http://asiasociety.org/asia-game-changers/2017-awardees
H.H. The Aga khan gets Lifetime Achievement - Asia Game changer Awards 1st November 2017 at United Nations, New York 7pm
2017 Awardees
The Aga Khan
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: For using philanthropy to lift millions of Asia’s most vulnerable
Using philanthropy to lift millions of Asia’s most vulnerable
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
THE AGA KHAN
Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist
Global
His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader to the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims, believes one of his hereditary responsibilities is to improve the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged people. For more than half a century, he has done exactly that — on a breathtaking scale.
More than a half century ago, he founded the Aga Khan Development Network and then the Aga Khan Foundation, creating a global web of agencies in 30 countries employing some 80,000 people to develop the poorest regions of Africa and South Asia while working to preserve and celebrate Islamic culture.
The network’s unique merger of commercial business and philanthropy has allowed it to reach more people by reinvesting profits into development work. “[The Aga Khan] has a very fine mind for investing — and he does a bloody good job balancing the task of increasing his capital with that of advancing the needs of his followers,” said former World Bank president James Wolfensohn. “At the end of the day, he is looking for human profits.”
For five decades, the foundation has focused on those “human profits” — via work in rural development, health, education, civil society, and environmental initiatives to assist vulnerable populations, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. It has done everything from helping Pakistani communities recover from devastating floods to spearheading initiatives to improve education for Afghan girls, and from promoting civil society to battling hunger. The goal has never changed: to spark progress and development in poorer regions while presenting a less threatening face of Islam to the world.
“There are those ... who enter the world in such poverty that they are deprived of both the means and the motivation to improve their lot,” the Aga Khan has said. “Unless these unfortunates can be touched with the spark which ignites the spirit of individual enterprise and determination, they will only sink back into renewed apathy, degradation and despair. It is for us, who are more fortunate, to provide that spark.”
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November 1, 2017 • United Nations, New York City
On August 8, 2017, Asia Society announced this year's recipients of the Asia Game Changer Awards, which recognize those making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world. Asia Society is proud to partner with Citi to honor these extraordinary individuals and organizations, continuing a tradition begun with the inauguration of the Asia Game Changer Awards four years ago.
This year’s nine honorees include a young woman using rap music to fight a trauma in Afghanistan, a trailblazing CEO changing urban life in China, a Hollywood star building bridges between India and the world, and an environmentalist placing his life on the line to stop deforestation in his native country. His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader to the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims, will receive the Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Honorees are nominated and selected by members of Asia Society’s global network.
Asia Game Changer, Lifetime Achievement Awards for Aga Khan
Asia Game Changer, Lifetime Achievement Awards for Aga Khan
Last edited by Admin on Thu Nov 02, 2017 1:57 am, edited 2 times in total.
SOLD OUT
Tables and individual tickets are now sold out. Thank you for your support!
To inquire about being put on a waitlist, or to explore other ways to support the Asia Game Changer Awards, please email GameChangers@AsiaSociety.org or call 212-327-9335.
A Special Event and Celebration
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
6 pm Reception | 7 pm Dinner | Cocktail Attire or National Dress
United Nations
This fall marks the fourth year of a truly impactful Asia Society event — the Asia Game Changer Awards and Gala Dinner at the United Nations.
Asia Society will honor the dreamers and leaders of our world making a positive impact on the future of Asia. The Asia Game Changer Awards are designed to fill a vital gap, identifying and honoring true leaders making a positive contribution to the future of Asia. Each year, we honor individuals, organizations, or movements that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect Asia Society's core pillars of policy and business, arts and culture, and education.
These inspiring men and women represent the spectrum of achievement – those who have led from positions of power, as well as those who have done so from ground-level laboratories of innovation.
This year, we honor HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN — the philanthropist and spiritual leader to the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims — with our 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.
2017 ASIA GAME CHANGERS
SONITA ALIZADEH • JEAN LIU • AISHOLPAN NURGAIV • LENG OUCH • DEV PATEL • SESAME WORKSHOP • WU TONG • TADASHI YANAI
Tables and individual tickets are now sold out. Thank you for your support!
To inquire about being put on a waitlist, or to explore other ways to support the Asia Game Changer Awards, please email GameChangers@AsiaSociety.org or call 212-327-9335.
A Special Event and Celebration
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
6 pm Reception | 7 pm Dinner | Cocktail Attire or National Dress
United Nations
This fall marks the fourth year of a truly impactful Asia Society event — the Asia Game Changer Awards and Gala Dinner at the United Nations.
