
WEST NILE, UGANDA–Aga Khan Foundation's ICT in Education Project handed over 305 Laptops and 75 tablets to the District Education Officer. The laptops are to be distributed in 20 schools within Arua.
The ICT in Education project is implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation in Partnership with Dubai Cares and the government of Uganda. The project seeks to improve the use of ICT in education delivery in the West Nile Region for both the pupils and teachers.
The hand over event that was held in the office of the District Education Officer and also had the other important stakeholders like the RDC, LC 5 Chairman, CAO, 5 head teachers and some pupils to witness the hand over.
The project has been on since 2015 in the districts of Arua, Koboko and Yumbe with each district having its own unique component for example in Arua the project has piloted with 20 primary schools where laptops and tables have been distributed with digital content developed by the teachers, education officers, inspectors of schools and also the coordinating center tutors form the teacher training colleges. This content has been uploaded into the tablets and laptops targeting primary one and two pupils. The content used is both in Lugubara and English. The content is used to reinforce what is already being taught in the class rooms and make education more interesting for the pupils.
The project also have the component of supporting teachers through teachers’ professional development, a service provider ECO-Mobile developed an SMS platform working with MTN and Airtel with a short code from Uganda Communication Commission that is used by the teachers to share content teacher to teacher.
The team at the Aga Khan Foundation carries out intensive monitoring and evaluation to seek to better understand the impact of the intervention, it is against this background that it was discovered that the laptops shared earlier were not enough with more pupils than the laptops/tablets in each of the 20 schools. The team at the Aga Khan Foundation put in a request to Dubai Cares for the provision of more laptops and this was granted. 305 Laptops for the pupils and 75 tablets for head teachers to monitor the work being done.
Faith (a pupil) from Mvara Junior Primary School said “This ICT has helped us with a lot learning, reading and spelling addition to learning about farms. “
Beatrice the Head Mistress of Mvara Junior Primary School said “This project has really helped us a great deal, right now the children are learning computer and the ones who already learnt are now teachers helping their fellow pupils. The teachers’ are also integrating this in all the subjects for example they make their class lists using the computers and are now like mentors to other schools where this project is yet to reach. As a result the project has also boosted enrollment and also improved performance with the children being able to read. The one issue we face is that the laptops are not enough otherwise we are thankful”
The district education officer thanked the Aga Khan Foundation for their interventions in the effort to improve the education in system in Arua. He thanked the foundation for working closely with Education office. He said “This was just a dream at the start but now look where we are am sure the future is bright”
The RDC commended the Aga Khan Foundation for the great job being done and promised to use his office to support the intervention and other Aga Khan projects yet to come. He also called upon the pupils who were in attendance to take the opportunity to learn ICT very seriously given the modern world in which they live.
http://www.businessinsider.com/air-ital ... ney-2018-6
Italy's newest international airline just arrived and it wants to take on the world with Qatari money
David Slotnick
A new airline — Air Italy — made its maiden voyage on Friday between its hub in Milan and New York's JFK airport.
The airline aims to reposition Milan's Malpensa airport as a major international hub, while creating a high-quality service and experience-focused product.
The airline is 49% owned by Qatar Airways, which was ranked 2017's best airline in the world, and built its product around Qatar's model.
A new Italian airline launched its first long-haul route on Friday, with its maiden flight from New York's JFK airport to Milan's Malpensa airport. As Air Italy's Airbus A330 received the traditional "water cannon salute" upon landing at JFK, the airline's stakeholders and leadership celebrated the beginning of what many hope will be a swift and effective expansion of routes throughout the world.
The flight represents a major milestone for the airline, which aims to grow from a small niche carrier to major international airline over the next several years, starting with six long-haul routes in 2018. The airline has more than 50 aircraft on order.
Air Italy is actually a rebranding of legacy Italian regional carrier Meridiana, which was itself the product of mergers with several other small Italian carriers. While the airline had flown successfully, promoting its brand and launching new routes as recently as 2014, the airline faced financial difficulties.
In late-2017, Qatar Airways — the top-ranked airline in the world in 2017— announced that it was acquiring a 49% stake in Meridiana, which it planned to overhaul and rebrand as Air Italy. The other 51% is held by the previous sole shareholder Alisarda, which is in turn owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, as reported by aviation news website The Points Guy. The two companies — Qatar Airways and Alisarda — have formed a new holding company for Air Italy, AQA.
Air Italy Marco RigottiMarco Rigotti, Air Italy's Executive Deputy Chairman, before the inaugural flight from JFK to Milan. David Slotnick/Business Insider
According to Marco Rigotti, Air Italy's Executive Deputy Chairman, the airline is poised to grow quickly. It recently took possession of the first of 20 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for intra-Italy flights from the Milan hub, and has 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order — the first will be delivered in Spring 2019 — to operate its long-haul network. Until the Dreamliners are ready, Air Italy is flying Airbus A330 aircraft from Qatar for its long-haul flights.
In addition to the Milan-JFK route, Air Italy is launching a nonstop flight between Milan and Miami on June 8th. Flights to Bangkok and Mumbai will launch this fall, and two more long-haul destinations will launch in 2018 — these have not yet been announced.
Air Italy's launch and ownership by Qatar represents a unique opportunity. Current Italian flagship carrier Alitalia has been in financial straits for several years and is currently in bankruptcy, despite a 2014 move by Qatar competitor Etihad Airways to invest in the airline. As Alitalia continues to struggle, Qatar Airways and Air Italy's leadership see an opportunity to rise as a new Italian long-haul standard bearer.
Air Italy JFK Check-in launch David Slotnick/Business Insider
In an interview with Business Insider and several other outlets, Rigotti said that the investment by Qatar provides Air Italy the framework, inspiration, and impetus to build the new airline around service, style, and passenger experience.
"Without [Qatar Airways and their chief executive Akbar Al Baker], this project would not exist," he said. "Not in just in terms of the financial aspects; they have been fundamental inspiration in terms of how to create a high-quality product."
The onboard experience
Air Italy's long-haul economy class seats will all be equipped with personal in-flight entertainment screens, at a time when airlines have been eliminating those monitors in favor of a "bring your own device" system, sometimes with streaming available from an onboard entertainment server. Flights will be equipped with Wi-Fi, and all passengers will have access to live satellite TV — including matches during the World Cup this summer. Economy seats, which are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, have 31" of pitch — comparable to most full-service long-haul carriers — and are equipped with USB charging ports.
Economy class meal service, meanwhile, will feature Italian wines and dishes, with meals like gnocchi and lasagna, and snacks including pizza and focaccia with aubergines.
