Auckland, New Zealand – Ismaili Volunteers and members of Jamati Institutions in Auckland have successfully hosted a remarkable meet-and-greet at the Auckland Jamatkhana, marking a significant stride in fostering dialogue and collaboration across various stakeholders of New Zealand society. The event saw the participation of esteemed guests, including Members of Parliament, academia, senior government executives, partner NGOs, Ummah representatives, corporate leaders and neighbours of Jamatkhana, all contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives aimed at community growth and comprehensive collaboration.
The event featured a notable highlight from Dr Deidre Brown, Acting Dean, Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries at the University of Auckland, who spotlighted the faculty's engagement with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Dr Brown elaborated on the University's involvement in exhibitions, international visits, and educational exchanges under the aegis of AKDN, highlighting the profound impact of these initiatives on architecture and cultural preservation. This included her experience visiting Aga Khan Trust for Culture conservation projects in Delhi, India as well as a visit to the University of Central Asia and signing of a letter of understanding between UCA and University of Auckland.
The event also featured an enlightening exhibition on AKDN, offering insights into the network's wide-ranging initiatives across education, health, and social development. This exhibition not only showcased the global impact of AKDN's work but also celebrated the pivotal contributions of the Ismaili Imamat in these endeavours.
Moreover, the significant efforts of Ismaili CIVIC, both in New Zealand and globally, were acknowledged for their contributions to environmental stewardship and community support, drawing unanimous appreciation from the attendees.
This meet-and-greet at Auckland Jamatkhana has not only opened avenues for future dialogue and collaboration but also reaffirmed the shared commitment of the New Zealand Ismaili community and broader civil society towards community welfare and advancement. The event has laid a strong foundation for continued partnership and unity, empowering all involved to serve our communities with greater impact.