Asia Society will honor the dreamers and leaders of our world making a positive impact on the future of Asia. The Asia Game Changer Awards are designed to fill a vital gap, identifying and honoring true leaders making a positive contribution to the future of Asia. Each year, we honor individuals, organizations, or movements that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect Asia Society's core pillars of policy and business, arts and culture, and education.
These inspiring men and women represent the spectrum of achievement – those who have led from positions of power, as well as those who have done so from ground-level laboratories of innovation.
This year, we honor HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN — the philanthropist and spiritual leader to the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims — with our 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.
2017 ASIA GAME CHANGERS
SONITA ALIZADEH • JEAN LIU • AISHOLPAN NURGAIV • LENG OUCH • DEV PATEL • SESAME WORKSHOP • WU TONG • TADASHI YANAI
The.Ismaili | 31 October 2017| Global
Mawlana Hazar Imam to be honoured by Asia Society
Mawlana Hazar Imam to be granted the Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award by the Asia Society
On 01 November 2017, Asia Society will present Mawlana Hazar Imam with it highest honour - the Lifetime Achievement Award for “using philanthropy to lift millions of Asia’s most vulnerable.”
The fourth annual Asia Game Changer Awards which will take place in New York City, distinguishes a number of extraordinary individuals for making a “transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world.”
Among the recipients of this year’s awards are: Sonita Alizadeh, for using rap music to empower the girls of Afghanistan; Dev Patel, for placing a spotlight on India’s poor; and Tadashi Yanai for building a global retail empire that gives back to local communities. Previous honorees include actor Aasif Mandvi, Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, and education activist Malala Yousafzai.
“In a world of challenges, it is important to honour the dreamers and leaders, those who take action and those who inspire us to build a better world,” said Asia Society president Josette Sheeran.
Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution with major centres in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Working in the fields of art, business, culture, education, and policy, the society promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.
The.Ismaili will bring you more updates from the award ceremony. Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) and sign up for email updates to stay up to date.
https://the.ismaili/news/mawlana-hazar- ... ia-society
Mawlana Hazar Imam to be honoured by Asia Society
Mawlana Hazar Imam to be granted the Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award by the Asia Society
On 01 November 2017, Asia Society will present Mawlana Hazar Imam with it highest honour - the Lifetime Achievement Award for “using philanthropy to lift millions of Asia’s most vulnerable.”
The fourth annual Asia Game Changer Awards which will take place in New York City, distinguishes a number of extraordinary individuals for making a “transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world.”
Among the recipients of this year’s awards are: Sonita Alizadeh, for using rap music to empower the girls of Afghanistan; Dev Patel, for placing a spotlight on India’s poor; and Tadashi Yanai for building a global retail empire that gives back to local communities. Previous honorees include actor Aasif Mandvi, Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, and education activist Malala Yousafzai.
“In a world of challenges, it is important to honour the dreamers and leaders, those who take action and those who inspire us to build a better world,” said Asia Society president Josette Sheeran.
Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution with major centres in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Working in the fields of art, business, culture, education, and policy, the society promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.
The.Ismaili will bring you more updates from the award ceremony. Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) and sign up for email updates to stay up to date.
https://the.ismaili/news/mawlana-hazar- ... ia-society
1 November 2017: H.H. The Aga Khan arrived for the Diner at the Award Ceremony where he is to receive the Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award in New York.
Here is a video of his arrival. More will be added soon
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 188742845/
Here is the video of an extract of his speech:
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 115405619/
Here is a video of his arrival. More will be added soon
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 188742845/
Here is the video of an extract of his speech:
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 115405619/
Last edited by Admin on Thu Nov 02, 2017 1:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
2017, November 1st: New York, USA - H.H. The Aga khan was honoured with the Asia Game changer Lifetime Achievement Awards, at the Cipriani in New York at 7:00pm for using philanthropy to lift millions of Asia’s most vulnerable. Mowlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by his brother Prince Amyn. About 30 of his followers were waiting outside for his arrival. The Imam arrived with Prince Amyn, both of them waved at the Jamat outside before entering the Cipriani. When they come back, again the Imam waved to his Murids outside and from inside his car.
Here are some photos of the event taken by Ismaili.net staff:
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia1.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia2.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia3.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia4.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia5.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia6.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia7.jpg)
Here are some photos of the event taken by Ismaili.net staff:
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia1.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia2.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia3.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia4.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia5.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia6.jpg)
![Image](http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/asia7.jpg)
Mawlana Hazar Imam honoured with Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award
Mawlana Hazar Imam received the highest award bestowed by the Asia Society, the Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award, on 01 November for his work to improve the lives of millions in Asia and around the world.
