Opened in Ottawa in December 2008, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Canada offers a centre for building relationships, enabling quiet diplomacy, disseminating knowledge and information, while reflecting AKDN’s wide-ranging humanistic agenda.
AKDN’s Diplomatic Office coordinates AKDN activities in Canada, collaborates with civil society organisations, and works with the Canadian government and the diplomatic community on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships in countries of common interest.
It is based in the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Canada, which opened in Ottawa in December 2008. The Delegation offers a centre to enable quiet diplomacy and disseminate knowledge and information, while reflecting AKDN’s wide-ranging humanistic agenda.
A Protocol of Understanding between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Canada was signed in February 2014. It grants diplomatic courtesies to the Delegation and allows for the exchange of diplomatic representatives between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat.
The Delegation also houses the headquarters of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), a Canadian development agency established in 1980. Working with sister agencies within the AKDN, AKFC has impacted the lives of millions in Africa and Asia by tackling poverty on multiple fronts, in a sustainable, long-term manner. It works closely with the Government of Canada and many other Canadian institutions.
Since its opening, the Delegation has served as the site for a diverse array of activities that promote learning and dialogue on international development and humanitarian issues. Past events – often convened in partnership with other like-minded institutions – have included conferences, exhibitions, high-level roundtables, book launches and interactive workshops.
The Building
Designed by award-winning architect Fumihiko Maki, the Delegation conveys openness and transparency. It is inspired by the natural luminosity and multi-faceted shape of rock crystal, and the play of light on transparent and translucent surfaces creates a dynamic visual effect throughout the building.
The Delegation received the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture in 2012 and the Celebration of Excellence Award and People’s Choice Award in 2010 from the Ontario Association of Architects.