For vulnerable communities in remote, high mountain valleys across Central Asia, lives are changing. Women and men are building the foundations for lasting change, and turning the challenges of today into the opportunities of tomorrow.
They are not alone.
Since 1980, Aga Khan Foundation Canada has helped empower millions in Africa and Asia to improve quality of life for their families, their communities, and their societies. In partnership with the Government of Canada and diverse Canadian institutions and individuals, we are there – to tackle poverty on multiple fronts and build a more peaceful, prosperous, pluralist, and equal world for all.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – a day to celebrate the important gains we have made and to recommit ourselves to these efforts. For Canadians, this year’s theme – “answering the call of October 17 to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies” – has special meaning as we celebrate our 150th anniversary.
At AKFC, we have seen how Canada and Canadians have exercised global leadership in tackling global poverty – from this important partnership with the Government of Canada to create a sustainable, quality health system in Central Asia; to collaborations with Canadian universities and colleges to strengthen knowledge and capacities to address development challenges; to the thousands of dedicated, individual Canadians who each year generously give their time, expertise, and money.
Eliminating poverty is a daunting task, but, working on multiple fronts, over the long term, with local communities in the lead, together, we can make a difference.
