The Government of France conferred honours on Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Amyn for their contributions to culture, both personally and through the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network. The French Minister for Culture and Communication, Frédéric Mitterrand, paid tribute to Hazar Imam and his brother at a ceremony held in Paris last week.

Speaking on behalf of the French government at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, the French Minister for Culture and Communication, Frédéric Mitterrand, described Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Amyn as “individuals who are cosmopolitan in essence, pluralist by religion, and outward-looking through education,” adding that they “have magnificently perpetuated a long family tradition of advocating pluralism and social and cultural engagement throughout the world.”

“In paying tribute to you this evening, we are reminded that the Ismaili faith, through its message of peace and bridge-building, is more than ever at the forefront of dialogue between the great monotheist religions,” said the Minister. “Wherever Ismailis live, we find the particular combination of meditation, tolerance and solidarity that characterises your community.”