Joint declaration between Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness the Aga Khan
Joint declaration between Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness the Aga Khan
The political landscape of Canada and the global humanitarian community witnessed a historic milestone on March 25, 2026, as Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V formalised a deep-rooted partnership through a comprehensive joint declaration. This meeting, held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, represents more than just a diplomatic encounter; it is a renewal of a five-decade-long relationship grounded in shared values of pluralism, compassion, and sustainable development. As Canada navigates a complex era of housing shortages and shifting global dynamics, this joint declaration outlines a strategic roadmap for collaborative action both within Canadian borders and across the most challenging environments in Africa and Asia.
The joint declaration between Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness the Aga Khan establishes a new framework for cooperation focused on three primary pillars: affordable housing in Canada, international economic development, and principled global diplomacy. Key initiatives include a long-term partnership with the Ismaili Imamat to build multi-generational not-for-profit housing through the Build Canada Homes program and the creation of an Economic Partnership Platform. This platform will align the efforts of FinDev Canada and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) to invest in renewable energy, infrastructure, and agriculture in emerging economies, further solidified by the appointment of David Lametti as the new Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat.
The Historical Context of Canada-Ismaili Imamat Relations
The relationship between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat is unique in international relations. For over fifty years, Canada has served as a sanctuary and a land of opportunity for the Ismaili community, which now numbers over 120,000 in the country. This partnership was first forged during the leadership of the late Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and has been nurtured by successive administrations. The 2026 visit by Prince Rahim Aga Khan V marks the first official visit of the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims to Canada, signalling a generational transition and a commitment to maintaining the momentum of previous decades.
Throughout this history, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Canadian government have collaborated on dozens of projects. From the establishment of the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa to joint ventures in maternal health in Afghanistan and education in East Africa, the synergy between Canadian values and the Imamat’s developmental ethics has been a constant. The current declaration seeks to elevate this bond from traditional development assistance to a strategic economic and social partnership designed for the complexities of the mid-21st century.
Addressing the Housing Crisis: The Build Canada Homes Partnership
At the heart of the domestic agenda within the joint declaration is a major commitment to addressing Canada’s affordable housing crisis. Prime Minister Carney has prioritised "Build Canada Homes" as a flagship policy, and the Ismaili Imamat has stepped forward as a critical private-sector partner in this endeavour. The declaration welcomes a series of investments by the Imamat in multi-generational not-for-profit housing projects. These projects are specifically designed to cater to low- and moderate-income households, ensuring that families can live in dignified, sustainable environments.
The partnership will be established through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a pipeline of housing projects across major Canadian urban centres. Unlike traditional real estate developments, these initiatives focus on multi-generational living, reflecting the Ismaili community’s emphasis on family cohesion and social support systems. By combining federal land and financial incentives with the Imamat’s expertise in community building and long-term asset management, the initiative aims to provide a scalable model for social housing that could be replicated globally.
The Economic Partnership Platform: Bridging Public and Private Capital
Internationally, the joint declaration introduces the Economic Partnership Platform, a sophisticated financial mechanism intended to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of emerging economies. This platform marks a shift toward "blended finance," where public development funds are used to de-risk and attract private investment into high-impact sectors. The core of this platform is the collaboration between FinDev Canada—Canada’s development finance institution—and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED).
By pooling resources, the two entities intend to identify and fund large-scale projects in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions. The focus remains on essential infrastructure, such as clean water systems, renewable energy grids, and agricultural technology. This approach is designed to move beyond traditional aid, fostering self-sustaining economic ecosystems that provide jobs and stability to local populations. The platform also emphasizes the inclusion of women and youth in the workforce, ensuring that economic growth is both inclusive and durable.
Strategic Collaboration in Africa and Asia
The geographical focus of the joint declaration is intentionally broad, covering regions where both Canada and the AKDN have established footprints. In Africa, the partnership looks toward the Great Lakes region and West Africa, aiming to bolster energy security and health infrastructure. In Asia, the focus remains on Central and South Asian nations, where the AKDN has historically operated in mountainous and rural areas that are often underserved by traditional markets.
