London, 27 October 2015 — UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova spoke at the Ismaili Centre, London on the challenges of protecting cultural heritage in times of conflict. An on-stage question and answer session moderated by New York Times Editorial Board Member Serge Schmemann followed.

Toronto, 6 June 2015 — The Montreal-based Constantinople Musical Ensemble, along with special guests from Greece and Turkey, gave a concert at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto. Their performance recalled the sights and sounds of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), a city rich in history and culture.

Toronto, 28 May 2015 — The Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada delivered the Global Centre for Pluralism Annual Lecture. The event took place at the Aga Khan Museum in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam and numerous Canadian dignitaries.

“The future is really bright, if you know where to shine the light,” says Alisha Sonawalla, a self-acclaimed culture enthusiast. She is one of many Ismaili youth in India, who see a bright future for their country — one they are keen to shape with their optimism and confidence.

The annual Nour Festival celebrates the best in contemporary Middle Eastern and North African arts and culture. As a partner in the festival, the Ismaili Centre, London hosted a series of events showcasing the colours, sounds and life of the Silk Route, incorporating Middle East and North Africa and its cultural influence across the regions.

Over the weekend of 11–12 October, the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon took part in Lisboa Open House, an annual event to raise awareness about spaces of architectural and cultural value. Visitors learnt about the relationship between the architecture of the building and the history and values of a Muslim community that has been in Portugal for decades.

An event hosted at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai by the Aga Khan Museum and the Embassy of Canada to the United Arab Emirates offered a preview of what will be the first museum in North America dedicated to the Islamic arts and cultures. Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak al-Nahyan applauded the Museum’s goal to showcase diversity of Muslim societies and foster greater understanding amongst peoples of different backgrounds.

In July 2013, 64 students with roots in 13 countries gathered at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa to participate in Global Encounters, the first summer programme of its kind for Ismaili youth from around the world. Students engaged with pressing issues in global development, contended with real-world challenges, broadened their world views, built new friendships, and nurtured a sense of self-discovery.

Earlier this year, Ismaili youth from the Far East came together in Thailand to join in celebrating the country’s new year festival – well known for celebrants splashing water on one another! It proved to be a memorable way for the youth to connect while immersing themselves in a unique tradition of Thai culture, says participant Adeel Gilani.