Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGULPRgx_Jg
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan on the opening of Alltex EPZ Limited at Athi River, Kenya, 19 December 2003.
AKDN / AKF INITIATIVES WORLDWIDE
Video Quote: AKDN Involvement in Social and Cultural Activities
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWK271Pgw1o
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Nouvel Economiste Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWK271Pgw1o
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Nouvel Economiste Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award.
Youth Empowerment Project, Kenya 2017-2019
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipq1R8vxfDs
A look back on the successes our 3 year EC-funded programme that aims to connect youth to job opportunities in Northern Kenya.
This programme ran between 2016 and 2019 in Northern Kenya in the counties of Lamu, Garissa and Mandera. The programme was designed in response to the burgeoning youth unemployment problem that was impacting the quality of life of the younger generation. AKF worked with local governments and CSOs to build the capacity of local institutions making them more equipped to address and respond to the needs of the marginalised. Through YEP, over 5,000 youth were equipped with the skills and tools to access jobs, finance and civic opportunities.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipq1R8vxfDs
A look back on the successes our 3 year EC-funded programme that aims to connect youth to job opportunities in Northern Kenya.
This programme ran between 2016 and 2019 in Northern Kenya in the counties of Lamu, Garissa and Mandera. The programme was designed in response to the burgeoning youth unemployment problem that was impacting the quality of life of the younger generation. AKF worked with local governments and CSOs to build the capacity of local institutions making them more equipped to address and respond to the needs of the marginalised. Through YEP, over 5,000 youth were equipped with the skills and tools to access jobs, finance and civic opportunities.
Amade Ussene: These keys unlock five things we take for granted
These are the keys to a lock box where 12 members of a savings group in Mozambique are investing their earnings. With the return on their investments, they have been able to make basic improvements to their homes, like a freezer, an oven, a table and chairs, bowls and plates, and a roof that does not leak.
Here is how it works:
There are no banks on the isolated island of Ibo, Mozambique. Without basic banking services like savings accounts and loans, it is hard to invest in the future. So, with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation, members of this community have connected through a savings group.
Once a week, they meet to save their earnings in a lockbox. The box is locked with three locks, and the keys are held by three members.
Each member saves about 200 Meticals (about five dollars) per week. Their individual savings are tracked with stamps in a deposit book.
Members have the option to borrow from the accumulated savings, which they pay back with 10% interest.
Once a year, the group does a “cash out” – every member withdraws their savings, plus interest earned.
With their savings and added interest, they are able to make significant purchases to improve their lives. And then the savings cycle begins again.
Amade was able to fix the roof on the home he shares with this mother.
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/amade- ... ke-granted
******
Video:Amade Ussene: These keys unlock five things we take for granted
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3lr5BPFg7w
There are no banks on the isolated island of Ibo, Mozambique. Without basic banking services like savings accounts and loans, it is hard to invest in the future. So, with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation, members of this community have connected through a savings group.
Learn more:
These are the keys to a lock box where 12 members of a savings group in Mozambique are investing their earnings. With the return on their investments, they have been able to make basic improvements to their homes, like a freezer, an oven, a table and chairs, bowls and plates, and a roof that does not leak.
Here is how it works:
There are no banks on the isolated island of Ibo, Mozambique. Without basic banking services like savings accounts and loans, it is hard to invest in the future. So, with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation, members of this community have connected through a savings group.
Once a week, they meet to save their earnings in a lockbox. The box is locked with three locks, and the keys are held by three members.
Each member saves about 200 Meticals (about five dollars) per week. Their individual savings are tracked with stamps in a deposit book.
Members have the option to borrow from the accumulated savings, which they pay back with 10% interest.
Once a year, the group does a “cash out” – every member withdraws their savings, plus interest earned.
With their savings and added interest, they are able to make significant purchases to improve their lives. And then the savings cycle begins again.
Amade was able to fix the roof on the home he shares with this mother.
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/amade- ... ke-granted
******
Video:Amade Ussene: These keys unlock five things we take for granted
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3lr5BPFg7w
There are no banks on the isolated island of Ibo, Mozambique. Without basic banking services like savings accounts and loans, it is hard to invest in the future. So, with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation, members of this community have connected through a savings group.
Learn more:
Economic development that helps people and societies fulfil their potential
The AKDN undertakes a broad spectrum of activities to stimulate economic growth and development in the countries where it works. Whether it is supporting community-based savings groups or accelerating the growth of small enterprises, or engaging in small- and large-scale infrastructure projects or promoting tourism and tourism-based employment, or restoring historic world monuments and other cultural assets that spark local economies, or investing in national media to provide independent voices for civil society, the underlying principle is the same: To create opportunities for economic growth while developing local human resources over time and contributing to the overall improved quality of life.
GALLERY at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/economic-d ... -potential
The AKDN undertakes a broad spectrum of activities to stimulate economic growth and development in the countries where it works. Whether it is supporting community-based savings groups or accelerating the growth of small enterprises, or engaging in small- and large-scale infrastructure projects or promoting tourism and tourism-based employment, or restoring historic world monuments and other cultural assets that spark local economies, or investing in national media to provide independent voices for civil society, the underlying principle is the same: To create opportunities for economic growth while developing local human resources over time and contributing to the overall improved quality of life.
GALLERY at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/economic-d ... -potential
Google translation of the article in Portuguese:
https://the.ismaili/portugal/schools-20 ... %A1-online
Schools 2030: Website now online
"Schools 2030" is a new global program from the Aga Khan Foundation, which will constitute a longitudinal study, based on an action-research logic, and which will be developed in 100 learning contexts in 10 countries, in the next 10 years, seeking to identify and supporting "what works" to implement holistic learning for all.
The new website of the project is already online, for now, only in English, but with content in the languages ​​of the participating countries expected soon: https://www.schools2030.org/
https://the.ismaili/portugal/schools-20 ... %A1-online
Schools 2030: Website now online
"Schools 2030" is a new global program from the Aga Khan Foundation, which will constitute a longitudinal study, based on an action-research logic, and which will be developed in 100 learning contexts in 10 countries, in the next 10 years, seeking to identify and supporting "what works" to implement holistic learning for all.
The new website of the project is already online, for now, only in English, but with content in the languages ​​of the participating countries expected soon: https://www.schools2030.org/
AKDN Portugal partners with Oeiras City Council to support Lusophone Africa in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
The Aga Khan Development Network today partnered with the Oeiras Municipal Council to provide medical and individual protection equipment to Guinea-Bissau, in support to the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The contribution is the first of a series of five in-kind contributions to Lusophone Africa.
In a joint initiative envisaging cooperation with African Portuguese-speaking Countries (PALOP), the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Oeiras Municipal Council, contributed 2 ventilators, 50,000 surgical masks, 50,000 pairs of gloves, 2,000 reusable masks and 12 infrared thermometers to Guinea-Bissau.
The material will be delivered to the Guinean health authorities in an effort to support the Guinean National Health Institute and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in their response towards the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
The contribution was made to the Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau in Lisbon. Mr. Hélder Vaz, by the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, Nazim Ahmad, and the Vice-President of the Oeiras Municipal Council, Mr. Francisco Rocha Gonçalves, at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat.
