His Highness the Aga Khan has been recognised the 2017 UN Champion for Global Change Award by The United Nations Foundation for his tireless dedication and endless contributions to the humanitarian collaborations to improve the lives of people everywhere. 

Presented by the former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan in one of New York's top events - the Global Leadership Dinner on October 18, at the event, His Highness emphasised the importance of partnerships and the balance between government, private enterprise, and civil society for effective progress. 

His Highness the Aga Khan, the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is the 49th Hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims. The organization is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.

Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, presents the Champion for Global Change Award to His Highness the Aga Khan. Image © Akbar Hakim / Mairaj Manji, courtesy of AKDN

During the event, The Aga Khan also spoke about the importance of pluralism by saying that "and fundamental to all of this, of course, is a basic philosophical commitment which is expressed by another important word and that word is 'pluralism."

"This is a frame of mind which regards diversity, multiplicity, and indeed difference itself – not as a burden nor a threat but as a gift – a Gift of the divine – an opportunity to learn rather than a danger to be avoided," he said. 

Pluralism is one of the five Aga Khan Curricular Strands alongside with Ethics, Cultures (with an emphasis on Muslim civilisations), Governance and Civil Society and Economics for Development - which are all different areas of focus at each Aga Khan Academy and act as lenses through which students engage with the curricular content. The five strands are seen as key elements in educating future leaders for the developing world.

Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, presents the Champion for Global Change Award to His Highness the Aga Khan. Image © Diane Bondareff / UN Foundation

Underscoring the most important aspect of the Aga Khan’s work as pluralism, Kofi Annan said: "the world, especially in these difficult times, needs people of vision and goodwill like the Aga Khan. He is a living example that there is no inevitable contradiction between religion and democracy, that pluralism and diversity are possible, and that interaction of cultures enriches and empowers humanity."

"As a global leader he continuously demonstrates that what unites us is far greater than what divides us," Annan added.

His Highness the Aga Khan suggested that the question was not whether government action or private enterprise was more effective, but rather how these sectors can become effective partners in the quest for development. 

"The partnerships that will most dramatically change the world are those in which all three components - private, public and civil society institutions can connect in all-embracing common efforts," said the Aga Khan.

His Highness the Aga Khan receives the Champion for Global Change Award at the 2017 United Nations Global Leadership Dinner. Image © Diane Bondareff / UN Foundation

The Aga Khan told the audience that the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the United Nations Foundation were aligned in their emphasis on creating and sustaining enabling environments, working in "countries of opportunity," and on creating public-private partnerships, which have been key factors in AKDN’s work in many fields and in many countries.

In recognition of the role individuals, organizations, and corporations play in supporting the work of the United Nations to advance global peace and prosperity, United Nations Foundation (UNF) and United Nations Association - USA also presented awards to Mars Inc., for its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; Ellie Goulding, for her commitment to action on climate change; United Nations Mine Action Service, for mitigating threats from mines and explosives; and to Senator Bob Corker, for his involvement in attempting to end modern-day slavery. 

"Instead of sitting on the sidelines in a world of suffering, they have acted with courage and commitment to help solve problems alongside the UN," commented Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of UNF on the contributions of the five honorees, adding: "Tonight, we recognize these incredible leaders and the lesson they’ve taught us: to reach a better world, we shouldn’t turn our backs on each other; we should extend our hands."

"With the wisdom, the tolerance, and the compassion of His Highness the Aga Khan, I think we can win the battle for a better world," said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, at the ceremony.

In 2016, the US' former President Barack Obama was honoured with the Champion for Global Change Award. In 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was honoured with the Champion for Global Change Award. Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, was named as the 2014 Champion for Global Change Award. 

Top image: His Highness the Aga Khan speaking at the 2017 United Nations Global Leadership Dinner. Image © Diane Bondareff / UN Foundation

> via AKDN/The United Nations Foundation