Aga Khan Development Network: First Pakistani Water and Sanitation Program Recognised Internationally for Empowering Local Communities

Dubai, UAE, 12 May 2009 - The Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP), an initiative of Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan (AKPBS,P), was declared as one of the twelve winners of the Dubai International Award for Best Practices (DIABP). This is the first ever social project from Pakistan to receive this prestigious award in the fourteen year history of DIABP. The Award is sponsored by the Dubai Municipality, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai, in partnership with UN-Habitat. WASEP was selected from a list of nearly 500 international submissions by the Award’s Technical Advisory Committee.

	His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, Chairman of Dubai Municipality awarding the Dubai Award trophy to Mr. Hafiz Sherali, Chairman, Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan for their project WASEP. - Photo: AKDN


	Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, addresses the audience. - Photo: AKDN


	Ambassador Inga Björk-Klevby, Assistant-Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, speaks at the occasion. - Photo: AKDN


	H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman Dubai Municipality, with the winners of 7th cycle of Dubai awards.