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$1.5 Million Goes To Bangladeshi NGO

Hilton Humanitarian Prize Of $1.5 Million Goes To Bangladeshi NGO

The world's biggest humanitarian prize has been awarded to BRAC, the largest non-profit organization in the developing world. The 2008 Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million honors BRAC, a Bangladeshi-based NGO, for its achievements in helping to eradicate poverty in nine Asian and African countries. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva where the award was announced.

His Highness the Aga Khan today received an honorary law doctorate from National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He was cited for “outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society”.

President Emomali Rakhmonov awarded The Aga Khant with the Order of Friendship

Titles and Awards received by H.H. the Aga Khan during the 40 years of his Imamat.

Under the title 'Who is the Aga Khan?', Marisa Bartolucci wrote in the September issue of the magazine Metropolis, 'Since the days of the Fatimids, Ismaili Imams have encouraged intellectual freedom and tolerance. For them, like the Aga Khan today, the Koran and its teachings were open to each individual's interpretation and could never be dictated.' The Cover page title is 'Muslim Modernity: Can the Aga Khan build a new Islamic World?'.

Presented the Hadrian Award to Dr Phyllis Lambert at a ceremony held at the Plaza Hotel in New York.

Hazar Imam received the Prestigious Hadrian Award from the World Monument Fund at the Plaza Hotel, in New York, U.S.A. 'To recognise the achievements of a man of deep learning and vision, His Highness the Aga Khan' - During the event, several speeches were made: Beside Hazar Imam's speech, there were several speeches: Rockefeller, Cyrus Vance, Rothchild and by Michel David-Weill the co-chairman of the World Monument Funds.

King Juan Carlos of Spain presented Hazar Imam with the Gran Cruz de Merito Civil at a ceremony at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. This award is one of Spain's most important civil decorations (click here)

President Francois Mitterand of France said; 'France pays homage to a long continuity of eminent service rendered to humanity' when presenting Hazar Imam with the award of 'Commander of the Legion d'Honneur', the highest honour established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. (photo)

Mowlana Hazar Imam was honoured by Italy's President Francesco Cossiga when he was presented with the country's highest honour, the Cavaliere del Lavoro at a ceremony in Rome. The Order of the Cavaliere del Lavoro is presented to those who have made a major contribution to the country's economy. Hazar Imam is the first Muslim to receive such an award.

IPS (Kenya) celebrated its Silver Jubilee at Nairobi Serena Hotel's Mandari Room where Hazar Imam awarded Long Service Certificates to various employees. Speaking on the concept of IPS, Hazar Imam said: 'And the idea, that development companies could commit substantial quantities of equity to the developing world, and demonstrate that equity could be invested, be made productive, could grow and establish sound long-term enterprises, was, in 1963, a difficult question for people to believe in, and to sustain.

Hazar Imam was honoured as Patron of Architecture and became the 19th recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Architecture Award, at the university of Virginia The Citation described Hazar Imam as '..truly a man for all seasons and all countries '

Mowlana Hazar Imam was Chief Guest at the 60th anniversary of the Aga Khan Maternity Home (Janbai), Kharadhar, Karachi. He presented a special award for the longest service at leadership level to Varasiani Dr. Shirin Lakhani. Hazar Imam also gave medals to volunteers, some of whom had given up to 50 years of voluntary service, to the Janbai Maternity Home. Hazar Imam said, 'The role of our volunteers in keeping that spirit of service alive, and in materially enabling our institutions to maintain their fabric and improve their facilities is beyond praise.' (photo)

Vazir Ramzan Merchant, President of Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Federal Council for Pakistan receiving the 'Golden Mercury Award' on behalf of Sarkar Mowlana Hazar Imam. (click here)

The Gold Mercury 'AD PERSONAM' award was bestowed on Mowlana Hazar Imam for the outstanding role in promoting economic cooperation, exchange of technologies and experience, and for his role in renewing social and economic progress.

Pakistan Qaumi Yakjehti Shield award by Pakistan Qaumi Yakjehti Council in recognition of the service of Hazrat Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah.

Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, California, U.S.A awards 34 computer systems worth $120,000 to the Aga Khan Foundation's education projects in Kenya. Mr. Mark Vermilion, Manager of Apple computer grants said; 'The Aga Khan Foundation has a substantial track record of innovative development, health and educational projects worldwide.'

award by Pakistan Medical Association, Sind. The President of the Medical Association said; 'For the first time in 33 years .it has been our great fortune to bestow upon a personality like yours the Honorary Membership .' (click here)

President Zia ul Haq of Pakistan granted the status of 'The Aga Khan University of Health Sciences' to the Aga Khan Medical College and Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Hazar Imam witnessed the inauguration of the Aga Khan School of Nursing, Karachi, by President Zia-ul Haq. The school received subsequently an American Award.

The School of Nursing of the Aga Khan Hospital and Medical College in Karachi won an 'Award of Excellence' from the Boston Society of Architects. (click here)