This is the first of a series of in-kind contributions that will be made to several Lusophone countries in Africa, namely Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde and Sao Tomé and Principe, for which AKDN has been joining efforts with other Portuguese stakeholders, including the national and local government, the Portuguese Cooperation Agency and other civil society organisations.
This initiative responds to the health crisis caused by COVID-19, by addressing concerns about the access to medical treatment and Personal Protection Equipment, which are scarce in these developing countries.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/akdn ... e-covid-19
The Aga Khan Development Network today partnered with the Oeiras Municipal Council to provide medical and individual protection equipment to Guinea-Bissau, in support to the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The contribution is the first of a series of five in-kind contributions to Lusophone Africa.
In a joint initiative envisaging cooperation with African Portuguese-speaking Countries (PALOP), the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Oeiras Municipal Council, contributed 2 ventilators, 50,000 surgical masks, 50,000 pairs of gloves, 2,000 reusable masks and 12 infrared thermometers to Guinea-Bissau.
The material will be delivered to the Guinean health authorities in an effort to support the Guinean National Health Institute and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in their response towards the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
The contribution was made to the Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau in Lisbon. Mr. Hélder Vaz, by the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, Nazim Ahmad, and the Vice-President of the Oeiras Municipal Council, Mr. Francisco Rocha Gonçalves, at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat.
This is the first of a series of in-kind contributions that will be made to several Lusophone countries in Africa, namely Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde and Sao Tomé and Principe, for which AKDN has been joining efforts with other Portuguese stakeholders, including the national and local government, the Portuguese Cooperation Agency and other civil society organisations.
This initiative responds to the health crisis caused by COVID-19, by addressing concerns about the access to medical treatment and Personal Protection Equipment, which are scarce in these developing countries.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/akdn ... e-covid-19
https://www.nation.co.ke/counties/kisii ... index.html
Aga Khan Foundation hands over water projects in Kisii
Wednesday May 27 2020
In Summary
Kisii County Health Executive Sarah Omache thanked the Aga Khan family for the multimillion-shilling projects, saying they had helped improve the health of the residents.
"We are indebted to our great partners. We have partnered in this health journey since the advent of devolution,” said Ms Omache.
------------------
By RUTH MBULA
The Aga Khan Development Network, through the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Health Services, this week handed over a Sh3.8 billion water project at Kenyenya Hospital to the Kisii County government. It comprises a borehole and a water purifier.
“This will provide quality water for the hospital. We realise that, although this region receives a lot of rain, accessing clean water is a big challenge,” said Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu Chief Executive Officer Jane Wanyama.
She said the project was implemented by Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu and would go a long way in helping the neighbouring community .
“As we come to the end of our projects here, we leave head high. This is because we have made tangible change in the rural community of Bomachoge Borabu Constituency,” she said.
Kisii County Health Executive Sarah Omache thanked the Aga Khan family for the multimillion-shilling projects, saying they had helped improve the health of the residents.
"We are indebted to our great partners. We have partnered in this health journey since the advent of devolution,” said Ms Omache as she encouraged them to widen their services in the county.
Aga Khan Foundation hands over water projects in Kisii
Wednesday May 27 2020
In Summary
Kisii County Health Executive Sarah Omache thanked the Aga Khan family for the multimillion-shilling projects, saying they had helped improve the health of the residents.
"We are indebted to our great partners. We have partnered in this health journey since the advent of devolution,” said Ms Omache.
------------------
By RUTH MBULA
The Aga Khan Development Network, through the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Health Services, this week handed over a Sh3.8 billion water project at Kenyenya Hospital to the Kisii County government. It comprises a borehole and a water purifier.
“This will provide quality water for the hospital. We realise that, although this region receives a lot of rain, accessing clean water is a big challenge,” said Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu Chief Executive Officer Jane Wanyama.
She said the project was implemented by Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu and would go a long way in helping the neighbouring community .
“As we come to the end of our projects here, we leave head high. This is because we have made tangible change in the rural community of Bomachoge Borabu Constituency,” she said.
Kisii County Health Executive Sarah Omache thanked the Aga Khan family for the multimillion-shilling projects, saying they had helped improve the health of the residents.
"We are indebted to our great partners. We have partnered in this health journey since the advent of devolution,” said Ms Omache as she encouraged them to widen their services in the county.
Translating coronavirus information for migrant communities in Lisbon
Because many migrants in Lisbon do not speak Portuguese, they cannot gain access to key COVID-19 health messages. The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in Portugal has been working with the government and volunteer translators to ensure that they do. AKF’s Sandra Almeida discusses the work being done by AKF and volunteers.
Briefly, what is the current situation in Lisbon as it relates to COVID-19? Who benefits from this work? Are they vulnerable? How?
Portugal has not been as badly hit by COVID-19 as its neighbour Spain but it is vulnerable. It has more citizens aged over 80 than anywhere in the EU except Italy and Greece, and a health service that is poorly equipped and underfunded. It also has the lowest number of critical care beds per 100,000 people in the EU.
Lisbon is home to a large number of migrant Asian communities from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and other countries, who often live in cramped conditions in the multicultural centre of the city. It is not unusual for eight people to share a room in an apartment with only one bathroom. As such, these groups are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19, and this vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that there are very few COVID-19 related health messages in languages other than Portuguese.
Tell us about this project: Who is involved and what are they doing? What is AKF’s role?
To support these vulnerable migrant communities, many of whom cannot read Portuguese, the Lisbon Central Cluster of Health Centres (ACES Lisboa Central) requested AKF Portugal to help translate the official “evaluation checklist of habitability and feasibility criteria for home isolation” in order to assess the need for quarantine internment.
AKF in Portugal does not have a health portfolio but works in collaboration with the public health system and migrant communities to ensure that migrants can contribute to, participate in, and benefit from the healthcare system.
We immediately started by translating these documents into English and, after having them validated by health professionals, engaged our network of migrant representatives to translate them into other languages. Soon we had several volunteers to support this endeavour, and literally overnight, the leaflet was translated into Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and Urdu. It was amazing to see this response. The following day these resources started to circulate among health centres and are now being used by health professionals.
Next AKF Portugal were requested by ACES Lisboa Central to translate three additional documents: “10 tips to follow for isolation at home”, “Isolation measures recommended for people sharing the same household with a suspected or infected Covid-19 person”, and “Procedures to avoid spreading the virus”.
English versions were produced by AKF. The Bengali, Nepali and Hindi versions soon followed, after being translated by AKF’s volunteer network. Audio files of the “10 tips to follow” were then produced by the volunteers with support from AKF and uploaded to YouTube to make sure the information could reach as many people as possible.
What does the project seek to achieve?
Overall, this project aims to identify the gaps in messages on COVID-19 and then to work with public health services and migrant communities to adapt materials to address those gaps. Disseminating key messages to and with vulnerable communities is one part of AKF’s response to slow and stop transmission of COVID-19 and minimise its impact on communities in Portugal.