Air Italy meal service Air Italy
Business class cabins feature lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. With 78" of pitch, they can be turned into beds for overnight flights. All business class passengers get amenity kits stocked with comfort products for the flight, as well as a turn-down service with mattress pads for "bed mode," as well as a more robust catering service throughout the flight.
A hub in Milan
Air Italy's launch and use of Milan as its hub provides an opportunity to draw tourism and business traffic to the city and northern Italy. And it also serves international business travelers traveling anywhere in the country.
"We chose Milan for a couple of reasons," said Rigotti. "Notably, Alitalia used it as a hub until several years ago, but the airline abandoned it due to financial difficulties. We see the city as an opportunity."
Advertisement
"More then that, we're creating a hub from today because we are feeding connections on to Rome, Naples, and Palermo, and more. The passengers on the first flight are not just heading to Milan — they're going on to other destinations."
The two goals — building a new, customer-centric, service-focused airline, and building Milan as a hub for the entire country, go hand-in-hand, according to Rigotti.
"These goals are coherent with what Milan represents in Italy," he said. "Milan is truly the most modern, contemporary town in Italy between fashion, its financial district, its activity, and its design. We have the same values, and that's how we'll operate."
Air Italy Marco Rigotti John Selden Ribbon cutting JFKAir Italy Deputy Executive Chariman Marco Rigotti (right) and Port Authority of NY and NJ official John Selden, cut the ribbon before Air Italy's first flight from JFK airport. David Slotnick/Business Insider
While early reception has been positive — reporters from Airways Magazine on board the first flight from JFK gave the airline's business class a rave review — one thing is clear for travelers: competition for the Milanese and Italian markets seems to be a good thing.
Italy's newest international airline just arrived and it wants to take on the world with Qatari money
David Slotnick
A new airline — Air Italy — made its maiden voyage on Friday between its hub in Milan and New York's JFK airport.
The airline aims to reposition Milan's Malpensa airport as a major international hub, while creating a high-quality service and experience-focused product.
The airline is 49% owned by Qatar Airways, which was ranked 2017's best airline in the world, and built its product around Qatar's model.
A new Italian airline launched its first long-haul route on Friday, with its maiden flight from New York's JFK airport to Milan's Malpensa airport. As Air Italy's Airbus A330 received the traditional "water cannon salute" upon landing at JFK, the airline's stakeholders and leadership celebrated the beginning of what many hope will be a swift and effective expansion of routes throughout the world.
The flight represents a major milestone for the airline, which aims to grow from a small niche carrier to major international airline over the next several years, starting with six long-haul routes in 2018. The airline has more than 50 aircraft on order.
Air Italy is actually a rebranding of legacy Italian regional carrier Meridiana, which was itself the product of mergers with several other small Italian carriers. While the airline had flown successfully, promoting its brand and launching new routes as recently as 2014, the airline faced financial difficulties.
In late-2017, Qatar Airways — the top-ranked airline in the world in 2017— announced that it was acquiring a 49% stake in Meridiana, which it planned to overhaul and rebrand as Air Italy. The other 51% is held by the previous sole shareholder Alisarda, which is in turn owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, as reported by aviation news website The Points Guy. The two companies — Qatar Airways and Alisarda — have formed a new holding company for Air Italy, AQA.
Air Italy Marco RigottiMarco Rigotti, Air Italy's Executive Deputy Chairman, before the inaugural flight from JFK to Milan. David Slotnick/Business Insider
According to Marco Rigotti, Air Italy's Executive Deputy Chairman, the airline is poised to grow quickly. It recently took possession of the first of 20 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for intra-Italy flights from the Milan hub, and has 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order — the first will be delivered in Spring 2019 — to operate its long-haul network. Until the Dreamliners are ready, Air Italy is flying Airbus A330 aircraft from Qatar for its long-haul flights.
In addition to the Milan-JFK route, Air Italy is launching a nonstop flight between Milan and Miami on June 8th. Flights to Bangkok and Mumbai will launch this fall, and two more long-haul destinations will launch in 2018 — these have not yet been announced.
Air Italy's launch and ownership by Qatar represents a unique opportunity. Current Italian flagship carrier Alitalia has been in financial straits for several years and is currently in bankruptcy, despite a 2014 move by Qatar competitor Etihad Airways to invest in the airline. As Alitalia continues to struggle, Qatar Airways and Air Italy's leadership see an opportunity to rise as a new Italian long-haul standard bearer.
Air Italy JFK Check-in launch David Slotnick/Business Insider
In an interview with Business Insider and several other outlets, Rigotti said that the investment by Qatar provides Air Italy the framework, inspiration, and impetus to build the new airline around service, style, and passenger experience.
"Without [Qatar Airways and their chief executive Akbar Al Baker], this project would not exist," he said. "Not in just in terms of the financial aspects; they have been fundamental inspiration in terms of how to create a high-quality product."
The onboard experience
Air Italy's long-haul economy class seats will all be equipped with personal in-flight entertainment screens, at a time when airlines have been eliminating those monitors in favor of a "bring your own device" system, sometimes with streaming available from an onboard entertainment server. Flights will be equipped with Wi-Fi, and all passengers will have access to live satellite TV — including matches during the World Cup this summer. Economy seats, which are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, have 31" of pitch — comparable to most full-service long-haul carriers — and are equipped with USB charging ports.
Economy class meal service, meanwhile, will feature Italian wines and dishes, with meals like gnocchi and lasagna, and snacks including pizza and focaccia with aubergines.
Air Italy meal service Air Italy
Business class cabins feature lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. With 78" of pitch, they can be turned into beds for overnight flights. All business class passengers get amenity kits stocked with comfort products for the flight, as well as a turn-down service with mattress pads for "bed mode," as well as a more robust catering service throughout the flight.
A hub in Milan
Air Italy's launch and use of Milan as its hub provides an opportunity to draw tourism and business traffic to the city and northern Italy. And it also serves international business travelers traveling anywhere in the country.
"We chose Milan for a couple of reasons," said Rigotti. "Notably, Alitalia used it as a hub until several years ago, but the airline abandoned it due to financial difficulties. We see the city as an opportunity."
Advertisement
"More then that, we're creating a hub from today because we are feeding connections on to Rome, Naples, and Palermo, and more. The passengers on the first flight are not just heading to Milan — they're going on to other destinations."
The two goals — building a new, customer-centric, service-focused airline, and building Milan as a hub for the entire country, go hand-in-hand, according to Rigotti.
"These goals are coherent with what Milan represents in Italy," he said. "Milan is truly the most modern, contemporary town in Italy between fashion, its financial district, its activity, and its design. We have the same values, and that's how we'll operate."
