Our Impact
In the run up to the Global Encounters Festival next summer, The Ismaili will shine a spotlight on the sporting talent in our Jamat. First up: from setting records aged 14 to representing her country at international level, Tanzania’s top female swimmer Natalia Ladha is a force to be reckoned with.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.