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/transl ... ies-lisbon
Because many migrants in Lisbon do not speak Portuguese, they cannot gain access to key COVID-19 health messages. The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in Portugal has been working with the government and volunteer translators to ensure that they do. AKF’s Sandra Almeida discusses the work being done by AKF and volunteers.
Briefly, what is the current situation in Lisbon as it relates to COVID-19? Who benefits from this work? Are they vulnerable? How?
Portugal has not been as badly hit by COVID-19 as its neighbour Spain but it is vulnerable. It has more citizens aged over 80 than anywhere in the EU except Italy and Greece, and a health service that is poorly equipped and underfunded. It also has the lowest number of critical care beds per 100,000 people in the EU.
Lisbon is home to a large number of migrant Asian communities from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and other countries, who often live in cramped conditions in the multicultural centre of the city. It is not unusual for eight people to share a room in an apartment with only one bathroom. As such, these groups are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19, and this vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that there are very few COVID-19 related health messages in languages other than Portuguese.
Tell us about this project: Who is involved and what are they doing? What is AKF’s role?
To support these vulnerable migrant communities, many of whom cannot read Portuguese, the Lisbon Central Cluster of Health Centres (ACES Lisboa Central) requested AKF Portugal to help translate the official “evaluation checklist of habitability and feasibility criteria for home isolation” in order to assess the need for quarantine internment.
AKF in Portugal does not have a health portfolio but works in collaboration with the public health system and migrant communities to ensure that migrants can contribute to, participate in, and benefit from the healthcare system.
We immediately started by translating these documents into English and, after having them validated by health professionals, engaged our network of migrant representatives to translate them into other languages. Soon we had several volunteers to support this endeavour, and literally overnight, the leaflet was translated into Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and Urdu. It was amazing to see this response. The following day these resources started to circulate among health centres and are now being used by health professionals.
Next AKF Portugal were requested by ACES Lisboa Central to translate three additional documents: “10 tips to follow for isolation at home”, “Isolation measures recommended for people sharing the same household with a suspected or infected Covid-19 person”, and “Procedures to avoid spreading the virus”.
English versions were produced by AKF. The Bengali, Nepali and Hindi versions soon followed, after being translated by AKF’s volunteer network. Audio files of the “10 tips to follow” were then produced by the volunteers with support from AKF and uploaded to YouTube to make sure the information could reach as many people as possible.
What does the project seek to achieve?
Overall, this project aims to identify the gaps in messages on COVID-19 and then to work with public health services and migrant communities to adapt materials to address those gaps. Disseminating key messages to and with vulnerable communities is one part of AKF’s response to slow and stop transmission of COVID-19 and minimise its impact on communities in Portugal.
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/transl ... ies-lisbon
The West Nile Rural Electrification Company in Uganda: Generating hope for a brighter future
In north western Uganda, the AKDN has invested in off-grid energy so that this remote border region can benefit from affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.
Over the last 10 years, the West Nile region in Uganda has been dramatically transformed. There are clear signs of socio-economic change, as well as improvements in security and regional stability. Its largest town, Arua, has thriving industries, better social services and a cleaner environment.
This transformation is testament to the role that access to reliable and affordable electricity plays in improving the quality of life in Arua district. The West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo), a project company of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, invested in a hydropower station that now provides electricity 24 hours a day.
Prior to the presence of WENRECo, there were only four primary schools, six secondary schools and four technical institutes receiving electricity in Arua municipality. Today, 18 primary schools, 16 secondary schools and 16 technical institutes are connected to the grid. Additionally, six new universities have been built.
Also, prior to the presence of WENRECo, the service industry – including restaurants and hospitality services – was rather stagnant, largely due to the absence of reliable and affordable electricity; and services, where available, were expensive. Since the commissioning of the hydropower project, there have been noticeable improvements in the service sector in Arua, including the opening of Internet cafés, car repair shops and hair salons. These businesses save significantly on costs now that they run on hydropower, as opposed to diesel power. The savings, in turn, are passed on to the customers, making products and services more affordable.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/west-nile- ... ter-future
In north western Uganda, the AKDN has invested in off-grid energy so that this remote border region can benefit from affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.
Over the last 10 years, the West Nile region in Uganda has been dramatically transformed. There are clear signs of socio-economic change, as well as improvements in security and regional stability. Its largest town, Arua, has thriving industries, better social services and a cleaner environment.
This transformation is testament to the role that access to reliable and affordable electricity plays in improving the quality of life in Arua district. The West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo), a project company of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, invested in a hydropower station that now provides electricity 24 hours a day.
Prior to the presence of WENRECo, there were only four primary schools, six secondary schools and four technical institutes receiving electricity in Arua municipality. Today, 18 primary schools, 16 secondary schools and 16 technical institutes are connected to the grid. Additionally, six new universities have been built.
Also, prior to the presence of WENRECo, the service industry – including restaurants and hospitality services – was rather stagnant, largely due to the absence of reliable and affordable electricity; and services, where available, were expensive. Since the commissioning of the hydropower project, there have been noticeable improvements in the service sector in Arua, including the opening of Internet cafés, car repair shops and hair salons. These businesses save significantly on costs now that they run on hydropower, as opposed to diesel power. The savings, in turn, are passed on to the customers, making products and services more affordable.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/west-nile- ... ter-future
Our Educational Response to Uncertainty
How AKF is supporting the continuity of quality learning for all during COVID-19
The Aga Khan Foundation is at the forefront of responding to the educational crisis brought on by COVID-19 through co-designing new solutions and adapting its current education programming with local communities, educators, families and learners worldwide.
Due to COVID-19, many of the world’s children have been out of school and in some developing countries for more than six months. In response, educators and families throughout the world have stepped up to the challenge with an unwavering level of commitment to ensure children continue to learn and grow, often without access to technology.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)’s educational response work forms part of the Aga Khan Development Network’s three-pronged global COVID-19 response framework that has been developed to ensure the network can leverage its variety of agencies and partnerships to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in a coordinated way. In education, AKF has partnered with local and global stakeholders to generate new – and adapt existing – resources and support materials around three key areas:
- Supporting families to help children learn while at home
- Supporting educators to adapt to new COVID-19 compliant teaching and learning methodologies
- Supporting schools to prepare to reopen and build back better to address key learning gaps and promote safe and healthy learning environments.
More and photos at:
https://www.akf.org.uk/our-educational- ... 25c8c5fc8d
How AKF is supporting the continuity of quality learning for all during COVID-19
The Aga Khan Foundation is at the forefront of responding to the educational crisis brought on by COVID-19 through co-designing new solutions and adapting its current education programming with local communities, educators, families and learners worldwide.
Due to COVID-19, many of the world’s children have been out of school and in some developing countries for more than six months. In response, educators and families throughout the world have stepped up to the challenge with an unwavering level of commitment to ensure children continue to learn and grow, often without access to technology.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)’s educational response work forms part of the Aga Khan Development Network’s three-pronged global COVID-19 response framework that has been developed to ensure the network can leverage its variety of agencies and partnerships to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in a coordinated way. In education, AKF has partnered with local and global stakeholders to generate new – and adapt existing – resources and support materials around three key areas:
- Supporting families to help children learn while at home
- Supporting educators to adapt to new COVID-19 compliant teaching and learning methodologies
- Supporting schools to prepare to reopen and build back better to address key learning gaps and promote safe and healthy learning environments.
