Governor Perdue Welcomes the Aga Khan to Georgia

Luncheon Hosted in Honor of the Aga Khan’s 50^th Year as Imam

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue welcomed His Highness the Aga Khan to Georgia today.  Governor Perdue hosted a luncheon in honor of the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee (50^th year as Imam) at the Governor’s Mansion.

“The Aga Khan is not only a spiritual leader to millions but also a champion for causes benefitting the developing countries of the world,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “His devotion to lifting up others through faith and service is an example to us all.”

The Aga Khan is the 49^th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.  He is also the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), 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.

AKDN’s nine agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion.   The AKDN works in close partnership with many U.S. and international aid agencies.  Its underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.  The AKDN’s annual budget for development activities is in excess of $350 million. 

Later today, the Aga Khan will deliver the Peterson Lecture on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the founding of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) at the North Atlanta High School. 

The Aga Khan’s visit to Georgia is a part of an eight day U.S. tour commemorating His Highness’ 50^th year as Imam, which began on July 11, 2007.  The Aga Khan has already visited Texas, California and Illinois.  Georgia is the last stop on his U.S. visit. 

As part of his Golden Jubilee, the Aga Khan is making official visits to more than 30 countries to recognize the longstanding support of governments, multilateral agencies and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat and to set directions for future development initiatives. 

For more information on the Aga Khan Development Network, visit http://www.akdn.org.   

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