76th Birthday of His Highness Aga Khan IV
Statement by Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for
Vancouver Quadra and Liberal Critic for Small Business and Tourism
It is with great pleasure that I extend my best wishes to His Highness Shah Karim al-Hussayni, the fourth Aga Khan and 49th Imam of Ismaili Islam, on the occasion of his 76th birthday.
Since becoming the Aga Khan in 1957, Prince Karim has been an inspiration to Ismaili Muslims and others around the world. He has worked tirelessly to promote both religious and racial tolerance. His strong belief in education has inspired young Ismaili people around the world to achieve post-secondary educational success.
In 1967, His Highness the Aga Khan founded the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) as a private, not-for-profit international development agency. The Aga Khan Foundation seeks to provide long-term solutions to problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill health in the poorest parts of South and Central Asia; Eastern and Western Africa; and, the Middle East. The Aga Khan Foundation works in close conjunction with The Aga Khan Development Network, a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment; health; education; architecture; culture; microfinance; rural development; disaster reduction; the promotion of private-sector enterprise; and, the revitalization of historic cities. The Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Development Network agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender.
In Canada, His Highness has inspired Ismailis to work with the broader community in raising significant funds for worthwhile causes, helping many Canadians. On June 6, 2005, His Highness was recognized as an Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
Congratulations to all my friends in the Ismaili Community – it is a pleasure to wish His Highness the best of success and many happy returns.
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