More and photos at:
https://www.akf.org.uk/our-educational- ... 25c8c5fc8d
Google translate of the original article in Portuguese:
https://the.ismaili/portugal/akf-talks- ... -sociedade
AKF Talks - Global trends that will shape the future of society
The Aga Khan Portugal Foundation launched the AKF TALKS initiative in 2018, within the framework of the Diamond Jubilee of His Highness Prince Aga Khan, with the purpose of provoking debate and stimulating collaboration between different stakeholders on the major global trends that are change our future.
From the outset, three gatherings were developed, centered on the dimensions of diversity, pluralism and quality of life for all. In 2019, already in partnership with the OECD, an AKF Talk on Foresight was launched (on 4 December), initiating the cycle “Global Trends that will shape the Future of Society”. In 2020, this cycle is back, now in the digital space, offering reflections and future clues, on social cohesion, on the future of the social economy and, still, on new competences for economic inclusion. On the 25th, an internal AKF Talk was held, dedicated to the theme + Cohesion. On the 30th, there was a new AKF Talk, seeking to answer the questions «Will the social economy sector be the key actor to guarantee a more cohesive society, in social, economic and environmental terms? And how does the sector live with the need to innovate? »
It is intended to promote a Platform / Action Tank (online and in person), to know, analyze and discuss trends and forces of change, with the purpose (call to action) to support organizations to adapt to a set of urgent global challenges, with a view to building an + innovative, + solidary and connected, + social, + green and + participatory society . For more information, visit the AKF Talks page, available at the following address: https://talks.akfportugal.org/
https://the.ismaili/portugal/akf-talks- ... -sociedade
AKF Talks - Global trends that will shape the future of society
The Aga Khan Portugal Foundation launched the AKF TALKS initiative in 2018, within the framework of the Diamond Jubilee of His Highness Prince Aga Khan, with the purpose of provoking debate and stimulating collaboration between different stakeholders on the major global trends that are change our future.
From the outset, three gatherings were developed, centered on the dimensions of diversity, pluralism and quality of life for all. In 2019, already in partnership with the OECD, an AKF Talk on Foresight was launched (on 4 December), initiating the cycle “Global Trends that will shape the Future of Society”. In 2020, this cycle is back, now in the digital space, offering reflections and future clues, on social cohesion, on the future of the social economy and, still, on new competences for economic inclusion. On the 25th, an internal AKF Talk was held, dedicated to the theme + Cohesion. On the 30th, there was a new AKF Talk, seeking to answer the questions «Will the social economy sector be the key actor to guarantee a more cohesive society, in social, economic and environmental terms? And how does the sector live with the need to innovate? »
It is intended to promote a Platform / Action Tank (online and in person), to know, analyze and discuss trends and forces of change, with the purpose (call to action) to support organizations to adapt to a set of urgent global challenges, with a view to building an + innovative, + solidary and connected, + social, + green and + participatory society . For more information, visit the AKF Talks page, available at the following address: https://talks.akfportugal.org/
VIDEO: Martha
AKF has been working with women and youth focussed Disabled Persons Organisation's (DPOs) in Uganda and in particular those that operate as network organisations. These network organisations have allowed us to be able to reach more people, and this is particularly important during COVID-19, when face to face communication is restricted.
Women DPOs have formed networks at community level and have been able to reach some vulnerable women with disabilities through these already-established support systems. Martha was able to locate a community member who recorded this video using their smart phone. Here she tells us how the money she had received from the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda (an AKF partner) has been extremely helpful during these difficult circumstances.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfZKG-qtrLY
AKF has been working with women and youth focussed Disabled Persons Organisation's (DPOs) in Uganda and in particular those that operate as network organisations. These network organisations have allowed us to be able to reach more people, and this is particularly important during COVID-19, when face to face communication is restricted.
Women DPOs have formed networks at community level and have been able to reach some vulnerable women with disabilities through these already-established support systems. Martha was able to locate a community member who recorded this video using their smart phone. Here she tells us how the money she had received from the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda (an AKF partner) has been extremely helpful during these difficult circumstances.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfZKG-qtrLY
Dr. Matt Reed
Global Director of Institutional Partnerships,
Aga Khan Foundation
Chief Executive Officer,
Aga Khan Foundation (United Kingdom)
As the Global Director of Institutional Partnerships for the Aga Khan Foundation, Matt coordinates all of AKF’s work with bilateral, multilateral, foundation and corporate partners worldwide. This includes resource mobilisation, relationship management, partner communications, grant management, and talent development to advance strategic priorities of the Aga Khan Development Network. He has been CEO of AKF in the UK since 2016.
Between 2013 and 2016, Matt led the Foundation’s work in India as its CEO, focusing AKF on the needs of marginalised communities, establishing significant new relationships, and launching multi-state programmes in education, financial inclusion, livelihoods, and water and sanitation. Earlier, Matt held the position of Director of Programmes for the Foundation in the UK. Previously, he worked at the Getty Research Institute, the Salzburg Seminar, the MacArthur Foundation, and Keck Graduate Institute at the Claremont Colleges.
As CEO in the UK, Matt has the additional responsibility for the Aga Khan Centre in London and building greater public awareness about the work of the broader Aga Khan Development Network.
Matt has a Ph.D. and M.A. in European History from Claremont Graduate University in Los Angeles and a BA in English, summa cum laude, from the University of Oklahoma.
https://www.akf.org.uk/akf_team/matt-reed/
Portuguese Government and Aga Khan Development Network offer health protection material to Mozambique
In the framework of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique, the Portuguese Government has joined the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for the donation of 100,000 reusable masks to needy entities in the Province of Maputo, including the city of Matola.
The ceremony took place on July 14 2020 at the Moztex factory, of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development - Industral Promotion Services, and was attended by the Secretary of State for the Province of Maputo and Coordinator of the Response to COVID-19 in the same Province, Vitória Dias Diogo, representing the Head of State of the Republic of Mozambique. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Portuguese Government, Teresa Ribeiro, and the AKDN Diplomatic Representative to Mozambique, Nazim Ahmad, participated in the event through videoconference.
At the donation ceremony, the AKDN Diplomatic Representative, Nazim Ahmad, informed that “the factory, in addition to its usual production, has reorganised and reoriented its production in order to also be able to support the country in combating COVID-19, so that the 100,000 masks offered today were made in this factory”. Nazim Ahmad also took the opportunity to affirm that it is his “conviction that this materialized effort between AKDN and its esteemed partners, will have a mitigating impact in relation to COVID-19 in the Republic of Mozambique”.
