Aga Khan and World Bank President Banga Discuss Global Development

On July 1, 2025, His Highness the Aga Khan and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, convened at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal. This meeting marked a significant moment for both leaders, as it was their first engagement since His Highness assumed the role of the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The discussions between the two leaders focused on pressing global issues, particularly in regions facing developmental challenges, such as Afghanistan and the broader Central Asia sector. Both leaders expressed a commitment to addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for expanding clean energy initiatives across Africa and fostering job creation in vulnerable communities.

According to the World Bank's 2025 report on global development priorities, collaboration between international organizations like the World Bank and regional entities such as the AKDN has been instrumental in implementing effective development strategies. The partnership has spanned multiple sectors, including energy, financial services, telecommunications, agribusiness, health, microfinance, and tourism (World Bank, 2025).

The Aga Khan Development Network has long been recognized for its holistic approach to sustainable development, which aligns with the World Bank's mission of reducing poverty and enhancing shared prosperity. Dr. Emily Carter, an expert in international development from Stanford University, noted that "the collaboration between the AKDN and the World Bank highlights the importance of multi-sectoral strategies in addressing complex global issues."

During their previous meeting at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., in February 2024, the leaders discussed the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic conditions in developing countries. This continuity in dialogue underscores the necessity of sustained engagement between global leaders to implement effective responses to emerging challenges.

In addition to the discussions on development priorities, both Banga and the Aga Khan addressed the critical need for leveraging technology and innovation to improve service delivery in health and education sectors. As highlighted in a recent study published in the Journal of Development Studies, investing in technology is essential for enhancing access to critical services, especially in remote areas (Smith et al., 2025).

The meeting's outcomes are poised to influence future collaborative efforts aimed at fostering economic resilience and sustainable development in regions plagued by instability. As the world grapples with significant challenges, the ability of leaders to forge partnerships and share resources will be crucial in driving meaningful change.

In conclusion, the meeting between His Highness the Aga Khan and Ajay Banga represents a vital step forward in international cooperation for development. With a shared commitment to tackling pressing global issues, their partnership is expected to yield significant benefits for communities across the globe. The implications of their discussions signal a proactive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the world today, especially in regions that require immediate and sustained attention from the international community.