Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

London, March 13 The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili sect of Shia Muslims, has been named the Global Founding Patron of the Prince of Wales's charitable trust.

The Aga Khan, who also heads the Aga Khan Development Network, will now support the delivery of the work of The Prince's Trust in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and through local partners in India, Jordan, Pakistan, Malta, Barbados and Greece, the trust said in a statement.

"Founded by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, The Prince's Trust has been helping vulnerable young people across the UK since 1976, and is now helping to tackle the global issue of youth unemployment, and supporting young people and their communities to have more positive futures," it said.

The Aga Khan met Prince Charles at the Buckingham Palace, where he was thanked for his support.
Supporters of the charity's work such as Amal and George Clooney, and long-term Ambassadors Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Tom Jones were also present.

The announcement comes at a time when the Prince's Trust is expanding its work and network of expertise globally.

Also among the dinner guests were Ambassadors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Luke Evans and Tinie Tempah who will be presenting awards to young people who have turned their lives around at The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards tomorrow [Wednesday 13th March 2019].

Dame Martina Milburn DCVO CBE, Group Chief Executive said: “We are immeasurably grateful to His Highness the Aga Khan for his contribution to our work and are delighted to welcome him as Global Founding Patron."

“It has been humbling and inspiring to take time tonight, with our dedicated supporters, to celebrate the success of our international work to date and look to a very exciting future."

“Through His Highness’s incredible generosity, and the continued support of our global network, we can expand our work to transform young lives and build stronger communities across the world.”

About The Prince’s Trust Group
The Prince’s Trust Group includes the work of The Prince’s Trust in the UK alongside a network of charities; Prince’s Trust International, The Prince’s Trust Canada, The Prince’s Trust Australia and The Prince’s Trust New Zealand. All of the charities within The Prince’s Trust Group were established by HRH The Prince of Wales. Together, they are providing meaningful support for young people, military veterans, indigenous groups and environmental projects.

About The Prince’s Trust in the UK
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps young people to develop the confidence and skills they need to realise their ambitions, so that they can live, learn and earn. Founded by The Prince of Wales in 1976, the charity supports 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed, struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

Many of the young people helped by The Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law. The programmes offered by the charity give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.