Air Italy Marco Rigotti John Selden Ribbon cutting JFKAir Italy Deputy Executive Chariman Marco Rigotti (right) and Port Authority of NY and NJ official John Selden, cut the ribbon before Air Italy's first flight from JFK airport. David Slotnick/Business Insider
While early reception has been positive — reporters from Airways Magazine on board the first flight from JFK gave the airline's business class a rave review — one thing is clear for travelers: competition for the Milanese and Italian markets seems to be a good thing.
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Govern ... index.html
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Government seeks Aga Khan’s help in developing Dodoma City
n Summary
Speaking during a dinner gala that was part of year-long celebrations of Diamond Jubilee on June 25, 2018 at Parliament grounds, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the government needed world-class facilities in Dodoma, adding that the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has what it takes to help.
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Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Government seeks Aga Khan’s help in developing Dodoma City
n Summary
Speaking during a dinner gala that was part of year-long celebrations of Diamond Jubilee on June 25, 2018 at Parliament grounds, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the government needed world-class facilities in Dodoma, adding that the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has what it takes to help.
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Aga Khan Foundation Portugal - The Fred Roberts Workshops
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN-hw6elGdc
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN-hw6elGdc
Aga Khan Foundation Launches Sh.586 Million Youth Development Initiative To Spur Entrepreneurship
The Aga Khan Foundation in conjunction with the Lamu Youth Alliance and the Lamu Youth Professionals Association have partnered in a youth development initiative to fund various youth groups within the county at a cost Sh.587 million in the next three years.
The initiative, which is a sub grant of the Islamic Relief Kenya, a Community Based Organization (CBO) based in Nairobi is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship within the county.
Through the initiative, youth groups can qualify for as much as Sh.8 million over the 3 year period of the project implementation.
“This initiative is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship among youths especially in marginalized areas such as Lamu county, where funds for the informal sector are hard to come by,” Aga Khan Foundation Coast Regional Manager, Athrash Ali told KNA on Monday in an exclusive interview in Amu Island.
MORE...
http://www.kenyanews.go.ke/aga-khan-fou ... eneurship/
******
Project launched in Lamu to bridge illiteracy gap at the coast
An old lady in Mombasa who had been forced to pick between who of her great grand children would get educated, can now breath a sigh of relief, thanks to the Youth Social and Economic Empowerment project, in Lamu. The project run by Aga khan foundation in partnership with the European union and the government of Kenya, aims at bridging the illiteracy gap at the Coast. Nuru Abdul Aziz has more.
More...
https://ntv.nation.co.ke/news/2720124-4 ... index.html
The Aga Khan Foundation in conjunction with the Lamu Youth Alliance and the Lamu Youth Professionals Association have partnered in a youth development initiative to fund various youth groups within the county at a cost Sh.587 million in the next three years.
The initiative, which is a sub grant of the Islamic Relief Kenya, a Community Based Organization (CBO) based in Nairobi is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship within the county.
Through the initiative, youth groups can qualify for as much as Sh.8 million over the 3 year period of the project implementation.
“This initiative is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship among youths especially in marginalized areas such as Lamu county, where funds for the informal sector are hard to come by,” Aga Khan Foundation Coast Regional Manager, Athrash Ali told KNA on Monday in an exclusive interview in Amu Island.
MORE...
http://www.kenyanews.go.ke/aga-khan-fou ... eneurship/
******
Project launched in Lamu to bridge illiteracy gap at the coast
An old lady in Mombasa who had been forced to pick between who of her great grand children would get educated, can now breath a sigh of relief, thanks to the Youth Social and Economic Empowerment project, in Lamu. The project run by Aga khan foundation in partnership with the European union and the government of Kenya, aims at bridging the illiteracy gap at the Coast. Nuru Abdul Aziz has more.
More...
https://ntv.nation.co.ke/news/2720124-4 ... index.html
Last edited by kmaherali on Fri Aug 24, 2018 4:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Aga Khan Foundation building better lives in world’s poorest communities | Fox News
Video:
https://www.fox26houston.com/the-isiah- ... 1628-video
Video:
https://www.fox26houston.com/the-isiah- ... 1628-video
Project Lehar: Empowering Girls in India
The Aga Khan Foundation has been committed to empowering women and girls in India for the past forty years. Since 2015, over 5,500 girls have been supported by the Aga Khan Foundation's Project Lehar. The project is enabling adolescent girls to access better opportunities.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... HaICQSRq_M
The Aga Khan Foundation has been committed to empowering women and girls in India for the past forty years. Since 2015, over 5,500 girls have been supported by the Aga Khan Foundation's Project Lehar. The project is enabling adolescent girls to access better opportunities.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... HaICQSRq_M
Santa Fe woman helps build school in Pakistan in memory of daughter
A photograph of Elizabeth Tschursin sitting in the snow-capped Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan hangs over a doorway in her mother’s Santa Fe home.
“That’s when she was the happiest,” said Diana MacArthur, who calls her daughter Leeza.
After Tschursin took her own life in 1994 at the age of 39, MacArthur longed for a way to honor her daughter. She found the answer more than a decade ago in a remote region of Pakistan where Tschursin had taught science years earlier.
On Tuesday, the Al-Murtaza Academy’s Elizabeth Tschursin Memorial Campus — a $3.5 million school located in the remote Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Balistan — opened its doors to about 400 Pakistani students. MacArthur, the project’s leader, said the school will not only commemorate Tschursin but also give new life to a community she had adored.
The campus will be given to the Aga Khan Foundation, an international nonprofit, during a celebration Sunday. The foundation, which will help with maintaining the school, “has the finances and can pour resources on the community,” MacArthur said.
More...
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/f ... bee11.html
A photograph of Elizabeth Tschursin sitting in the snow-capped Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan hangs over a doorway in her mother’s Santa Fe home.
“That’s when she was the happiest,” said Diana MacArthur, who calls her daughter Leeza.
After Tschursin took her own life in 1994 at the age of 39, MacArthur longed for a way to honor her daughter. She found the answer more than a decade ago in a remote region of Pakistan where Tschursin had taught science years earlier.
On Tuesday, the Al-Murtaza Academy’s Elizabeth Tschursin Memorial Campus — a $3.5 million school located in the remote Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Balistan — opened its doors to about 400 Pakistani students. MacArthur, the project’s leader, said the school will not only commemorate Tschursin but also give new life to a community she had adored.
The campus will be given to the Aga Khan Foundation, an international nonprofit, during a celebration Sunday. The foundation, which will help with maintaining the school, “has the finances and can pour resources on the community,” MacArthur said.
More...