The award marks the second time in a month that Mawlana Hazar Imam was honoured by a United States organisation. Recipients of the Game Changer Awards are recognised for making a positive and transformative change for the future of Asia. Hazar Imam was accompanied to the ceremony by Prince Amyn Muhammad.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was presented with the award by philanthropist and former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg lauded Hazar Imam’s work, both through the Aga Khan Development Network and as Imam of the Ismaili community, and the positive effect on millions of lives in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. “I can just tell you it has been inspiring to me to see what tonight’s honoree has been able to accomplish. And it will give us new dedication to continue and do the same thing. There is nothing more important, and more rewarding than helping others, and the Aga Khan really has led by examples.”
In her introductory remarks, Josette Sheeran, Asia Society President and CEO, recalled a personal story of the impact of the Aga Khan Development Network in Afghanistan. When food supply chains were cut off to hundreds of thousands of people who were threatened with starvation during a particularly cold winter, Sheeran explained how she turned to the Aga Khan Foundation for assistance and “they started moving the world… So, I know the power of your work, I know the power of your network, I know what you have built.”
In his acceptance remarks, Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Asia Society for their recognition and focused on a message of community building and peace. “I would like to say that any leader of any global community hopes and prays for one thing — peace; peace in every community in every country of the world. So that men and women can live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, and hope and wisdom. These are the values that the leaders of my community, my institutions and myself are intimately linked with and will continue to work for, for many, many decades ahead.”
Also being recognised by the society were award-winning actor Dev Patel, Afghan rapper and activist Sonita Alizadeh, educational organisation Sesame Workshop, CEO and humanitarian Tadashi Yanai, investigative reporter and environmentalist Leng Ouch and Grammy award-winning musician Wu Tong.
The evening concluded with a special performance by the Aga Khan Music Initiative Ensemble, a collective of master musicians inspired by their own deep roots and the cultural heritage of Asia.
https://the.ismaili/news/mawlana-hazar- ... ment-award
Mawlana Hazar Imam received the highest award bestowed by the Asia Society, the Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award, on 01 November for his work to improve the lives of millions in Asia and around the world.
The award marks the second time in a month that Mawlana Hazar Imam was honoured by a United States organisation. Recipients of the Game Changer Awards are recognised for making a positive and transformative change for the future of Asia. Hazar Imam was accompanied to the ceremony by Prince Amyn Muhammad.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was presented with the award by philanthropist and former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg lauded Hazar Imam’s work, both through the Aga Khan Development Network and as Imam of the Ismaili community, and the positive effect on millions of lives in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. “I can just tell you it has been inspiring to me to see what tonight’s honoree has been able to accomplish. And it will give us new dedication to continue and do the same thing. There is nothing more important, and more rewarding than helping others, and the Aga Khan really has led by examples.”
In her introductory remarks, Josette Sheeran, Asia Society President and CEO, recalled a personal story of the impact of the Aga Khan Development Network in Afghanistan. When food supply chains were cut off to hundreds of thousands of people who were threatened with starvation during a particularly cold winter, Sheeran explained how she turned to the Aga Khan Foundation for assistance and “they started moving the world… So, I know the power of your work, I know the power of your network, I know what you have built.”
In his acceptance remarks, Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Asia Society for their recognition and focused on a message of community building and peace. “I would like to say that any leader of any global community hopes and prays for one thing — peace; peace in every community in every country of the world. So that men and women can live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, and hope and wisdom. These are the values that the leaders of my community, my institutions and myself are intimately linked with and will continue to work for, for many, many decades ahead.”
Also being recognised by the society were award-winning actor Dev Patel, Afghan rapper and activist Sonita Alizadeh, educational organisation Sesame Workshop, CEO and humanitarian Tadashi Yanai, investigative reporter and environmentalist Leng Ouch and Grammy award-winning musician Wu Tong.
The evening concluded with a special performance by the Aga Khan Music Initiative Ensemble, a collective of master musicians inspired by their own deep roots and the cultural heritage of Asia.
https://the.ismaili/news/mawlana-hazar- ... ment-award
2017, November 1st: New York, USA - H.H. The Aga khan receives the Asia Game changer Lifetime Achievement Awards, at the Cipriani in New York - Look carefully, when arriving, H.H. The Aga Khan waves at his people standing on his right and then on his left side in the street, Prince Amyn, the Imam's brother does the same a moment later. The public instantly burst in joy! Isn't that sooo cute?