For the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Portuguese Government, Teresa Ribeiro, “Portugal, from the very first hour, organised itself so that it could quickly outline an health plan that could contribute to our partner countries and Portuguese-speaking brothers could have some relief from their difficulties in combating the pandemic and that in order to reach all of you effectively, in the elaboration of this plan, they could count on the invaluable help and participation of AKDN that has been a partner that honors us greatly”. Teresa Ribeiro emphasized that the donation has an “equally important dimension, which is the fact that it was produced in Mozambique and by people from Mozambique, and this local component was important to us and we highly value it”.
More...
https://the.ismaili/mozambique/the-isma ... nt-network
In the framework of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique, the Portuguese Government has joined the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for the donation of 100,000 reusable masks to needy entities in the Province of Maputo, including the city of Matola.
The ceremony took place on July 14 2020 at the Moztex factory, of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development - Industral Promotion Services, and was attended by the Secretary of State for the Province of Maputo and Coordinator of the Response to COVID-19 in the same Province, Vitória Dias Diogo, representing the Head of State of the Republic of Mozambique. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Portuguese Government, Teresa Ribeiro, and the AKDN Diplomatic Representative to Mozambique, Nazim Ahmad, participated in the event through videoconference.
At the donation ceremony, the AKDN Diplomatic Representative, Nazim Ahmad, informed that “the factory, in addition to its usual production, has reorganised and reoriented its production in order to also be able to support the country in combating COVID-19, so that the 100,000 masks offered today were made in this factory”. Nazim Ahmad also took the opportunity to affirm that it is his “conviction that this materialized effort between AKDN and its esteemed partners, will have a mitigating impact in relation to COVID-19 in the Republic of Mozambique”.
For the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Portuguese Government, Teresa Ribeiro, “Portugal, from the very first hour, organised itself so that it could quickly outline an health plan that could contribute to our partner countries and Portuguese-speaking brothers could have some relief from their difficulties in combating the pandemic and that in order to reach all of you effectively, in the elaboration of this plan, they could count on the invaluable help and participation of AKDN that has been a partner that honors us greatly”. Teresa Ribeiro emphasized that the donation has an “equally important dimension, which is the fact that it was produced in Mozambique and by people from Mozambique, and this local component was important to us and we highly value it”.
More...
https://the.ismaili/mozambique/the-isma ... nt-network
Upgrades to the Kenyenya hospital
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0L8X2HTcIs
Told through the eyes of Dr. Nyabera, the local medical officer, we explore the upgrades to the Kenyenya hospital: the new operating theatre; renovations to the maternity wing; and training opportunities for staff. We learn about the difference these improvements will make to the hospital's staff and patients, particularly pregnant women and newborn babies. This hospital is an example of how new investments and partnerships with private hospitals can transform the public healthcare system.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0L8X2HTcIs
Told through the eyes of Dr. Nyabera, the local medical officer, we explore the upgrades to the Kenyenya hospital: the new operating theatre; renovations to the maternity wing; and training opportunities for staff. We learn about the difference these improvements will make to the hospital's staff and patients, particularly pregnant women and newborn babies. This hospital is an example of how new investments and partnerships with private hospitals can transform the public healthcare system.
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article ... ble-seacom
Aga Khan bids to buy fibre cable Seacom
By Frankline Sunday | July 25th 2020 at 12:00:00 GMT +0300
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (Akfed) has made a bid to fully acquire Africa’s premier fibre optic undersea cable firm, Seacom, in a move set to realign the regional broadband market.
According to an inquiry notice from the Comesa Competition Commission, Akfed is seeking to acquire all the shares in the Sh65 billion fibre cable through its subsidiaries, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Jubilee Holdings.
“After receiving a notification in terms of Article 24 of the regulations on the merger involving IPS Cable Systems Ltd and Seacom Holdings Ltd (Mauritius) ... intends to embark on an inquiry in terms of Article 26 of the Regulations,” said the regional regulator in a notice.
Acquire rights
“The parties have submitted that the proposed transaction involves the acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding in the target by IPS, resulting in IPS indirectly owning 25 per cent voting rights and 10 per cent economic rights in Seacom Capital Ltd (Mauritius).”
Seacom launched the first broadband submarine cable system in Kenya in 2009, expanding internet access and quality exponentially as users migrated from the costly satellite connection.
The infrastructure connects South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania to other international broadband cables, and accounts for 24 per cent of Kenya’s total undersea bandwidth capacity.
Akfed already owns a significant stake in Seacom through IPS, and the transaction would confer more authority and ownership on its subsidiaries. Both IPS Cable Systems and Seacom are registered in Mauritius and it is unlikely that Kenyan regulators will have a say in the multi-billion-shilling deal.
The move is likely to stoke competition in the lucrative broadband infrastructure sector as demand for internet connectivity spikes following months of movement restrictions to contain Covid-19.
Aga Khan bids to buy fibre cable Seacom
By Frankline Sunday | July 25th 2020 at 12:00:00 GMT +0300
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (Akfed) has made a bid to fully acquire Africa’s premier fibre optic undersea cable firm, Seacom, in a move set to realign the regional broadband market.
According to an inquiry notice from the Comesa Competition Commission, Akfed is seeking to acquire all the shares in the Sh65 billion fibre cable through its subsidiaries, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Jubilee Holdings.
“After receiving a notification in terms of Article 24 of the regulations on the merger involving IPS Cable Systems Ltd and Seacom Holdings Ltd (Mauritius) ... intends to embark on an inquiry in terms of Article 26 of the Regulations,” said the regional regulator in a notice.
Acquire rights
“The parties have submitted that the proposed transaction involves the acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding in the target by IPS, resulting in IPS indirectly owning 25 per cent voting rights and 10 per cent economic rights in Seacom Capital Ltd (Mauritius).”
Seacom launched the first broadband submarine cable system in Kenya in 2009, expanding internet access and quality exponentially as users migrated from the costly satellite connection.
The infrastructure connects South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania to other international broadband cables, and accounts for 24 per cent of Kenya’s total undersea bandwidth capacity.
Akfed already owns a significant stake in Seacom through IPS, and the transaction would confer more authority and ownership on its subsidiaries. Both IPS Cable Systems and Seacom are registered in Mauritius and it is unlikely that Kenyan regulators will have a say in the multi-billion-shilling deal.
The move is likely to stoke competition in the lucrative broadband infrastructure sector as demand for internet connectivity spikes following months of movement restrictions to contain Covid-19.
https://techweez.com/2020/07/27/seacom- ... quisition/
Aga Khan Seeks to Buy SEACOM Business Valued at KES 65 Billion
By
Kenn Abuya -
July 27, 2020 0
Aga Khan has made a bid to acquire Africa’s first broadband undersea cable system company, SEACOM.
The move, which was announced last week, seeks to reorganize the SEACOM’s broadband business in Africa.
The bid was made by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (Akfed). The Comesa Competition Commission made an inquiry about the proposal, and Akfed reported that it is planning to require all SEACOM shares.
The undersea fibre cable system is valued at KES 65 billion, and Aga Khan wants to own the entire business through its subsidiaries, Jubilee Holdings and Industrial Promotion Services (IPS).
Comesa will examine the details of this development.
