The Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Museum is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Founded and chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan, AKDN is a private, international, non-denominational development organization that works to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in the developing world.
His Highness the Aga Khan
His Highness the Aga Khan
His Highness the Aga Khan, the Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Since 1957, as part of his mandate to guide the Ismaili community, he has been deeply engaged in issues relating to the quality of life and well-being of Ismailis and the countries and regions in which they reside. Read His Highness the Aga Khan’s full biography here.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
With nine development agencies working in concert, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) uses a multifaceted approach to improve the quality of life for the most marginalized communities in selected regions of the world, including South and Central Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. It implements sustainable, long-term programmes to address the many factors contributing to poverty.
In partnership with governments, businesses and civil society organisations, the Network embeds physical and social infrastructure, health and education services, business and finance facilities, habitat and environmental planning, and cultural preservation and revitalisation within the communities it serves. Over time, people develop their own resources and capacities and, ultimately, self-reliance, notably through the creation of a vibrant and competent civil society – the cornerstone of any healthy and prosperous nation.
Pluralism – the embrace of difference – is central to AKDN’s work. Guided by the belief that in an ever-shrinking, ever more diverse world, a genuine sense of pluralism is the indispensable foundation for human peace and progress, the Network aims to improve living conditions and opportunities for people regardless of their faith, race, ethnicity, or gender.
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
The Aga Khan Museum is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Founded and chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan, AKDN is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) – the cultural agency of AKDN – has overseen the Museum’s evolution from concept to reality. The Trust focuses on the physical, social, cultural and economic revitalization of Muslim societies. Through programmes on architecture, music, the arts and urban regeneration, the Trust aims to improve lives and instil a sense of pride and identity in marginalized communities.