Conservation of Subz Burj, one of the unique double-domed architectural gems in the national Delhi, India, has been completed after three years of concentrated efforts carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). Sandstone lattice screens (Jaalis) have been restored at arched doorways, where iron frames were installed. Rare gold and lapis lazuli paintings and plaster patterns on the ceiling have also been exposed after a careful cleaning process carried out under the watchful supervision of the experts. “Its architecture features such as incredible artwork, tiles, and jaalis, especially the painting on its ceiling makes it rare.  The opulent gold artwork and proximity to the shrine of the 13th century Sufi-Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya suggest that the sepulchre must have been of a powerful and close noble of the ruler,” said Ratish Nanda, chief executive officer of AKTC.

During the first week of COP26, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) joined the Governments of Tajikistan and Switzerland to discuss and align approaches that are building climate change resilience in the Pamir highlands, where mountain communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. AKAH is part of the official Tajik delegation to COP26 together with the Committee for Environmental Protection, Agency for Meteorology, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, and other relevant agencies. AKAH Tajikistan CEO Mr. Hadi Husani said: “Tajikistan is among the states that have consistently pursued a strategy to reduce carbon emissions voluntarily and is interested in the world's best green practices, applying cost-effective, environmentally-friendly and socially inclusive technologies and solutions. AKAH, together with other international partners, will continue to help Tajikistan promote international environmental dialogue, exchange of information and knowledge to support science-based and climate-resilient decision-making.”