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Aga Khan Development Network brochure

The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, international, non-denominational agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in specific regions of the developing world. The Network’s organisations have individual mandates that range from the fi elds of health and education to architecture, rural development and the promotion of private-sector enterprise. Together they collaborate in working towards a common goal – to build institutions and programmes that can respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural change on an ongoing basis. This brochure introduces the Network’s principal agencies and provides an overview of their activities and goals. This publication is also available in French, Arabic and Portuguese.

Nizamuddin Basti renewal project – sustainable development of a 700-year-old culture hub

The project to revive Nizamuddin Basti achieved 15 out of 17 sustainable development goals. In addition to restoring over 20 historical monuments, the basti was sustainably developed, providing a better life to the local communities. Ratish Nanda, the CEO of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) said, "through this project, we wanted to develop a historic city centre model where conservation and development including education, sanitation, employment, and urban development go hand in hand. We look at heritage as an asset, not as a burden." In 2008, AKTC formed a women’s self-help group named ‘Insha-e-Noor’ to train and create employment opportunities for the women of the Basti. To date, over six hundred women have attained economic and social independence by choosing to be part of this initiative. 

Reviving history and the environment in the City of Djinns and saints

The Nizamuddin Basti Renewal project by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) revived history and rebuilt lives, achieving 15 out of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Conservation of over 20 historic monuments took place alongside the sustainable development of the area and communities. Explaining how the project incorporated community development into heritage conservation, Ratish Nanda, the CEO of AKTC and Project Director of the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative said, “we are trying to develop a historic city centre model where conservation and development that includes education, sanitation, employment, and urban development goes hand in hand. We are looking at heritage as an asset, not as a burden. And, we are demonstrating that through our projects.”

Architecture & art are irreplaceable assets, should be preserved & conserved

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) recently held an exhibition of 20 artworks made on the conservation effort being undertaken by it at India International Centre, New Delhi. Titled "The Portraits of Conservation" these paintings illustrate views of the monuments as they were expected to appear post conservation or as they had once appeared. The artist behind these works, Himanish Das worked with AKTC on conservation projects, starting with some projects in Mehrauli, and eventually being involved with Humayun’s Tomb and many other monuments in Delhi and Hyderabad. Talking about architecture and art, Dast said "I believe these are our irreplaceable assets and should be preserved for the future generations." 

High-rise project to fund SoBo’s hospital facility

The 77-year-old Prince Aly Khan Hospital at Nesbit Road, Mazagaon, India, is being upgraded through a community-funded project. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has announced the launch of construction and sales at The Aga Hall Estate, an upcoming residential high-rise project in south Mumbai, to fund a new hospital facility. The 350-bed facility will be located on Nesbit Road, opposite its current location. Princess Zahra Aga Khan said, “Aga Hall Estate has a long history associated with generations of my family and has been at the centre of community life for many decades, providing homes, education and health facilities to residents and the broader community of south Mumbai." The project is scheduled to be completed in 2029.  

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