Here is the video:
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 552024842/
Here is the video:
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 552024842/
The Aga Khan receives Asia Society’s Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award
His Highness the Aga Khan has received the Asia Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award— the society’s most esteemed— at the organisation’s Game Changer Award ceremony in New York.
The awards are presented annually to individuals, organisations, and movements that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect Asia Society’s core pillars of policy and business, arts and culture, and education.
PEACE
Accepting the award on Friday “for improving the lives of millions in Asia and around the world,” through the initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan, accompanied by his brother Prince Amyn Aga Khan, said, “Any leader of any global community hopes and prays for one thing – peace; peace in every community, in every country of the world, so that men and women can live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, hope and wisdom. These are the values that the leaders of my community, my institutions and myself, are intimately linked with and will continue to work for, for many, many decades ahead.”
The Aga Khan was addressing a distinguished audience upon receiving the award that was presented to him by Sharon Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA-TV and wife of former Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller, together with Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City.
4TH HONOUR
It represents the fourth major honour bestowed on the Aga Khan in New York City this year, which also marks his Diamond Jubilee as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Earlier this year, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal, and received the Architectural League of New York’s President’s Medal, and the United Nations Foundation’s Champion for Global Change Award.
“Through the Aga Khan’s network and his role as a spiritual leader, he has worked for decades to help build a more peaceful and tolerant world,” said Bloomberg.
“He has brought important attention to areas and issues that need it most, including protecting vulnerable communities from climate change, and helping young people develop new skills that can help them succeed. He has also been a champion of using public-private partnerships to spread economic opportunity, improve public health, and expand access to education.”
More....
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/world/The- ... index.html
His Highness the Aga Khan has received the Asia Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award— the society’s most esteemed— at the organisation’s Game Changer Award ceremony in New York.
The awards are presented annually to individuals, organisations, and movements that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect Asia Society’s core pillars of policy and business, arts and culture, and education.
PEACE
Accepting the award on Friday “for improving the lives of millions in Asia and around the world,” through the initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan, accompanied by his brother Prince Amyn Aga Khan, said, “Any leader of any global community hopes and prays for one thing – peace; peace in every community, in every country of the world, so that men and women can live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, hope and wisdom. These are the values that the leaders of my community, my institutions and myself, are intimately linked with and will continue to work for, for many, many decades ahead.”
The Aga Khan was addressing a distinguished audience upon receiving the award that was presented to him by Sharon Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA-TV and wife of former Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller, together with Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City.
4TH HONOUR
It represents the fourth major honour bestowed on the Aga Khan in New York City this year, which also marks his Diamond Jubilee as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Earlier this year, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal, and received the Architectural League of New York’s President’s Medal, and the United Nations Foundation’s Champion for Global Change Award.
“Through the Aga Khan’s network and his role as a spiritual leader, he has worked for decades to help build a more peaceful and tolerant world,” said Bloomberg.
“He has brought important attention to areas and issues that need it most, including protecting vulnerable communities from climate change, and helping young people develop new skills that can help them succeed. He has also been a champion of using public-private partnerships to spread economic opportunity, improve public health, and expand access to education.”
More....
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/world/The- ... index.html
http://www.coastweek.com/4045-culture-02.htm
Friday, 10 November 2017
His Highness the Aga Khan Receives Asia Society’s
Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award in NY
New York City, USA - His Highness the Aga Khan received the Asia Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award - the Society’s most esteemed - at the organisation’s Game Changer Award ceremony in New York.
The awards are presented annually to individuals, organiz-ations, and movements, that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect Asia Society’s core pillars of policy and business, arts and culture, and education.
Accepting the award “for improving the lives of millions in Asia and around the world,” through the initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan, accompanied by his brother Prince Amyn Aga Khan, said, “Any leader of any global community hopes and prays for one thing – peace; peace in every community, in every country of the world, so that men and women can live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, hope and wisdom.
“These are the values that the leaders of my community, my institutions and myself, are intimately linked with and will continue to work for, for many, many decades ahead.”
Coastweek--His Highness the Aga Khan being presented Asia Society’s 2017 Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award by Michael Bloomberg and Sharon Rockefeller. PHOTO: AKDN / AKBAR HAKIM / MAIRAJ MANJI
The Aga Khan was addres-sing a distinguished audience upon receiving the award which was presented to him by Sharon Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA-TV and wife of former Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller, together with Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City.
It represents the fourth major honor bestowed on the Aga Khan in New York City this year, which also marks his Diamond Jubilee as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Earlier this year, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal, and received the Architectural League of New York’s President’s Medal, and the United Nations Foundation’s Champion for Global Change Award.
