Our Impact

Global Encounters Festival postponed to 2025
Global Encounters Festival postponed to 2025
16 January 2024

Due to the current environment of conflict and uncertainty in parts of the world, the Global Encounters Festival planned for Dubai in 2024 is being postponed until mid-2025.

Thousands of volunteers ensured that the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in July 2018 was a success.
Thousands of volunteers ensured that the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in July 2018 was a success.
When care takes centre stage
When care takes centre stage
22 September 2023

For more than a century, a key aspect of the Ismaili community’s identity has been informed by a deep commitment to a culture of care. This concept isn't just encouraged; it's celebrated throughout our global Jamat. Nowhere is this notion of care more evident than in our tradition of serving others.

Three-time world jiu-jitsu champion Moiz Lakhani instructing a kickboxing class for participants.
Three-time world jiu-jitsu champion Moiz Lakhani instructing a kickboxing class for participants.
Pioneers Retreat: A groundbreaking gathering of Ismaili sports professionals
Pioneers Retreat: A groundbreaking gathering of Ismaili sports professionals
14 August 2023

Professional sports are popular around the world and until recently, little was known about the many Ismailis working in the field of athletics. A new event, called the Pioneers Retreat, is hoping to bring these Ismaili professionals out of the woodwork.

Let's go Dubai

Music video: Dubai let’s go
14 July 2023

As we eagerly anticipate a thrilling adventure next summer, The Ismaili is pleased to present the official Global Encounters Festival song, “Dubai let’s go.” This incredible music video was created by talented musicians, vocalists, dancers, and choreographers of different ages from 11 countries, while the song features lines in English, Farsi, Arabic, and Hindi. Whether you’re planning to attend the festival in person or watch along from home — come on, let's go to Dubai!

Introducing Global Encounters Festival 2024
Introducing Global Encounters Festival 2024
20 March 2023

In 2024, talented artists and athletes from more than 30 countries will converge, compete, perform and exhibit on the world stage. The Global Encounters Festival, an initiative of the new Global Encounters institution, will bring together the Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games in one location.  

Meet the NEW Global Encounters
Meet the NEW Global Encounters
8 March 2023

Picture spaces where the Global Jamat from all corners of the world come together to share and celebrate their identities, cultures, passions, and individual talents.  Spaces infused with energy where arts and creativity flourish, lifelong friendships are made, leaders are developed, and new athletic and artistic talent is cultivated. Spaces where youth, families and communities are propelled to new heights. The NEW Global Encounters aspires to do just that.

Global Encounters Camp participants explore restoration work being undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture at the Lahore Fort.
Global Encounters Camp participants explore restoration work being undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture at the Lahore Fort.
Global Encounters Camp helps participants become global citizens
Global Encounters Camp helps participants become global citizens
27 February 2023

In a unique experience last month, Global Encounters facilitators and staff welcomed 38 youth participants to a two-week exploration of service, leadership, and culture in Pakistan.

Global Encounters Camps offer participants a range of service-learning opportunities, leadership preparation, and thoughtful engagement on the pressing issues facing our planet.
Global Encounters Camps offer participants a range of service-learning opportunities, leadership preparation, and thoughtful engagement on the pressing issues facing our planet.
Global Encounters returns to residential camps in 2022
Global Encounters returns to residential camps in 2022
15 January 2022

After a two-year hiatus, Global Encounters hopes to host in-person residential camps in 2022, to be held in Kenya in June and in India and Pakistan in December.

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CONNECT virtual camp continues to unite youth from around the world
CONNECT virtual camp continues to unite youth from around the world
14 April 2021

Covid-19 has changed much of what we do and how we do it; from shaking hands and hugging our friends, to the very way we learn and work with our peers and colleagues. At the same time, Covid-19 has given rise to CONNECT, an initiative of Global Encounters and Aga Khan Youth and Sports Boards from around the world. Taking the form of a virtual camp, CONNECT is a way for Ismaili students to build bonds no matter where they may come from. CONNECT will be returning this summer from 19-25 July and 2-8 August.

Global Encounters CONNECT participants from all over the world form a heart shape together to pose for a virtual group photo.
Global Encounters CONNECT participants from all over the world form a heart shape together to pose for a virtual group photo.
Global Encounters virtual camp to be held in December after successful first session
Global Encounters virtual camp to be held in December after successful first session
22 October 2020

CONNECT, a virtual camp that was brought directly to the homes of 1,075 participants during a 10-day period this July, was an effort to bring the global youth together through creativity and exploration. Due to its success, registration is now open for a second session to be held this December.

26 6 2020 GE

Video: Youth in Syria get creative during lockdown
28 July 2020

Global Encounters alumni from Syria explain how they have been spending time during the recent lockdown, including learning how to play musical instruments, engaging in arts and crafts, dance, online courses, and more.

Global Encounters unveils virtual programme for July 2020
Global Encounters unveils virtual programme for July 2020
22 June 2020

In response to extensive travel restrictions and preventive measures being taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Global Encounters and Aga Khan Youth and Sports Boards from around the world are joining together to offer a new virtual summer camp for the youth of the global Jamat.

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