The Ismaili Imamat has pledged €100 million to support Syria’s recovery and humanitarian needs, as announced by His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan during the ninth annual European Commission conference in support of Syria. The conference, titled “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” focused on mobilizing international support for Syria’s reconstruction and long-term stability.
Speaking at the event, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, in his first public engagement since assuming office as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network, reaffirmed the Imamat’s commitment to addressing Syria’s pressing challenges. On behalf of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network, he announced a commitment of at least €100 million over the next two years. The pledge will support efforts to expand healthcare and education, strengthen food security, invest in renewable energy, and preserve Syria’s cultural heritage. He emphasized that achieving meaningful progress would require an end to violence and a shared commitment to peace by all parties.
The conference, co-hosted by senior European Union officials, gathered representatives from Syria’s interim government, the United Nations, and regional and international partners. Discussions centered on the humanitarian crisis and the country’s path to reconstruction. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stressed the need for an inclusive transition that reflects the aspirations of all Syrians. On the sidelines of the event, Prince Rahim Aga Khan met with key international figures, including Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister, United Nations officials, and representatives from donor countries, reaffirming the Imamat’s engagement in global partnerships for Syria’s recovery.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been actively involved in Syria’s development for over 25 years. Since 2012, its focus has shifted to crisis response, providing support to more than two million people across the country. With a workforce of over 780 professionals, mostly Syrians, and more than 700 volunteers, AKDN continues to operate in critical areas, including healthcare, education, economic development, and cultural restoration. Working alongside international partners such as the European Commission, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Nations, AKDN remains committed to long-term recovery efforts.
Syria continues to face severe economic and humanitarian challenges. Over 80 percent of the population lives in poverty, with food insecurity affecting nearly 60 percent of Syrians. Half of the country’s healthcare facilities remain non-functional, and millions of children are out of school. Access to clean water and electricity has deteriorated, further complicating daily life. The €100 million pledge by the Ismaili Imamat aims to alleviate some of these challenges by fostering resilience, supporting humanitarian assistance, and contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
As the crisis in Syria reaches a critical juncture, international support remains essential in shaping a stable and inclusive future. The Ismaili Imamat’s pledge highlights its broader mission of humanitarian aid and development, reinforcing its commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities in Syria and beyond.