Prince Aly Aga Khan makes surprise appearance at Toronto's World Partnership Walk (PHOTOS)
The youngest son of His Highness the Aga Khan made a surprise appearance at today’s World Partnership Walk.
Prince Aly Muhammad, 18, joined thousands of participants at David Pecaut Square to open the 34th annual event, which raises funds to end global poverty.
An initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, the Walk has raised over $100 million since inception – and 100% of these funds go directly to international developments projects in Africa and Asia.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here today,” Prince Aly said. “Today is a celebration. It’s a celebration of Canadians coming from all of Canada to help contribute to improving the quality of life in some of the poorest and remote parts of the world.”
“I have seen the problem first hand, and today I am proud to stand before you, the solution.” -Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, at the Toronto World Partnership Walk. #wpwalk #wpwalk2018 pic.twitter.com/OwycfHRrD9
— WorldPartnershipWalk (@WPWalk) June 17, 2018
Created by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKDN is a family of private, non-denominational development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, the promotion of private-sector enterprise, and the revitalization of historic cities. It is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin, or gender.
See also
- Celebrating Diamond Jubilee: A look at the Aga Khan’s extraordinary partnership with Canada
- Opinion: Why we should be proud to call the Aga Khan a Canadian
“The AKDN is an important way for my family, the Ismaili community, and people from all walks of life to address the concerns raised by the poorest communities across Africa and Asia,” Prince Aly said.
“This is the @akdn‘s mission, to improve the quality of life, and that is what we are here to do today.” — Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, at the Toronto World Partnership Walk. #wpwalk #wpwalk2018 pic.twitter.com/oD0iQoBbKh
— WorldPartnershipWalk (@WPWalk) June 17, 2018
In October 2017, he visited AKDN projects in Northern Pakistan to understand the issues facing the region.
“I, myself, was lucky enough to go to northern areas of Pakistan. A stunning area of the world, truly beautiful with an incredible culture,” he told the Walk’s attendees in Toronto.
“And what I saw there were excited and inspired students going to quality schools setup by the Aga Khan Education Services. I saw new and cutting edge health centres led by the Aga Khan Health Services. And I saw what can only be described as a bright and vibrant future, full of hope and determination.”
“I saw all of these things but I saw one thing we cannot ignore, and that is climate change and its long lasting effects on the people living in these regions.”
After visiting these areas, Prince Aly released Close to Home, a short film he wrote, directed, and narrated capturing his trip and the people he met.
The World Partnership Walk takes place in 10 cities across Canada each year. Find out more at WorldPartnershipWalk.com.
Proud to attend the World Partnership Walk today in support of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. pic.twitter.com/MaVFQrT9CC
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) June 17, 2018
Honored to meet Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan at @WPWalk #wpwtoronto pic.twitter.com/zuYhiowQWg
— Denzil Minnan-Wong (@DenzilMW) June 17, 2018
Out for a mid morning stroll and bump into Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan,the Mayor and a couple other people. #goodtiming #worldpartnershipwalk #agakhan #peace pic.twitter.com/git43cKBAS
— Jessica McNaughton (@JLMcN123) June 17, 2018
See also
Follow Channels and Categories