Aga Khan Development Network

Q: Are the AKDN and its agencies religious organisations?
A: No. The agencies of the AKDN are private, international, non-denominational, organisations. Their programmes are open to everyone within their areas of operation without reference to religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Q: What is the legal status of the agencies of the AKDN?
A: The Aga Khan University (AKU) is chartered as a private, autonomous, international university by the Government of Pakistan. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is incorporated as a commercial entity under Swiss law. All of the other agencies are incorporated in Switzerland as non-profit institutions.

Q: Where do the agencies of the AKDN obtain their funding?
A: His Highness the Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Board of AKFED, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and The Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Chancellor in the case of the AKU. He provides regular funding for administration, new programme and country initiatives, and for some core activities. The Ismaili community contributes invaluable volunteer time, professional services, and substantial financial resources. Other funding sources include income from investments and grants from government, institutional and private sector partners -- as well as donations from individuals around the world. In addition, His Highness actively promotes philanthropic activity, and the channelling of profits from commercial undertakings in support of social development and culture in developing and developed countries.

Q: What is the geographic focus of the work of the AKDN agencies?
A: The work of all AKDN agencies is heavily concentrated in South Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Africa, the areas inhabited by a large percentage of the world's poorest people. Individual agencies have activities in other areas such as Western Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture conducts programmes directed to the entire Islamic World.