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/f ... bee11.html
“Feedback is vital for trust and effective safeguarding” - ⁦⁦@AKF_Global⁩ proud to partner w/@Act4Integrity to integrate community voices into development planning and delivery
https://twitter.com/MattReedAKDN/status ... 6578276352
https://twitter.com/MattReedAKDN/status ... 6578276352
Garissa, Mandera and Lamu youth benefit from Aga Khan Foundation Apprentice Program
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFrFOTNBi8g
600 out of 13,000 youth from Garissa, Mandera and Lamu, are set to benefit from an apprenticeship programme under the Aga Khan foundation in a move to boost self employment.
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Aga Khan Foundation to train 13,000 youths
The large number of young people in the Northeast need opportunities to be self-reliant instead of looking for scarce white collar jobs, the Aga Khan Foundation has said.
To achieve this, the government should work together with the private sector and the civil society, the foundation’s manager for Coast and North Eastern Atrash Ali said.
The organisation intends to train 13,000 youths in Garissa, Mandera and Lamu.
More...
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/09 ... s_c1816332
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFrFOTNBi8g
600 out of 13,000 youth from Garissa, Mandera and Lamu, are set to benefit from an apprenticeship programme under the Aga Khan foundation in a move to boost self employment.
********
Aga Khan Foundation to train 13,000 youths
The large number of young people in the Northeast need opportunities to be self-reliant instead of looking for scarce white collar jobs, the Aga Khan Foundation has said.
To achieve this, the government should work together with the private sector and the civil society, the foundation’s manager for Coast and North Eastern Atrash Ali said.
The organisation intends to train 13,000 youths in Garissa, Mandera and Lamu.
More...
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/09 ... s_c1816332
Congrats to KCSD for official opening of a Technical Training Institute-Embakasi West Nairobi that trains deaf girls, women and the vulnerable out-of-school youth on employability skills for self-reliance and future prosperity.
@YetuOrg & @AKF_EA is proud to be associated
@KCSD2
https://twitter.com/phyldave/status/1040975233195433985
@YetuOrg & @AKF_EA is proud to be associated
@KCSD2
https://twitter.com/phyldave/status/1040975233195433985
World Tourism Day
Today is World Tourism Day, and the focus for 2018 is the contribution of digital advances and innovation to a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector. The Aga Khan Development Network works with local and global communities to enhance tourism in various regions. Much of this work is made possible because of technological advances that support sustainable development.
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/world-tourism-day
Today is World Tourism Day, and the focus for 2018 is the contribution of digital advances and innovation to a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector. The Aga Khan Development Network works with local and global communities to enhance tourism in various regions. Much of this work is made possible because of technological advances that support sustainable development.
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/world-tourism-day
Philanthropy Bets Big on Sustainable Development Goals
An international roster of donors has dispersed billions of dollars since 2000 to address social issues targeted by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Their efforts highlight four ways that big bets can achieve big social change.
Excerpt:
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) illustrates the impact a major funder can have in
growing university-level educational opportunities. AKDN, led by His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, has spent more than $1 billion since 2000 to construct and expand two AKDN universities. One of those universities is the University of Central Asia (UCA), which AKDN established in partnership with governments in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. UCA’s three campuses attract students from a region bisected by the historic Silk Road, a trade and transportation route that facilitated the global exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas for hundreds of years. This major initiative aims to nurture future leaders and spur economic development in Central Asia. “These institutions are critical for long-term sustainable development efforts in these countries,” says Khalil Shariff, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
In Africa and India, AKDN also has built the first three of 18 planned Aga Khan Academies, a network of schools for exceptional K-12 students in 14 countries. “These are leadership development engines for people who do not have the opportunity to access this quality of education,” says Shariff.
More...
https://ssir.org/articles/entry/philant ... ment_goals
An international roster of donors has dispersed billions of dollars since 2000 to address social issues targeted by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Their efforts highlight four ways that big bets can achieve big social change.
Excerpt:
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) illustrates the impact a major funder can have in
growing university-level educational opportunities. AKDN, led by His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, has spent more than $1 billion since 2000 to construct and expand two AKDN universities. One of those universities is the University of Central Asia (UCA), which AKDN established in partnership with governments in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. UCA’s three campuses attract students from a region bisected by the historic Silk Road, a trade and transportation route that facilitated the global exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas for hundreds of years. This major initiative aims to nurture future leaders and spur economic development in Central Asia. “These institutions are critical for long-term sustainable development efforts in these countries,” says Khalil Shariff, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
In Africa and India, AKDN also has built the first three of 18 planned Aga Khan Academies, a network of schools for exceptional K-12 students in 14 countries. “These are leadership development engines for people who do not have the opportunity to access this quality of education,” says Shariff.
More...
https://ssir.org/articles/entry/philant ... ment_goals
Kabaka, Aga Khan hailed for promoting cultural diversity
T he Buganda King, His Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, and His Highness the Aga Khan have been applauded for championing cultural diversity and pluralism in Uganda and the rest of the world through the different undertakings of their institutions.
These honours were sounded by Mr Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, a former katikkiro (prime minister) of Buganda Kingdom, on Friday evening in Kampala during a public lecture on the theme: ‘Buganda Kingdom: A shining beacon in Uganda’s cultural diversity and pluralism’.
The lecture was part of the Aga Khan public lecture series organised by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to mark Kabaka Mutebi’s Silver Jubilee, which Buganda Kingdom has dubbed Jubireewo. Kabaka Mutebi marked his 25th coronation anniversary on July 31 in his Mengo palace.
More...
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/ ... index.html
T he Buganda King, His Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, and His Highness the Aga Khan have been applauded for championing cultural diversity and pluralism in Uganda and the rest of the world through the different undertakings of their institutions.
These honours were sounded by Mr Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, a former katikkiro (prime minister) of Buganda Kingdom, on Friday evening in Kampala during a public lecture on the theme: ‘Buganda Kingdom: A shining beacon in Uganda’s cultural diversity and pluralism’.
The lecture was part of the Aga Khan public lecture series organised by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to mark Kabaka Mutebi’s Silver Jubilee, which Buganda Kingdom has dubbed Jubireewo. Kabaka Mutebi marked his 25th coronation anniversary on July 31 in his Mengo palace.
More...
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/ ... index.html
Jubilee Life Insurance announces sponsorship for Pakistan-Australia Cricket Series
LAHORE - Jubilee Life Insurance on Thursday to sponsor the Pakistan and Australia cricket test series to be held in UAE. The announcement was made at a press conference in the provincial capital.
The cricket lovers will witness two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals with the first Test beginning on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Jubilee Life Insurance has always taken a lead and been one of the top supporters as far as facilitating sports in Pakistan is concerned. “We feel proud of playing a key role in bringing cricket back to our nation starting with the PSL 3, followed by the Pakistan vs. WIndies series that took place earlier this year. With the same enthusiasm, Jubilee Life Insurance has continued to lend its support to this current tour and brings cricket for its fans and passionate spectators of the country.” said Syed Usman Qaiser, Chief Manager Marketing, Jubilee Life Insurance.