All parties have also submitted that the proposal entails the acquisition of 100 percent shareholding in the target by IPS.
SEACOM started its operations in 2009, and serves Kenya, Mauritius, and Uganda.
Statement
“The parties have submitted that the proposed transaction involves the acquisition of 100% shareholding in the target by IPS resulting in IPS indirectly owing 25% voting rights and 10% economic rights in SEACOM Capital Ltd (Mauritius). It was submitted that the proposed transaction will further grow and enhance the business of the target and assist steering the target on a sustainable growth trajectory into the future in a diverse range of African markets,” reads a statement by Comesa.
“The Commission will, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations, determine among other things whether or not the merger is likely to substantially prevent or lessen competition within the Common Market and whether the merger is or would be contrary to the public interest as provided for under Article 26 of the Regulations,” adds the regulator.
Aga Khan Seeks to Buy SEACOM Business Valued at KES 65 Billion
By
Kenn Abuya -
July 27, 2020 0
Aga Khan has made a bid to acquire Africa’s first broadband undersea cable system company, SEACOM.
The move, which was announced last week, seeks to reorganize the SEACOM’s broadband business in Africa.
The bid was made by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (Akfed). The Comesa Competition Commission made an inquiry about the proposal, and Akfed reported that it is planning to require all SEACOM shares.
The undersea fibre cable system is valued at KES 65 billion, and Aga Khan wants to own the entire business through its subsidiaries, Jubilee Holdings and Industrial Promotion Services (IPS).
Comesa will examine the details of this development.
All parties have also submitted that the proposal entails the acquisition of 100 percent shareholding in the target by IPS.
SEACOM started its operations in 2009, and serves Kenya, Mauritius, and Uganda.
Statement
“The parties have submitted that the proposed transaction involves the acquisition of 100% shareholding in the target by IPS resulting in IPS indirectly owing 25% voting rights and 10% economic rights in SEACOM Capital Ltd (Mauritius). It was submitted that the proposed transaction will further grow and enhance the business of the target and assist steering the target on a sustainable growth trajectory into the future in a diverse range of African markets,” reads a statement by Comesa.
“The Commission will, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations, determine among other things whether or not the merger is likely to substantially prevent or lessen competition within the Common Market and whether the merger is or would be contrary to the public interest as provided for under Article 26 of the Regulations,” adds the regulator.
Jubilee Life wins Effie Award in Insurance Category
KARACHI: Jubilee Life Insurance, Pakistan’s leading private sector life insurance provider, has been awarded the prestigious Effie Award in the Insurance Category at this year’s awards ceremony which was held virtually.This is the first time any insurance company has won the award in this category and Jubilee Life has been recognized for their ‘Hum Insurance Nibhatay Hain’ campaign. Jubilee Life was the only shortlisted company in the Insurance category.
Jubilee Life Insurance has continuously placed emphasis on building trust with its consumers and making efforts towards minimizing their financial insecurity. The award-winning campaign revolved around three focus areas of health, education and savings which consumers of the insurance sector place most importance towards.
The award is a testament to Jubilee Life’s winning approach and unrelenting commitment towards creatively communicating with their customers and building a genuine relationship. The assessment by Effie Pakistan is based on identifying and ranking the most active marketers, brands and agencies and analyzing finalists and winners keeping strict criteria of the effective marketing efforts made in the previous year.
Speaking about this achievement, Javed Ahmed, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilee Life Insurance stated, “Winning the award is a great achievement for everyone at Jubilee Life and our partner Prestige Communications. It is a reminder of the hard work and effort that they have put all throughout the previous year. It, of course, always feels good to receive acknowledgement for any work which has been executed with a lot of passion. There had been several challenges along the way, but our team managed to deliver excellent work, and we are grateful to all jury members of Effie Pakistan for recognizing it. This will serve as motivation for us to continue working even harder to craft narratives which resonate with our customers.”
Jubilee Insurance is a global brand of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) that offers diverse insurance solutions (life, health and general) in the Asian and East African markets. Jubilee Life in Pakistan offers a uniquely designed range of life and health insurance plans, catering to various customer segments and needs. These include retirement, child education, marriage, saving & protection, wealth accumulation, life insurance plans for women, rural insurance plans and life and health insurance solutions for the less privileged of our country.
Effie Awards are known by advertisers and agencies globally as the pre-eminent award in the industry, and recognize any and all forms of marketing that contribute to a brand’s success.Effie Pakistan is a not-for-profit initiative with the mission to champion and improve the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness. It honours the most significant achievement in marketing communications: ideas that work. PR
https://www.biztoday.news/2020/07/31/ju ... -category/
KARACHI: Jubilee Life Insurance, Pakistan’s leading private sector life insurance provider, has been awarded the prestigious Effie Award in the Insurance Category at this year’s awards ceremony which was held virtually.This is the first time any insurance company has won the award in this category and Jubilee Life has been recognized for their ‘Hum Insurance Nibhatay Hain’ campaign. Jubilee Life was the only shortlisted company in the Insurance category.
Jubilee Life Insurance has continuously placed emphasis on building trust with its consumers and making efforts towards minimizing their financial insecurity. The award-winning campaign revolved around three focus areas of health, education and savings which consumers of the insurance sector place most importance towards.
The award is a testament to Jubilee Life’s winning approach and unrelenting commitment towards creatively communicating with their customers and building a genuine relationship. The assessment by Effie Pakistan is based on identifying and ranking the most active marketers, brands and agencies and analyzing finalists and winners keeping strict criteria of the effective marketing efforts made in the previous year.
Speaking about this achievement, Javed Ahmed, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilee Life Insurance stated, “Winning the award is a great achievement for everyone at Jubilee Life and our partner Prestige Communications. It is a reminder of the hard work and effort that they have put all throughout the previous year. It, of course, always feels good to receive acknowledgement for any work which has been executed with a lot of passion. There had been several challenges along the way, but our team managed to deliver excellent work, and we are grateful to all jury members of Effie Pakistan for recognizing it. This will serve as motivation for us to continue working even harder to craft narratives which resonate with our customers.”
Jubilee Insurance is a global brand of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) that offers diverse insurance solutions (life, health and general) in the Asian and East African markets. Jubilee Life in Pakistan offers a uniquely designed range of life and health insurance plans, catering to various customer segments and needs. These include retirement, child education, marriage, saving & protection, wealth accumulation, life insurance plans for women, rural insurance plans and life and health insurance solutions for the less privileged of our country.
Effie Awards are known by advertisers and agencies globally as the pre-eminent award in the industry, and recognize any and all forms of marketing that contribute to a brand’s success.Effie Pakistan is a not-for-profit initiative with the mission to champion and improve the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness. It honours the most significant achievement in marketing communications: ideas that work. PR
https://www.biztoday.news/2020/07/31/ju ... -category/
Video Quote: MHI on Long Term Development Objectives of the AKFED
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByJkClVinG0
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the official opening of the Kampala Serena Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, 10 November 2006.
Read full speech: https://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highn...
