Last Updated on: 23rd May 2021, 04:33 am
The Aga Khan University (AKU) first-ever virtual global convocation was broadcast live to a global audience on Saturday as 667 students from three continents graduated and gave speeches by His Highness the Aga Khan, Guest Director Melinda French Gates, and the AKU President Firoz Rasul heard.
The global closing ceremony of AKU 2021 took place in practically 13 time zones around the world. He was followed by Aga Khan IV (named Hazar Imam), who gave the Chancellor’s speech. Melinda French Gates gave her keynote address.
In his opening speech, Firoz Rassul mentioned the various partners such as Johnson & Johnson, Harvard University, and many other prominent organizations that had worked with AKU for many years.
The ceremony was attended by Prince Amyn Mohammed, Princess Zahra, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad.
AKU founder and chancellor Aga Khan took pride in the university’s contributions to the fight against the pandemic and praised the courage and resilience of its faculty, staff, and students.
He congratulated the graduates from Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Great Britain on choosing a “Path of Service to Humanity”.
“The university has made a critical difference in advising national governments, training public-sector medical staff, working with teachers and schools, raising media and journalism awareness, and doing everything it can to treat patients and bring them to life rescue.”
He also pointed out the role of AKU researchers in monitoring new coronavirus mutations, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and evaluating therapies for Covid-19.
Melinda, co-chair, and trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commended the university for its leadership in improving health and empowering women and expressed her confidence in the graduates.
“Aga Khan University is not just a global resource, it is a transformative force for public and women’s health. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with AKU,” she said.
“As an AKU graduate, you will join a remarkable group of women and men who are changing lives for the better all over the world. And let me tell you, the world is in dire need of your energy and guidance.”
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The Gates Foundation and the Aga Khan Development Network – including AKU – are working together in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and East Africa to improve health, advance economic development, and create opportunities for women, women, and girls.
To date, the foundation has provided AKU with around $90 million for research and other projects in areas such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and Covid-19.
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