June 15, 2006
The American University in Cairo
http://www.aucegypt.edu/resources/smc/newsstory.cfm?newsid=388
His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, delivered the undergraduate commencement address on June 15, when he was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters degree from AUC.
His speech stressed the importance that Islamic societies have always placed on knowledge, and encouraged the students to embrace this ideal. "In keeping with our past traditions, and in response to our present needs, we must to go out and find the best of the world’s knowledge –– wherever it exists."
The Aga Khan went on to point out that times are changing, and it’s up to society to further the pursuit of knowledge. "Throughout history, the application of knowledge has often been determined by a few powerful rulers or by highly dominant governments. But I believe the hour is passing for these outmoded, top-heavy ways of deciding how knowledge should be utilized."
In addition, His Highness explained that although the quest for knowledge is an Islamic tradition, new methods must be applied. "Happily, technology has given us wonderful new ways of sharing knowledge. ... But, first, we must acknowledge what it is that we do not yet know –– committing ourselves to continued learning and accepting the fact that useful knowledge will often be found by reaching beyond the traditional barriers of both geography and culture."
The son of Prince Aly Khan and Princess Tajuddawlah Aly Khan, he is a direct descendent of Prophet Muhammad. After spending his early childhood in Kenya, he attended Le Rosey School in Switzerland. In 1959, he graduated from Harvard University with honors, earning a bachelor’s in Islamic history.
He succeeded his grandfather as imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in 1957. Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities in the developing world, was established to work for the common good of all citizens regardless of their origin or religion. The network is composed of nine agencies including the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Education Services, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia. In Egypt, he has funded and created Al Azhar Park, an urban oasis and cultural heritage site for the people of Cairo.
In recognition of his work in various fields, the Aga Khan has received decorations from the governments of Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Madagascar, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, Tajikistan and Upper Volta. He has also been awarded honorary degrees by universities in Canada, Lebanon, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.