More...
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/sports/ ... et-series/
LAHORE - Jubilee Life Insurance on Thursday to sponsor the Pakistan and Australia cricket test series to be held in UAE. The announcement was made at a press conference in the provincial capital.
The cricket lovers will witness two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals with the first Test beginning on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Jubilee Life Insurance has always taken a lead and been one of the top supporters as far as facilitating sports in Pakistan is concerned. “We feel proud of playing a key role in bringing cricket back to our nation starting with the PSL 3, followed by the Pakistan vs. WIndies series that took place earlier this year. With the same enthusiasm, Jubilee Life Insurance has continued to lend its support to this current tour and brings cricket for its fans and passionate spectators of the country.” said Syed Usman Qaiser, Chief Manager Marketing, Jubilee Life Insurance.
More...
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/sports/ ... et-series/
On working in fragile contexts – perspective and experiences from the Aga Khan Foundation
About the Aga Khan Development Network and our approach to development
AKDN is a collection of 10 development agencies . Collectively, our agencies seek to achieve three things:
First, to improve the quality of life in almost every respect – education, health, livelihoods and other key opportunities for the future.
Second, to promote pluralism. We work with everyone in the communities where we’re present, regardless of faith, creed, background, or gender. This is a fundamental, non-negotiable principle that underpins our entire approach to development. Without that commitment to everyone, to all faiths and creeds, we would not be able to work in the fragile contexts we do.
And third, we try to enhance self-reliance. We want to build the resources and reflexes of local civil society so communities take charge of their own development. Across everything we do, in every sector, we insist on community participation or ownership in some way. It’s essential communities themselves have a determining say in the development projects or institutions we run, and that they are involved in identifying and prioritising those needs to begin with.
Whatever country we’re in, we’re characterised by our long-term commitment and our multi-sector approach. Since we want to address the inter-related causes of poverty, that takes time. It’s also why we have several different agencies specialising in different aspects of development.
When we say “long-term,” we mean it. Our agencies were founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, who assumed his office from his grandfather now 61 years ago. Some of our schools for example have been active in these places for over a century, and the Aga Khan Foundation just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Therefore, our intention is to build permanent institutions with deep local participation and ownership, working with communities over generations to improve their prospects and opportunities.
https://www.akf.org.uk/news/on_working_ ... _contexts/
About the Aga Khan Development Network and our approach to development
AKDN is a collection of 10 development agencies . Collectively, our agencies seek to achieve three things:
First, to improve the quality of life in almost every respect – education, health, livelihoods and other key opportunities for the future.
Second, to promote pluralism. We work with everyone in the communities where we’re present, regardless of faith, creed, background, or gender. This is a fundamental, non-negotiable principle that underpins our entire approach to development. Without that commitment to everyone, to all faiths and creeds, we would not be able to work in the fragile contexts we do.
And third, we try to enhance self-reliance. We want to build the resources and reflexes of local civil society so communities take charge of their own development. Across everything we do, in every sector, we insist on community participation or ownership in some way. It’s essential communities themselves have a determining say in the development projects or institutions we run, and that they are involved in identifying and prioritising those needs to begin with.
Whatever country we’re in, we’re characterised by our long-term commitment and our multi-sector approach. Since we want to address the inter-related causes of poverty, that takes time. It’s also why we have several different agencies specialising in different aspects of development.
When we say “long-term,” we mean it. Our agencies were founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, who assumed his office from his grandfather now 61 years ago. Some of our schools for example have been active in these places for over a century, and the Aga Khan Foundation just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Therefore, our intention is to build permanent institutions with deep local participation and ownership, working with communities over generations to improve their prospects and opportunities.
https://www.akf.org.uk/news/on_working_ ... _contexts/
Project Lehar: empowering out-of-school adolescent girls in India
Aga Khan Foundation (India)’s Project Lehar, which means wave in Urdu, works to empower and improve the quality of life of out-of-school adolescent girls.
It takes a three pronged empowerment approach for adolescents, comprising of scholastic support, vocational training and life skills education.
It supports out-of-school girls to re-enroll into school and distance learning programmes, especially for Class 10 exams. It trains girls in vocational skills to enter the formal job market and fosters entrepreneurship through innovative projects suited to the local context, like mushroom cultivation
Cutting across both the scholastic and vocational skills courses is life skills training which helps the girls build their confidence and agency, and understanding of how to successfully overcome the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.
Screen Shot 2018-10-11 at 23.04.57Project Lehar was begun in 2015 with support from the United Nations Population Fund and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
These case studies collected since 2016, reflect the transformative journey the girls have taken towards their own social and economic empowerment.
We hope you enjoy them.
https://www.akf.org.uk/blog/project-leh ... 25c8c5fc8d
Aga Khan Foundation (India)’s Project Lehar, which means wave in Urdu, works to empower and improve the quality of life of out-of-school adolescent girls.
It takes a three pronged empowerment approach for adolescents, comprising of scholastic support, vocational training and life skills education.
It supports out-of-school girls to re-enroll into school and distance learning programmes, especially for Class 10 exams. It trains girls in vocational skills to enter the formal job market and fosters entrepreneurship through innovative projects suited to the local context, like mushroom cultivation
Cutting across both the scholastic and vocational skills courses is life skills training which helps the girls build their confidence and agency, and understanding of how to successfully overcome the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.
Screen Shot 2018-10-11 at 23.04.57Project Lehar was begun in 2015 with support from the United Nations Population Fund and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
These case studies collected since 2016, reflect the transformative journey the girls have taken towards their own social and economic empowerment.
We hope you enjoy them.
https://www.akf.org.uk/blog/project-leh ... 25c8c5fc8d
A day in the life: Sarah Dixon
Sarah Dixon, financial controller of the Aga Khan Foundation, tells Raymond Doherty about making the move to the international development sector, and why she loves being out in the field
More...
https://economia.icaew.com/features/oct ... arah-dixon
Sarah Dixon, financial controller of the Aga Khan Foundation, tells Raymond Doherty about making the move to the international development sector, and why she loves being out in the field
More...
https://economia.icaew.com/features/oct ... arah-dixon
Expo: The Artisans of al-Darb al-Ahmar – Life and Work in Historic Cairo
he latest free exhibition to be hosted in Philanthropy House is the Aga Khan Foundation’s ”The Artisans of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar – Life and Work in Historic Cairo” and is open from the 19th November 2018 to the 4th February 2019.
