Canada
Canada, Ismaili Imamat Join Forces for Inclusive Growth Across Continents: In a landmark diplomatic engagement, Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, welcomed the first official visit of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to the country from March 25 to 31, 2026. The visit marked a significant step forward in strengthening the longstanding partnership between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat, rooted in shared values of pluralism, inclusion, and sustainable development.
During high-level discussions, both leaders announced a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at addressing key global and domestic challenges, including affordable housing, international development, and economic growth.
A major highlight of the visit was Canada’s commitment to collaborate with the Ismaili Imamat on tackling the country’s affordable housing crisis. Through the government’s Build Canada Homes initiative, a long-term partnership will be formalized via a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration will focus on developing multi-generational, not-for-profit housing projects designed to support low- and moderate-income households across Canada, creating a steady pipeline of affordable housing developments nationwide.
Expanding beyond domestic priorities, both sides reaffirmed their shared vision for inclusive economic development globally. To this end, Prime Minister Carney and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V announced the creation of a new Economic Partnership Platform. This initiative will strengthen cooperation between FinDev Canada and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development through a formal agreement. The partnership will focus on advancing sustainable growth in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and financial services.
The collaboration also extends to humanitarian and development efforts in conflict-affected regions. Canada and the Aga Khan Development Network are jointly working on recovery and long-term development programs in Syria, while continuing to expand partnerships across Africa and Asia. These initiatives aim to enhance economic opportunity, healthcare access, and education, often in collaboration with other like-minded nations.
Recognizing the importance of future-ready economies, both parties have tasked the Canada-Ismaili Imamat Joint Steering Committee with identifying new areas for cooperation. These include advancing education, language training, and skills development; promoting Canadian innovation in global markets—particularly in climate action, agriculture, and health; and supporting energy security initiatives in developing regions.
A notable project under consideration is the Ruzizi III Hydropower Project in the African Great Lakes region. This public-private partnership, supported by the Industrial Promotion Services of AKFED, represents a model for regional cooperation in clean energy and economic integration.
In a key diplomatic appointment, the leaders also welcomed the designation of David Lametti, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, as the new Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. His role will be pivotal in advancing strategic collaboration across government sectors.
The Canada-Ismaili Imamat Joint Steering Committee, established under the 2014 Protocol of Understanding, will oversee the implementation of these initiatives and provide annual progress reports, ensuring accountability and sustained momentum.
This historic visit underscores a deepening alliance between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat—one that continues to champion inclusive growth, global cooperation, and a shared commitment to building a more equitable world.
