Aga Khan Engages in High-Level Discussions with Egypt’s President

Aga Khan and President El-Sisi Discuss Expanded Collaboration in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt – September 30, 2025 – his Highness the Aga Khan convened with His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today to explore avenues for deepened collaboration within Egypt. Discussions centered on bolstering partnerships designed to uplift local communities and accelerate national development efforts.

Strengthening Long-Standing Partnerships

President El-Sisi extended congratulations to His Highness upon assuming leadership earlier in the year, while also acknowledging the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) enduring contributions to Egypt. He highlighted the network’s decades-long commitment to enhancing living standards, fortifying essential services and safeguarding Egypt’s meaningful Islamic heritage. The AKDN has been a key partner in Egypt, exemplified by its work since 1984 according to the organizations official website AKDN in Egypt.

Commitment to Key Development Areas

His Highness conveyed his gratitude to President El-Sisi and expressed his pride in making his inaugural official visit to the nation. He reaffirmed the AKDN’s dedication to Egypt, emphasizing an intention to broaden support across crucial sectors including education, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation, with particular attention directed towards Upper Egypt.The AKDN will explore adapting its proven urban renewal and environmental revitalization models – successfully implemented in Cairo – to other regions such as Aswan.

Did You Know? The Aga Khan Development Network operates in over 30 countries, supporting initiatives ranging from healthcare and education to rural development and cultural preservation.

Expanding AKDN’s Reach

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Luis Monreal,General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture,participated in the meeting,signifying the collaborative spirit of these discussions. The AKDN’s emphasis on holistic development aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, a national agenda focused on sustainable growth and improved quality of life for all citizens. The Egyptian government’s dedication to renewable energy projects, such as, complements the AKDN’s focus on climate adaptation.

Key Area	AKDN Focus	Egyptian Government Priority
Education	Expanding access and quality	National education reform (Vision 2030)
Agriculture	Sustainable farming practices	Agricultural modernization and food security
Climate Change	Adaptation and resilience building	Renewable energy and environmental protection

Pro Tip: Understanding the interconnectedness of development priorities is crucial for effective partnerships. The AKDN’s holistic approach, addressing multiple needs simultaneously, demonstrates this principle.

this meeting underscores the enduring bond between Egypt and the Aga Khan Development Network, setting the stage for a new chapter of collaborative progress. What impact will these strengthened partnerships have on Egypt’s long-term development goals? And how will the focus on Upper Egypt address regional disparities?

The Aga Khan Development Network: A Global Force for Good

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a privately international development organization,founded by and guided by the values and principles of His Highness the Aga Khan. The AKDN works in the fields of health, education, rural development, architecture, culture, microfinance, and civil society to improve the quality of life of communities. Learn more about the AKDN.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Aga Khan Development Network? the AKDN is a private, international development organization working to improve lives in developing countries.
• What is the focus of AKDN’s work in Egypt? The AKDN prioritizes education,agriculture,climate adaptation,and cultural preservation in Egypt.
• How does the AKDN collaborate with the Egyptian government? The AKDN works in partnership with the Egyptian government to align its initiatives with national development goals.
• What is Egypt’s Vision 2030? It’s a national agenda focused on sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all Egyptians.
• Where can I find more details about AKDN’s projects in Egypt? You can learn more on the AKDN website: AKDN in Egypt.

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How might the AKDN’s focus on financial inclusion through AKAM contribute to Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals of inclusive growth and poverty reduction?

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: A Focus on Development and Cultural Exchange

Recent meetings between His highness the Aga Khan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi underscore a deepening relationship focused on enduring development, cultural preservation, and economic cooperation. These high-level discussions, held in [Cairo/Specify Location if known], represent a continued commitment from both parties to fostering mutual growth and addressing key regional challenges. The aga Khan’s visit highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving impactful initiatives within Egypt.

Key Discussion Points: A Collaborative Agenda

The talks centered around several crucial areas, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to strengthening Egypt-Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) relations.

* Economic Development: Discussions included potential investments in key sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and financial services. The AKDN has a long history of successful economic development projects in Africa and Asia, and Egypt presents a promising landscape for expansion. Specific projects related to infrastructure development were reportedly on the agenda.

* Healthcare Initiatives: Improving access to quality healthcare was a notable focus.The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) network, known for its commitment to excellence, explored opportunities to collaborate with Egyptian healthcare providers, potentially including the establishment of new facilities or the enhancement of existing ones.

* Education and Skills Development: the Aga Khan education Services (AKES) and Egyptian educational institutions discussed potential partnerships to enhance the quality of education and skills training.This includes exploring opportunities for curriculum development, teacher training, and scholarship programs.

* Cultural Preservation: Recognizing Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) presented ongoing and future projects aimed at restoring ancient sites and promoting cultural tourism. The AKTC’s work in al-Azhar Park in Cairo serves as a prime example of successful cultural revitalization.

* Financial Inclusion: Discussions touched upon expanding access to financial services for underserved communities, leveraging the expertise of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (AKAM).

The AKDN’s Existing Footprint in Egypt

The Aga Khan Development Network has been actively involved in Egypt for decades, contributing considerably to the country’s social and economic progress.

* Al-Azhar Park: A landmark project transforming a derelict quarry into a vibrant urban park, Al-Azhar Park stands as a testament to the AKTC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

* Historic Cairo Rehabilitation Project: The AKTC continues to play a vital role in the ongoing restoration of historic buildings and urban spaces in Old Cairo, preserving the city’s unique architectural heritage.

* Microfinance Programs: AKAM provides access to microloans and financial literacy training, empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners, notably women, across Egypt.

* Educational Support: AKES supports educational initiatives, focusing on improving the quality of teaching and learning in underserved communities.

Implications for Egypt’s Development Goals

The strengthened partnership between Egypt and the AKDN aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, a national agenda focused on sustainable development and inclusive growth. The AKDN’s expertise in areas such as healthcare,education,and economic development can contribute significantly to achieving these goals. Specifically, the focus on cultural tourism aligns with Egypt’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.

Regional Impact and Future Prospects

This collaboration extends beyond bilateral benefits, potentially influencing regional stability and cooperation. The Aga Khan’s role as a prominent global leader and philanthropist, coupled with Egypt’s strategic position in the Middle East and North Africa, creates a platform for addressing shared challenges and promoting peace and prosperity. Future collaborations are anticipated to expand into new areas, including digital technologies and climate change adaptation. The ongoing dialog signals a long-term commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.