The exhibition looks at the neighbourhood of al-Darb al-Ahmar, said to be home to over 1000 artisanal workshops, and the crafts it produces and the people who produce them. Here the work is on full display to those walking past on the streets, where they can be seen carving, sewing, welding and hammering away to create a huge array of crafts and items, often unique to Cairo or the district itself. The work requires great skill and physical exertion and is a rarity around much of the world.
This work is being threatened however by the political instability, and shifting external perceptions of Egypt, with the number of tourists visiting the country down and the cost of raw materials up. Many of these crafts are threatened by this, and the loss of this rich cultural heritage would be significant.
The exhibition therefore seeks to highlight the unique output of the neighbourhood, inspire people to visit the ”soul of Egypt” and to bring attention to the work of both the artisans in the neighbourhood, and the various governmental and non-governmental actors seeking to support and preserve the neighbourhood of al-Darb al-Ahmar.
https://www.efc.be/event/expo-the-artis ... ric-cairo/
he latest free exhibition to be hosted in Philanthropy House is the Aga Khan Foundation’s ”The Artisans of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar – Life and Work in Historic Cairo” and is open from the 19th November 2018 to the 4th February 2019.
The exhibition looks at the neighbourhood of al-Darb al-Ahmar, said to be home to over 1000 artisanal workshops, and the crafts it produces and the people who produce them. Here the work is on full display to those walking past on the streets, where they can be seen carving, sewing, welding and hammering away to create a huge array of crafts and items, often unique to Cairo or the district itself. The work requires great skill and physical exertion and is a rarity around much of the world.
This work is being threatened however by the political instability, and shifting external perceptions of Egypt, with the number of tourists visiting the country down and the cost of raw materials up. Many of these crafts are threatened by this, and the loss of this rich cultural heritage would be significant.
The exhibition therefore seeks to highlight the unique output of the neighbourhood, inspire people to visit the ”soul of Egypt” and to bring attention to the work of both the artisans in the neighbourhood, and the various governmental and non-governmental actors seeking to support and preserve the neighbourhood of al-Darb al-Ahmar.
https://www.efc.be/event/expo-the-artis ... ric-cairo/
Our Community, Our Textbooks: Developing a Locally Relevant Primary School Curriculum
Excerpt:
Much like my elementary school’s attempt to make my education personal, my project over the next nine months with the American India Foundation seeks to incorporate culturally and socially relevant information into a local government school’s primary school curriculum. My host organization, the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, restores and preserves a variety of Sufi and Mughal tombs, vast gardens, world heritage sites and other culturally rich artifacts of Islamic heritage in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi. However, just as importantly, AKDN also seeks to uplift the livelihoods of the people who live in the areas surrounding these important heritage sites. As such, they invest in public health, women’s livelihoods, housing development and most relevant to my work: education.
More...
http://www.newsindiatimes.com/our-commu ... curriculum
Excerpt:
Much like my elementary school’s attempt to make my education personal, my project over the next nine months with the American India Foundation seeks to incorporate culturally and socially relevant information into a local government school’s primary school curriculum. My host organization, the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, restores and preserves a variety of Sufi and Mughal tombs, vast gardens, world heritage sites and other culturally rich artifacts of Islamic heritage in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi. However, just as importantly, AKDN also seeks to uplift the livelihoods of the people who live in the areas surrounding these important heritage sites. As such, they invest in public health, women’s livelihoods, housing development and most relevant to my work: education.
More...
http://www.newsindiatimes.com/our-commu ... curriculum
France and AKDN partnership
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtAdhyOKYKw
September 2018 - In 2008, the French gouvernment and the Aga Khan Development Network signed a Partnership Agreement to work together on development projects in Africa and Asia.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtAdhyOKYKw
September 2018 - In 2008, the French gouvernment and the Aga Khan Development Network signed a Partnership Agreement to work together on development projects in Africa and Asia.
https://www.reuters.com/article/ivoryco ... SL8N1YO1SZ
Financials
December 19, 2018 / 6:12 AM
Ivory Coast to add 643 MW of power to grid by 2021
2 Min Read
ABIDJAN, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast plans to add 643 megawatts (MW) of power to its network by 2021, the government said, in a bid to meet domestic demand and boost electricity exports to the surrounding region.
West Africa’s largest economy, which produces most of its 2,200 MW of power from oil and gas, aims to generate 4,000 MW by 2020.
In a statement late on Tuesday, the government said the 643 MW will be generated by expanding Azito Energie’s power station in Ivory Coast, and by increasing the capacity of Ivorian electricity producer CIPREL.
A 253 MW expansion of the Azito Energie plant worth 225.8 billion CFA francs ($392.9 million) is due to begin over the first quarter of 2019, it said.
The project will include a 179 MW gas turbine, expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2020, and a 74 MW steam turbine due to begin operating the following year.
Azito Energie is owned by Guernsey-registered emerging markets power company Globeleq and IPS (West Africa), which is majority held by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
CIPREL, a subsidiary of Eranove, will see its capacity increase by 390 MW by the third quarter of 2021 - a 247.9 billion CFA franc project that will include a 260 MW gas turbine and a 130 MW steam turbine 60 km (37 miles) from the commercial capital Abidjan.
Ivory Coast’s power exports to neighbouring countries fell by 26 percent last year to 1,225 gigawatt hours (GWh) due to a decline in demand and capacity constraints. ($1 = 574.7000 CFA francs) (Reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly Editing by Sofia Christensen/David Evans)
Financials
December 19, 2018 / 6:12 AM
Ivory Coast to add 643 MW of power to grid by 2021
2 Min Read
ABIDJAN, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast plans to add 643 megawatts (MW) of power to its network by 2021, the government said, in a bid to meet domestic demand and boost electricity exports to the surrounding region.
West Africa’s largest economy, which produces most of its 2,200 MW of power from oil and gas, aims to generate 4,000 MW by 2020.
In a statement late on Tuesday, the government said the 643 MW will be generated by expanding Azito Energie’s power station in Ivory Coast, and by increasing the capacity of Ivorian electricity producer CIPREL.
A 253 MW expansion of the Azito Energie plant worth 225.8 billion CFA francs ($392.9 million) is due to begin over the first quarter of 2019, it said.
The project will include a 179 MW gas turbine, expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2020, and a 74 MW steam turbine due to begin operating the following year.
Azito Energie is owned by Guernsey-registered emerging markets power company Globeleq and IPS (West Africa), which is majority held by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
CIPREL, a subsidiary of Eranove, will see its capacity increase by 390 MW by the third quarter of 2021 - a 247.9 billion CFA franc project that will include a 260 MW gas turbine and a 130 MW steam turbine 60 km (37 miles) from the commercial capital Abidjan.