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByJkClVinG0
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the official opening of the Kampala Serena Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, 10 November 2006.
Read full speech: https://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highn...
Catalysts for Change – School Improvement in Northern Pakistan
In 2016, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) launched the School Improvement Programme (SIP) in partnership with local government. Based on AKF’s global “whole-school improvement” model and AKDN’s long-term experience in Pakistan, SIP seeks to improve public sector, community, and low-cost private schools in some of the most marginalised parts of northern Pakistan.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO8rQyPKO2I
In 2016, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) launched the School Improvement Programme (SIP) in partnership with local government. Based on AKF’s global “whole-school improvement” model and AKDN’s long-term experience in Pakistan, SIP seeks to improve public sector, community, and low-cost private schools in some of the most marginalised parts of northern Pakistan.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO8rQyPKO2I
Reading for Children – the Power of Stories
In 2016, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) launched the School Improvement Programme (SIP) in partnership with local government. Based on AKF’s global “whole-school improvement” model and AKDN’s long-term experience in Pakistan, SIP seeks to improve public sector, community, and low-cost private schools in some of the most marginalised parts of northern Pakistan.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh3DJGh9WnQ
In 2016, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) launched the School Improvement Programme (SIP) in partnership with local government. Based on AKF’s global “whole-school improvement” model and AKDN’s long-term experience in Pakistan, SIP seeks to improve public sector, community, and low-cost private schools in some of the most marginalised parts of northern Pakistan.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh3DJGh9WnQ
https://www.africaintelligence.com/east ... 600766-ar1
Aga Khan's lead insurer Jubilee on the rise
The Ismaili leader has made a number of cross-investments between his companies in recent weeks, a strategy driven by Kenyan insurer Jubilee Holdings, a subsidiary of his holding company AKFED.
Aga Khan's lead insurer Jubilee on the rise
The Ismaili leader has made a number of cross-investments between his companies in recent weeks, a strategy driven by Kenyan insurer Jubilee Holdings, a subsidiary of his holding company AKFED.
Building better working relationships from our living rooms – a partnership between Accenture and Schools2030
Over 8 weeks, the global technology company has been working with the AKF-led Schools2030 team to build a stronger and more collaborative virtual work environment to ensure that education programming continues to deliver for students and educators during the pandemic.
Over 8 weeks, the global technology company has been working with the AKF-led Schools2030 team to build a stronger and more collaborative virtual work environment to ensure that education programming continues to deliver for students and educators during the pandemic.
Announcing Virtual Voyage: Around the World with AKF
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fNDGtI8_w
This fall, we invite you to join us on our first-ever Virtual Voyage: Around the World with AKF. The voyage will launch on October 27 and culminate with a live celebration event on December 6.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fNDGtI8_w
This fall, we invite you to join us on our first-ever Virtual Voyage: Around the World with AKF. The voyage will launch on October 27 and culminate with a live celebration event on December 6.
AKDN partners with Third Edition of the Paris Peace Forum
Paris, France, 11 November 2020 – As a Founding Member of the Paris Peace Forum, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is pleased to participate in the Third Edition of the Forum taking place on 11-13 November 2020. This year’s Forum is being held online, allowing for more than 10,000 participants, including heads of state and government, leaders from civil society and the private sector, and global experts, to come together to address better the health and socio-economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s Forum also includes a Finance in Common Summit, bringing together 450 Public Development Banks from around the world to assess how they can leverage financial flows to tackle the current pandemic and contribute further to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The unprecedented global pandemic has presented major public health challenges,” said His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of the Aga Khan Development Network. “We require continued collaborative energy from governments, civil society institutions, and the private sector to overcome this crisis, protect life, and build for the future from a position of strength and wisdom. I am pleased that the Aga Khan Development Network and the Paris Peace Forum are working closely towards these goals.”
Justin Vaïsse, Director General of the Paris Peace Forum, said, “This year’s Forum is devoted to the response to the crisis and the principles that should govern the post-Covid international order. It also focuses on projects and initiatives from around the world aimed at providing immediate responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, improving our medium-term resilience, and rebuilding a more sustainable world.”
In partnership with governments and international agencies, the AKDN and its agencies have been responding to the Covid-19 pandemic through humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations, healthcare for Covid-19 patients and the communities in which they live, and technical support to local and national authorities.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/akdn ... eace-forum
Paris, France, 11 November 2020 – As a Founding Member of the Paris Peace Forum, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is pleased to participate in the Third Edition of the Forum taking place on 11-13 November 2020. This year’s Forum is being held online, allowing for more than 10,000 participants, including heads of state and government, leaders from civil society and the private sector, and global experts, to come together to address better the health and socio-economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s Forum also includes a Finance in Common Summit, bringing together 450 Public Development Banks from around the world to assess how they can leverage financial flows to tackle the current pandemic and contribute further to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The unprecedented global pandemic has presented major public health challenges,” said His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of the Aga Khan Development Network. “We require continued collaborative energy from governments, civil society institutions, and the private sector to overcome this crisis, protect life, and build for the future from a position of strength and wisdom. I am pleased that the Aga Khan Development Network and the Paris Peace Forum are working closely towards these goals.”
Justin Vaïsse, Director General of the Paris Peace Forum, said, “This year’s Forum is devoted to the response to the crisis and the principles that should govern the post-Covid international order. It also focuses on projects and initiatives from around the world aimed at providing immediate responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, improving our medium-term resilience, and rebuilding a more sustainable world.”
In partnership with governments and international agencies, the AKDN and its agencies have been responding to the Covid-19 pandemic through humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations, healthcare for Covid-19 patients and the communities in which they live, and technical support to local and national authorities.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/akdn ... eace-forum
AKDN at the Finance in Common Summit 2020
AKF's Matt Reed spoke on 'building back better'
Taking place between 9-12 November 2020 during the Paris Peace Forum, the Finance in Common Summit is a global meeting of all public developments banks. The Summit stressed the crucial role of Public Development Banks in reconciling short-term countercyclical responses with sustainable recovery measures that will have a long-term impact on the planet and societies.
On 12 November, Matt Reed spoke at the Summit on the topic of ‘social investment’. His comments as follows.
I’m Matt Reed, Global Director of Institutional Partnerships for the Aga Khan Foundation and CEO of AKF here in London. It is my pleasure to represent the Aga Khan Development Network at the Finance in Common Summit today and especially on this important topic of social investment.
The AKDN has been investing in social infrastructure and institutions for over a century – our Network began by building schools and health clinics, by creating rural credit and insurance associations. This has remained fundamental to our approach over the past 100 years — helping communities create their own social safety nets, helping them be ready to help each other in times of crisis.
During that time, we have partnered extensively with Public Development Banks – the Agence Française de Développement, or Germany’s KfW; global institutions like Asian Development Bank or the World Bank – but also with national institutions like India’s National Bank for Agriculture and Development, among many others.
