Launched in 2008 as part of His Highness the Aga Khan's Golden Jubilee commemorating 50 years of Imamat, Ismaili CIVIC has since grown into a global platform, uniting the Shia Ismaili Muslim community in its centuries-old tradition of serving humanity, with its reach expanding to over 30 countries by 2020. Rooted in the community's ethics and long-standing tradition of voluntary service, the initiative fosters a spirit of compassion, unity, and social responsibility. Ismaili CIVIC is currently active in 33 countries, has engaged hundreds of thousands of volunteers, and positively impacted millions of beneficiaries worldwide.
The programme mobilises community volunteers around the world to participate in service activities that benefit society, including environmental conservation, health and wellness programmes, disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and educational initiatives. By partnering with external organisations, local governments, and other community groups, Ismaili CIVIC aims to create positive, lasting impacts that reflect the community's values of compassion, care, and responsibility.
The Ismaili Muslim Community
The Ismaili Muslim community is a culturally diverse community living in over 35 countries around the world who follow the Shia branch of Islam, under the spiritual leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan, their 49th hereditary Imam. The community adheres to a 1,400 year tradition of Shi'a values that are expressed through a commitment to a search for knowledge for the betterment of self and society; embracing pluralism by building bridges of peace and understanding; and generously sharing of one's time, talents, and material resources to improve the quality of life of the community and those among whom they live.
This commitment to improving quality of life of all, is driven by His Highness the Aga Khan and reflected in the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a private development agency active in over 30 countries around the world. Through initiatives like Ismaili CIVIC, the Ismaili community continues to play a significant role in fostering ethical leadership and enhancing the well-being of communities across the globe.
About the Global Ismaili CIVIC Day
Global Ismaili CIVIC Day (GICD), serves as a powerful demonstration of the Ismaili community’s commitment to service to humanity. This year marks the 4th Global Ismaili CIVIC Day, whereby members of the Ismaili community worldwide will come together in their commitment to volunteerism and their ethos of improving the quality of life of communities amongst whom they live.
Since 2021, over 170,000 volunteers have been involved in over 2500 Ismaili CIVIC activities around the world in collaboration with close to 900 external partners. Over 3 million trees have been planted and over 170,000 Kilos of waste collected in an effort to protect our world.
The upcoming Global Ismaili CIVIC Day, scheduled for 29 September, 2024, will witness volunteers from around the world coming together to engage in hundreds of activities on a global scale. These activities will range from planting mangrove trees and creating micro forests to organising beach and park cleanups, donating blood and essential resources like clothing and hygiene kits, conducting household contribution drives, and much more. Please join in activities in your city! To find out more please contact [email protected].
To learn more, see Frequently Asked Questions.
