Some of the key development agencies under AKDN include Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Schools, the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, along with two universities: Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.
Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the new spiritual leader of Shiite Ismaili Muslims on Wednesday, following the death of his father, Karim Al-Husseini Aga Khan IV in Lisbon.
In July 1957, Aga Khan IV was honoured with the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II, two weeks after his grandfather, Aga Khan III, unexpectedly named him heir to the family’s 1,300-year-old dynasty and leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect, treating him as a head of state.
Rahim Al-Hussaini succeeds father as the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims The 53-year-old becomes the imam of Shiite Ismaili Muslims, estimated to be around 12 to 15 million globally.
Mr Rahim, 53, will be the 50th imam (spiritual leader) of the community as per the will left by his father “in accordance with historical Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim tradition and practice”, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