As a result of these long-term investments in social infrastructure and capacity, sometimes over generations, AKDN was ready to respond quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic everywhere we are present: mobilising over 60,000 community organisations to promote awareness and prevention; responding through treatment and testing in over 750 health facilities; and helping thousands of students and teachers adapt to the learning crisis that affected so many children globally (learn more about AKDN’s COVID-19 response https://www.akdn.org/project/akdns-resp ... g-covid-19).
And so as we now think about “building back better,” AKDN strongly supports the conclusions of the Finance in Common summit that this must be a green recovery – building back must be done in a way that helps save our planet.
At the same time, AKDN encourages Public Development Banks to learn another vital lesson from this pandemic: fundamental investments in health and social systems are critical. To be ready for the next pandemic, the next economic crisis, the coming climate crisis, we must build strong foundations, strong health and education systems, strong social institutions that can help countries weather these storms.
As AKDN has learned over its decades of work, this social investment is not just about buildings and facilities – it also requires people. And so we urge Public Development Banks to prioritise educational institutions that can provide a strong base of trained talent – for the pandemic, this has meant doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, for example. To build back better, we encourage Public Development Banks to work creatively in providing flexible, concessional finance for affordable health insurance schemes, affordable student loan products, and the social safety nets needed to support people in need.
With this in mind then, we want to thank the Finance in Common Summit again for inviting the Aga Khan Development Network to speak today. We look forward to this discussion of the crucial role that Public Development Banks have in shaping the remaining pandemic response, as well as the longer term recovery. And we look forward to continuing our partnerships with so many of you to advance the development priorities of the countries and communities we serve together.
Thank you.
****
Matt Reed speaks at Finance in Common Summit 2020
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN4-Pdl ... e=emb_logo
AKF's Matt Reed spoke on 'building back better'
Taking place between 9-12 November 2020 during the Paris Peace Forum, the Finance in Common Summit is a global meeting of all public developments banks. The Summit stressed the crucial role of Public Development Banks in reconciling short-term countercyclical responses with sustainable recovery measures that will have a long-term impact on the planet and societies.
On 12 November, Matt Reed spoke at the Summit on the topic of ‘social investment’. His comments as follows.
I’m Matt Reed, Global Director of Institutional Partnerships for the Aga Khan Foundation and CEO of AKF here in London. It is my pleasure to represent the Aga Khan Development Network at the Finance in Common Summit today and especially on this important topic of social investment.
The AKDN has been investing in social infrastructure and institutions for over a century – our Network began by building schools and health clinics, by creating rural credit and insurance associations. This has remained fundamental to our approach over the past 100 years — helping communities create their own social safety nets, helping them be ready to help each other in times of crisis.
During that time, we have partnered extensively with Public Development Banks – the Agence Française de Développement, or Germany’s KfW; global institutions like Asian Development Bank or the World Bank – but also with national institutions like India’s National Bank for Agriculture and Development, among many others.
As a result of these long-term investments in social infrastructure and capacity, sometimes over generations, AKDN was ready to respond quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic everywhere we are present: mobilising over 60,000 community organisations to promote awareness and prevention; responding through treatment and testing in over 750 health facilities; and helping thousands of students and teachers adapt to the learning crisis that affected so many children globally (learn more about AKDN’s COVID-19 response https://www.akdn.org/project/akdns-resp ... g-covid-19).
And so as we now think about “building back better,” AKDN strongly supports the conclusions of the Finance in Common summit that this must be a green recovery – building back must be done in a way that helps save our planet.
At the same time, AKDN encourages Public Development Banks to learn another vital lesson from this pandemic: fundamental investments in health and social systems are critical. To be ready for the next pandemic, the next economic crisis, the coming climate crisis, we must build strong foundations, strong health and education systems, strong social institutions that can help countries weather these storms.
As AKDN has learned over its decades of work, this social investment is not just about buildings and facilities – it also requires people. And so we urge Public Development Banks to prioritise educational institutions that can provide a strong base of trained talent – for the pandemic, this has meant doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, for example. To build back better, we encourage Public Development Banks to work creatively in providing flexible, concessional finance for affordable health insurance schemes, affordable student loan products, and the social safety nets needed to support people in need.
With this in mind then, we want to thank the Finance in Common Summit again for inviting the Aga Khan Development Network to speak today. We look forward to this discussion of the crucial role that Public Development Banks have in shaping the remaining pandemic response, as well as the longer term recovery. And we look forward to continuing our partnerships with so many of you to advance the development priorities of the countries and communities we serve together.
Thank you.
****
Matt Reed speaks at Finance in Common Summit 2020
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN4-Pdl ... e=emb_logo
Helping women enterprises rise after Covid-19 setback
Covid-19 disrupted demand for groups already struggling for market, but now they have a path to recovery
In Summary
- 12 small-scale women groups get Sh30,000 cheques from the Aga Khan Foundation to revive their businesses.
- The foundation works together with the Collaboration of Women in Development to reach the vulnerable groups.
Women often struggle to balance between social expectations and their own ambitions. And when the Covid-19 pandemic came, it made life harder, especially for women in business. To date, most do not have money to revive their businesses.
Small-scale entrepreneurs were the hardest hit. For all their resilience, they were reeling under Covid until they were rescued by the Collaboration of Women in Development in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation.
One such group is Chapembe Kijiweni in Junda, Mombasa county. It has 24 members and has been in existence since 2007. Chairperson Shanny Shaban said they were planting a mangrove forest along the shores of Indian Ocean to conserve the environment.
From planting 5,000 trees, the group later thought of buying beehives, which gave them the business of selling honey. Now they are harvesting honey from the beehives every three months.
The group has eight beehives and harvests 10 litres of honey for sale. The hives also act as security to the forest.
“Coming up with this project was not an easy decision because we have people who are not happy with what we are doing as women, so they end up cutting down the trees in our absence,” Shaban said.
Photos and more...
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/big-rea ... 25c8c5fc8d
Covid-19 disrupted demand for groups already struggling for market, but now they have a path to recovery
In Summary
- 12 small-scale women groups get Sh30,000 cheques from the Aga Khan Foundation to revive their businesses.
- The foundation works together with the Collaboration of Women in Development to reach the vulnerable groups.
Women often struggle to balance between social expectations and their own ambitions. And when the Covid-19 pandemic came, it made life harder, especially for women in business. To date, most do not have money to revive their businesses.
Small-scale entrepreneurs were the hardest hit. For all their resilience, they were reeling under Covid until they were rescued by the Collaboration of Women in Development in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation.
One such group is Chapembe Kijiweni in Junda, Mombasa county. It has 24 members and has been in existence since 2007. Chairperson Shanny Shaban said they were planting a mangrove forest along the shores of Indian Ocean to conserve the environment.
From planting 5,000 trees, the group later thought of buying beehives, which gave them the business of selling honey. Now they are harvesting honey from the beehives every three months.
The group has eight beehives and harvests 10 litres of honey for sale. The hives also act as security to the forest.
“Coming up with this project was not an easy decision because we have people who are not happy with what we are doing as women, so they end up cutting down the trees in our absence,” Shaban said.
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Video Quote: On the Rationale for the Development Activities
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Osa4nhaHM
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Osa4nhaHM