February 13, 2015 – More than 200 people gathered in Nairobi, Kenya on February 12 to mark the official launch of the Institute for Human Development.

The Institute is an initiative of Aga Khan University, and the wider Aga Khan Development Network, to expand and drive innovation in research and higher education, focused on human development. It was launched at an inaugural conference on the importance of investments in early childhood development.

“The Institute will be a significant agent in finding a way to understand the issues that face us as a world – a world with challenges, but also opportunities,” said Kofi Marfo, the Institute’s founding director.

With a particular focus on the developing world, the new knowledge generated by the Institute will aim to advance quality of life for individuals and communities, and build successful pluralistic societies.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development have played an important role in laying the foundation for the Institute, including supporting the development of its long-term strategic direction.

The three-day conference features delegates from 22 countries, and will close on February 14 with remarks from His Excellency David Angell, the High Commissioner for Canada in Kenya.

For more information about the Institute, see: www.aku.edu/ihd