World Leaders, President Ruto Pay Tribute to Aga Khan IV Following Death in Lisbon

His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 4, surrounded by family.

His death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and institutions worldwide. Kenya's President William Ruto has conveyed his condolences in a message on social media, describing the Aga Khan as an exceptional leader whose unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable populations created lasting impacts in healthcare and education. He remarks on the irreplaceable loss the Aga Khan's passing represents, extending thoughts to the family and the broader Ismaili community.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also paid tribute to the Aga Khan, recognizing his lifelong dedication to humanitarianism, education, and cultural preservation. Through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres highlights the Aga Khan's significant contributions as a spiritual leader and advocate for peace, particularly in relation to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global partnerships with the UN.

Guterres notes the Aga Khan's role in fostering cross-cultural understanding, promoting gender equality, and addressing poverty, asserting that his legacy as a bridge-builder remains indelible. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoes similar sentiments, commemorating the Aga Khan's commitment to global peace and prosperity. Trudeau acknowledges the Aga Khan's adeptness at tackling critical humanitarian issues, including poverty, education, and gender inequality.

He describes the Aga Khan as an extraordinary individual with profound vision, faith, and generosity, whose legacy will persist through the lives he influenced. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), established by the Aga Khan, expresses condolences to his family and the global Ismaili community. The AKDN has vowed to honour their founder's legacy by continuing its mission to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, irrespective of religious or cultural backgrounds.

The Aga Khan University, founded in 1983 as part of the AKDN, has also honoured his vision. In a statement, it extends condolences to the Aga Khan family and the Ismaili community and reaffirms its commitment to realizing his ideals in its ongoing work.