Ivory Coast’s power exports to neighbouring countries fell by 26 percent last year to 1,225 gigawatt hours (GWh) due to a decline in demand and capacity constraints. ($1 = 574.7000 CFA francs) (Reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly Editing by Sofia Christensen/David Evans)
https://wolfstreet.com/2018/12/23/globa ... -airlines/
The Global Battle over Subsidies for Money-Losing Airlines
by MC01 • Dec 23, 2018 •
The US and EU slug it out with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
By MC01, a frequent commenter, for WOLF STREET:
In March 2014, EU Transport Commissioner sought a mandate from EU members to open talks with unspecified “Persian Gulf States” over “unfair airline subsidies,” following a formal joint request by the Dutch, French, and German governments. This wasn’t granted until December 2015, when the Transport Commissioner was given a new mandate to “negotiate” with extra-EU governments “suspected” of having airline subsidies in place. And that was about it. Since then no meaningful process has been announced.
In 2015, the three main US airlines, American, Delta and United, presented to the US Senate an investigative report they had commissioned regarding subsidies three Gulf carriers had received from their respective governments: Emirates (United Arab Emirates, or UAE), Etihad (UAE), and Qatar Airways (Qatar). The three airlines and the two governments were held to be in violation of air transport agreements the US government had signed with Qatar in 2001 and with the UAE in 2002. In Article 12, it explicitly targets “prices that are artificially low due to direct or indirect government subsidy or support.”
These agreements have no built-in penalty for violations, but they do authorize one party to demand documentation from the other in case of suspected violations.
While Qatar and the UAE are widely suspected of having released only a small part of documents dealing with airline subsidies, what the Obama Administration eventually obtained, despite a brazen charm and advertisement offensive by Emirates in the US press, was highly illuminating.
For example: The Government of Dubai, part of the UAE and hence a signatory to the 2002 agreement, admitted paying $7.8 billion for the construction of the exclusive Emirates terminal at the Dubai Airport; and the wholly state-owned Investment Corporation of Dubai paid for Emirates’ fuel hedging contracts for years, thus allowing Emirates to shift the savings to their own books and show large profits.
Etihad engaged in what can only be called highly creative accounting up to 2015, including selling its own cargo division to itself in 2014 to show a profit. Given the sums involved and the Etihad corporate structure, the Abu Dhabi government, which, as part of the UAE is signatory of the 2002 air transport agreement, must have been in the know about these accounting methods: Etihad’s board of directors is chaired by Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who also is the director of the state-owned Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the half-brother of the Emir of Abu Dhabi and UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Once this creative accounting was put under control, Etihad started to book enormous losses: $1.8 billion in 2016 and $1.5 billion in 2017. How these large losses are dealt with remains an open question.
This led to long negotiations between the US government on one side and Qatar and the UAE on the other, which resulted in yet another agreement being signed earlier this year, apparently satisfying all parts involved.
Despite the headlines, tensions had merely been simmering under the surface, and the row exploded again in December 2018 when 11 US Senators reopened the issue of subsidies to Gulf airlines. And this time Italy is the unlikely battleground.
In October 2017, Qatar Airways bought a 49% stake in Italian-based carrier Meridiana. This is the maximum stake any extra-EU investor can hold in an EU-based airline, a measure introduced after Etihad and Qatar Airways aggressively acquired stakes in various European air transport companies in the aftermath of the 2009 financial crisis.
Intriguingly, the remaining 51% of Meridiana is owned by companies that are part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), ultimately controlled by the worldwide leader of the Nizari Ismailites, Aga Khan IV.
In February 2018, Meridiana was renamed Air Italy and given a completely revamped livery. It announced grandiose expansion plans, which were so different from the old pattern of Meridiana activity they immediately attracted widespread attention inside and outside the air transport industry.
This expansion has so far been generously bankrolled by Qatar Airways, which has not merely provided financial support but has also:
Transferred a number of their Airbus A330 to the fledging air company to start long haul flights right away.
Wet-leased (explanation) a number of their own brand new Boeing 737 MAX to Air Italy at very favorable conditions, with more to come.
Seconded many of their flight and cabin crews to help operate the new aircraft.
Planned to transfer to Air Italy a number of the 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that Qatar Airways has on order.
This is not the first time Italian airlines have attracted the attention of Gulf carriers: In 2015 Etihad bought a 49% share in perpetually troubled flag carrier Alitalia, which effectively saved the company from bankruptcy. Just two years later, however, the agreement was terminated as Alitalia slipped into bankruptcy protection anyway and effectively became a ward of the state.
While Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are coming under renewed scrutiny in the US, so far they have dodged similar treatment in the EU, but things may be changing.
The Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM have constituted an interest group called, “Europeans for Fair Competition,” whose aim is to put pressure on EU authorities to launch a serious investigation into the practices used by the three Gulf airlines to fuel their aggressive expansion plans.
The situation in the EU may be more complicated than in the US, however. The Strasbourg-based European Parliament has little of the power of the US Senate, and Emirates has already made its displeasure known by opting for Boeing aircraft over Airbus in the much anticipated 2017 widebody maxiorder. The issue of how Gulf carriers exert political pressure on foreign governments by shifting aircraft orders around is well known but very little discussed in public.
On top of this, European airlines have so far shown little in the way of the unity of intent displayed by their US rivals. This may be due to the general cutthroat nature of the European air transport market; and due to IAG — the holding group for British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and other companies – which has Qatar Airways among its main shareholders.
Recently Air Italy has started to use the newly arrived Boeing 737 MAX to aggressively expand on internal EU routes (example), which have so far been the preserve of European low cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet, and at a time when US private equity firm Indigo Partners (no relationship with Indian low cost carrier IndiGo) is renewing its commitment to the European market by putting out feelers to add ailing Icelandic carrier WOW Air to their investment portfolio.
This means that the highly favorable environment these three Gulf carriers have enjoyed in Europe so far may be starting to sour. The court-appointed liquidators of Air Berlin, the German low-cost carrier which collapsed so spectacularly in summer 2017, are seeking between €500 million and €2 billion in damages from Etihad, citing a letter of intent dated April 2017 which promised financial support “for 18 months.” Regardless of the outcome, this will be a nasty and expensive legal battle for both sides, a far cry from the warm welcome Qatar Airways CEO got from the EU Parliament back in May.
With interest rates ticking up and wary investors finally questioning the sanity of taking huge financial risks for very little reward, the air transport industry in Europe is bound for a major and prolonged correction. A necessary part of this correction will be addressing the issue of state aid, both inside and outside the EU, and hopefully come up with the same set of rules for everyone, not the usual “let’s make up the rules as we go” environment we have been forced to endure so far. By MC01, a frequent commenter, for WOLF STREET
Huge aircraft orders, booming traffic, dozens of upstarts with easy mega-funding, fierce competition, already a big collapse, and allegations of shady business.