“Through the Aga Khan’s network and his role as a spiritual leader, he has worked for decades to help build a more peaceful and tolerant world,” said Bloomberg.
“He has brought important attention to areas and issues that need it most, including prote-cting vulnerable communities from climate change, and helping young people develop new skills that can help them succeed.
“He has also been a champion of using public-private partner-ships to spread economic opportunity, improve public health, and expand access to education.”
Asia Society’s President Josette Sheeran also paid tribute to the Aga Khan, recognizing the role of the AKDN and its efforts in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
“We know the power of your work; I know the power of your network; I know what you have built.
“And we need more networks of people determined to say this is a world of good, this is a world of standing by each other, and this is what we honor here tonight,” she said.
In addition to the Aga Khan, eight other honorees were selected by the Asia Society’s global network this year, for making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world.
Honorees included: Sesame Street, for proving learning can be fun anywhere in the world; actor Dev Patel for shining a spotlight on India’s poor; Sonita Alizadeh, for using rap music to fight trauma in Afghanistan; Leng Ouch, for risking his life to draw attention to illegal logging in Cambodia; Jean Liu, for revolutionizing transportation in China; Grammy winner Wu Tong, for showing that musical virtuosity has no bounds; Tadashi Yanai, for building a global retail empire that gives back to local communities; and famed eagle huntress, Aisholpan Nurgaiv, for breaking gender barriers at a remarkably young age.
Showcasing the music heritage of Asia at the event, were artists of the Aga Khan Music Initiative Ensemble: Homayoun Sakhi, Salar Nader and Wu Man, master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep cultural roots.
Friday, 10 November 2017
His Highness the Aga Khan Receives Asia Society’s
Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award in NY
New York City, USA - His Highness the Aga Khan received the Asia Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award - the Society’s most esteemed - at the organisation’s Game Changer Award ceremony in New York.
The awards are presented annually to individuals, organiz-ations, and movements, that have inspired, enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect Asia Society’s core pillars of policy and business, arts and culture, and education.
Accepting the award “for improving the lives of millions in Asia and around the world,” through the initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan, accompanied by his brother Prince Amyn Aga Khan, said, “Any leader of any global community hopes and prays for one thing – peace; peace in every community, in every country of the world, so that men and women can live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, hope and wisdom.
“These are the values that the leaders of my community, my institutions and myself, are intimately linked with and will continue to work for, for many, many decades ahead.”
Coastweek--His Highness the Aga Khan being presented Asia Society’s 2017 Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award by Michael Bloomberg and Sharon Rockefeller. PHOTO: AKDN / AKBAR HAKIM / MAIRAJ MANJI
The Aga Khan was addres-sing a distinguished audience upon receiving the award which was presented to him by Sharon Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA-TV and wife of former Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller, together with Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City.
It represents the fourth major honor bestowed on the Aga Khan in New York City this year, which also marks his Diamond Jubilee as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Earlier this year, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal, and received the Architectural League of New York’s President’s Medal, and the United Nations Foundation’s Champion for Global Change Award.
“Through the Aga Khan’s network and his role as a spiritual leader, he has worked for decades to help build a more peaceful and tolerant world,” said Bloomberg.
“He has brought important attention to areas and issues that need it most, including prote-cting vulnerable communities from climate change, and helping young people develop new skills that can help them succeed.
“He has also been a champion of using public-private partner-ships to spread economic opportunity, improve public health, and expand access to education.”
Asia Society’s President Josette Sheeran also paid tribute to the Aga Khan, recognizing the role of the AKDN and its efforts in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
“We know the power of your work; I know the power of your network; I know what you have built.
“And we need more networks of people determined to say this is a world of good, this is a world of standing by each other, and this is what we honor here tonight,” she said.
In addition to the Aga Khan, eight other honorees were selected by the Asia Society’s global network this year, for making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world.
Honorees included: Sesame Street, for proving learning can be fun anywhere in the world; actor Dev Patel for shining a spotlight on India’s poor; Sonita Alizadeh, for using rap music to fight trauma in Afghanistan; Leng Ouch, for risking his life to draw attention to illegal logging in Cambodia; Jean Liu, for revolutionizing transportation in China; Grammy winner Wu Tong, for showing that musical virtuosity has no bounds; Tadashi Yanai, for building a global retail empire that gives back to local communities; and famed eagle huntress, Aisholpan Nurgaiv, for breaking gender barriers at a remarkably young age.
Showcasing the music heritage of Asia at the event, were artists of the Aga Khan Music Initiative Ensemble: Homayoun Sakhi, Salar Nader and Wu Man, master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep cultural roots.