Mawlana Hazar Imam looks on as Secretary General Ambassador Dr Richard Sezibera addresses the gathering during the official opening of the East African Community Headquarters. Zahur RamjiArusha, 28 November 2012 – Mawlana Hazar Imam took part today in the inauguration of the new headquarters of the East African Community (EAC). Together with EAC leaders and the heads of state from its member countries, Hazar Imam toured the facility and took part in inaugural ceremonies.
The new building sits on a 9.85 acre parcel of land in Arusha town near the Arusha International Conference Center – the site of the first EAC headquarters. The 14 925 square metre complex houses the EAC Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly and the East African Court of Justice. It includes state-of-the-art conference facilities, committee rooms, courtrooms, a library, an archive, a media centre, as well as shopping and dining facilities.
In July, Mawlana Hazar Imam and EAC Secretary General Ambassador Richard Sezibera signed an agreement to strengthen and broaden cooperation between the Aga Khan Development Network and the EAC in the areas of economic, social and cultural development throughout East Africa. The agreement, which aims to improve the quality of life of peoples in the region through employment creation, income generation and poverty reduction, also envisions the expansion of the Aga Khan University as a regional university for East Africa. AKU will set up centres or campuses in each partner state, in addition to establishing a principal campus in Arusha.
Mawlana Hazar Imam with heads of state, ministers and leaders of the EAC and other African dignitaries on the occasion of the inauguration of the new ECB headquarters. Zahur Ramji