The Global Battle over Subsidies for Money-Losing Airlines
by MC01 • Dec 23, 2018 •
The US and EU slug it out with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
By MC01, a frequent commenter, for WOLF STREET:
In March 2014, EU Transport Commissioner sought a mandate from EU members to open talks with unspecified “Persian Gulf States” over “unfair airline subsidies,” following a formal joint request by the Dutch, French, and German governments. This wasn’t granted until December 2015, when the Transport Commissioner was given a new mandate to “negotiate” with extra-EU governments “suspected” of having airline subsidies in place. And that was about it. Since then no meaningful process has been announced.
In 2015, the three main US airlines, American, Delta and United, presented to the US Senate an investigative report they had commissioned regarding subsidies three Gulf carriers had received from their respective governments: Emirates (United Arab Emirates, or UAE), Etihad (UAE), and Qatar Airways (Qatar). The three airlines and the two governments were held to be in violation of air transport agreements the US government had signed with Qatar in 2001 and with the UAE in 2002. In Article 12, it explicitly targets “prices that are artificially low due to direct or indirect government subsidy or support.”
These agreements have no built-in penalty for violations, but they do authorize one party to demand documentation from the other in case of suspected violations.
While Qatar and the UAE are widely suspected of having released only a small part of documents dealing with airline subsidies, what the Obama Administration eventually obtained, despite a brazen charm and advertisement offensive by Emirates in the US press, was highly illuminating.
For example: The Government of Dubai, part of the UAE and hence a signatory to the 2002 agreement, admitted paying $7.8 billion for the construction of the exclusive Emirates terminal at the Dubai Airport; and the wholly state-owned Investment Corporation of Dubai paid for Emirates’ fuel hedging contracts for years, thus allowing Emirates to shift the savings to their own books and show large profits.
Etihad engaged in what can only be called highly creative accounting up to 2015, including selling its own cargo division to itself in 2014 to show a profit. Given the sums involved and the Etihad corporate structure, the Abu Dhabi government, which, as part of the UAE is signatory of the 2002 air transport agreement, must have been in the know about these accounting methods: Etihad’s board of directors is chaired by Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who also is the director of the state-owned Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the half-brother of the Emir of Abu Dhabi and UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Once this creative accounting was put under control, Etihad started to book enormous losses: $1.8 billion in 2016 and $1.5 billion in 2017. How these large losses are dealt with remains an open question.
This led to long negotiations between the US government on one side and Qatar and the UAE on the other, which resulted in yet another agreement being signed earlier this year, apparently satisfying all parts involved.
Despite the headlines, tensions had merely been simmering under the surface, and the row exploded again in December 2018 when 11 US Senators reopened the issue of subsidies to Gulf airlines. And this time Italy is the unlikely battleground.
In October 2017, Qatar Airways bought a 49% stake in Italian-based carrier Meridiana. This is the maximum stake any extra-EU investor can hold in an EU-based airline, a measure introduced after Etihad and Qatar Airways aggressively acquired stakes in various European air transport companies in the aftermath of the 2009 financial crisis.
Intriguingly, the remaining 51% of Meridiana is owned by companies that are part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), ultimately controlled by the worldwide leader of the Nizari Ismailites, Aga Khan IV.
In February 2018, Meridiana was renamed Air Italy and given a completely revamped livery. It announced grandiose expansion plans, which were so different from the old pattern of Meridiana activity they immediately attracted widespread attention inside and outside the air transport industry.
This expansion has so far been generously bankrolled by Qatar Airways, which has not merely provided financial support but has also:
Transferred a number of their Airbus A330 to the fledging air company to start long haul flights right away.
Wet-leased (explanation) a number of their own brand new Boeing 737 MAX to Air Italy at very favorable conditions, with more to come.
Seconded many of their flight and cabin crews to help operate the new aircraft.
Planned to transfer to Air Italy a number of the 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that Qatar Airways has on order.
This is not the first time Italian airlines have attracted the attention of Gulf carriers: In 2015 Etihad bought a 49% share in perpetually troubled flag carrier Alitalia, which effectively saved the company from bankruptcy. Just two years later, however, the agreement was terminated as Alitalia slipped into bankruptcy protection anyway and effectively became a ward of the state.
While Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are coming under renewed scrutiny in the US, so far they have dodged similar treatment in the EU, but things may be changing.
The Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM have constituted an interest group called, “Europeans for Fair Competition,” whose aim is to put pressure on EU authorities to launch a serious investigation into the practices used by the three Gulf airlines to fuel their aggressive expansion plans.
The situation in the EU may be more complicated than in the US, however. The Strasbourg-based European Parliament has little of the power of the US Senate, and Emirates has already made its displeasure known by opting for Boeing aircraft over Airbus in the much anticipated 2017 widebody maxiorder. The issue of how Gulf carriers exert political pressure on foreign governments by shifting aircraft orders around is well known but very little discussed in public.
On top of this, European airlines have so far shown little in the way of the unity of intent displayed by their US rivals. This may be due to the general cutthroat nature of the European air transport market; and due to IAG — the holding group for British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and other companies – which has Qatar Airways among its main shareholders.
Recently Air Italy has started to use the newly arrived Boeing 737 MAX to aggressively expand on internal EU routes (example), which have so far been the preserve of European low cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet, and at a time when US private equity firm Indigo Partners (no relationship with Indian low cost carrier IndiGo) is renewing its commitment to the European market by putting out feelers to add ailing Icelandic carrier WOW Air to their investment portfolio.
This means that the highly favorable environment these three Gulf carriers have enjoyed in Europe so far may be starting to sour. The court-appointed liquidators of Air Berlin, the German low-cost carrier which collapsed so spectacularly in summer 2017, are seeking between €500 million and €2 billion in damages from Etihad, citing a letter of intent dated April 2017 which promised financial support “for 18 months.” Regardless of the outcome, this will be a nasty and expensive legal battle for both sides, a far cry from the warm welcome Qatar Airways CEO got from the EU Parliament back in May.
With interest rates ticking up and wary investors finally questioning the sanity of taking huge financial risks for very little reward, the air transport industry in Europe is bound for a major and prolonged correction. A necessary part of this correction will be addressing the issue of state aid, both inside and outside the EU, and hopefully come up with the same set of rules for everyone, not the usual “let’s make up the rules as we go” environment we have been forced to endure so far. By MC01, a frequent commenter, for WOLF STREET
Huge aircraft orders, booming traffic, dozens of upstarts with easy mega-funding, fierce competition, already a big collapse, and allegations of shady business.