Ismaili Imamat Commits €100 Million for Syria’s Reconstruction and Development

On March 17, 2025, His Highness the Aga Khan announced a minimum pledge of €100 million from the Ismaili Imamat for Syria’s humanitarian and development needs during a European Commission conference. The funding will support various initiatives, contingent on peace, alongside a commitment to inclusive governance in Syria. The Aga Khan Development Network has been working in Syria for over 25 years, focusing on crisis response and community support.

On March 17, 2025, His Highness the Aga Khan announced the Ismaili Imamat’s commitment of at least €100 million towards Syria’s humanitarian and development needs during the European Commission’s annual conference focused on supporting Syria’s transition. The event aimed to garner international support for a transition that is inclusive and Syrian-owned, addressing the significant humanitarian and reconstruction needs in both Syria and neighboring countries.

This was His Highness’s first public appearance as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) following the passing of his father on February 4, 2025. He stated, “We commit today to make available a minimum of €100 million over the next two years toward Syria’s recovery.” The funding will support efforts in healthcare, education, renewable energy, food security, and the preservation of Syria’s cultural heritage, contingent on a cessation of violence and a commitment to peace among all parties involved.

The conference was co-hosted by several EU dignitaries, including Kaja Kallas and Dubravka Śuica. Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister attended along with representatives from the United Nations and various regional partners. Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for an inclusive transition, stating, “We must spare no effort to assist an inclusive transition that gives all Syrians a chance to rebuild their country in line with their aspirations.”

His Highness engaged in discussions with various international and regional representatives, including senior officials from the UN and the German government. The Aga Khan Development Network has been involved in Syria’s socio-economic recovery for over 25 years, adapting its focus to crisis response since 2012. With over 80 percent of the population now living in poverty, significant efforts are required in areas like healthcare, education, and food security, as more than half of the health facilities in Syria are non-operational, and an alarming number of children remain out of school.

Currently, AKDN has over 780 staff members on the ground, primarily Syrian nationals, working in partnership with numerous local organizations to address critical issues in Syria. Their efforts target access to vital services and improving the quality of life in vulnerable communities. The ongoing crisis in Syria presents significant opportunities for rebuilding social cohesion, resilience, and meeting urgent needs in the region.

In summary, the Ismaili Imamat’s pledge of €100 million underscores a significant commitment toward addressing the humanitarian and development challenges in Syria. This initiative is part of a broader push for inclusive governance and recovery in the country, as well as a response to the dire socio-economic conditions affecting millions of Syrians. The Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding involvement and collaboration with various stakeholders further enhance this effort toward sustainable development and community resilience in Syria.

Original Source: the.akdn