Specific attention is given to the Ruzizi III Hydropower Project, a landmark regional public-private partnership in Africa. The declaration notes the interest of both parties in exploring further support for such large-scale energy initiatives that promote regional peace through economic integration. By providing reliable electricity, these projects serve as the foundation for industrial growth, education, and modernized healthcare, aligning perfectly with Canada's commitment to climate action and global stability.
| Key Priority Area | Specific Strategic Initiative |
|---|---|
| Domestic Housing | Build Canada Homes Not-for-Profit Pipeline |
| Global Finance | Economic Partnership Platform (FinDev & AKFED) |
| Regional Stability | Joint Development Programming in Syria and Africa |
| Diplomatic Presence | Appointment of Representative to the Ismaili Imamat |
Humanitarian Recovery and Sustainable Development in Syria
One of the more poignant aspects of the joint declaration is the renewed commitment to joint development programming in Syria. Despite the immense challenges posed by years of conflict, the Aga Khan Development Network has remained on the ground, providing essential services to vulnerable populations. Canada, as a leading humanitarian donor, seeks to align its recovery efforts with the AKDN’s proven models of community-led development.
The collaboration in Syria will focus on immediate recovery needs, such as restoring agricultural livelihoods and repairing local healthcare clinics, while also looking toward longer-term sustainable development. This involves building capacity within local civil society organizations to ensure that recovery is led by the people it serves. The declaration underscores the importance of pluralism and inclusion in these efforts, ensuring that all ethnic and religious groups have a stake in a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Workforce of the Future: Education, Skills, and Innovation
Prime Minister Carney and Prince Rahim Aga Khan also discussed the necessity of building the "workforce of the future." The declaration tasks the Canada-Ismaili Imamat Joint Steering Committee with identifying new areas for collaboration in education and skills development. This includes leveraging Canadian innovations in digital technology and vocational training to support partner countries in the Global South.
The goal is to better connect Canadian technological advancements—particularly in agriculture and climate action—with global markets that need them most. By creating pathways for scaling Canadian tech in emerging economies, the partnership fosters a reciprocal relationship where Canadian expertise drives global development while opening new opportunities for Canadian innovators. This focus on "talent and workforce" ensures that the youth in both Canada and partner nations are equipped to handle the challenges of a green and digital transition.
Principled Global Diplomacy and the Role of the Imamat
In a world characterized by increasing polarization and conflict, the joint declaration reaffirms the need for "quiet, principled diplomacy." The Ismaili Imamat, as a non-state actor with significant global influence, occupies a unique position to facilitate dialogue where traditional state-to-state diplomacy may falter. Canada recognizes the value of the Imamat's role in preserving human dignity and ending conflicts through mediation and the promotion of pluralist values.
The leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to prevent further regional escalation. The declaration reflects a shared dedication to building prosperity and capacity in geographies of mutual interest, using development as a tool for peace. By strengthening the "social fabric" of communities, the partnership aims to create resilient societies that are less prone to the shocks of extremism and instability.
The Appointment of David Lametti and Future Engagement
To ensure the long-term success of the initiatives outlined in the declaration, Prime Minister Carney announced a significant diplomatic appointment. The Honourable David Lametti, currently Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will take on the additional role of the new Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. This appointment underscores the high priority the Canadian government places on this relationship, elevating it to a level of strategic importance usually reserved for sovereign nations.
This new representative will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of the housing and economic platforms and serving as a liaison between the various federal departments and the AKDN. The declaration concludes with a commitment for both leaders to remain in close contact, ensuring that the Joint Steering Committee meets regularly to monitor progress. Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed his intention for this to be the first of many visits, signaling a new chapter of "perpetual partnership" between Canada and the Imamat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of the 2026 Joint Declaration?
It formalizes a strategic partnership between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat, focusing on solving Canada's housing crisis and driving economic growth in developing nations through shared investments.
2. How does the Ismaili Imamat help with Canadian housing?
Through the Build Canada Homes program, the Imamat is investing in multi-generational not-for-profit housing projects aimed at low- and moderate-income families.
3. What is the Economic Partnership Platform?
It is a joint initiative between FinDev Canada and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development to pool public and private capital for infrastructure, renewable energy, and agriculture in Africa and Asia.
4. Who is David Lametti in this context?
The Honourable David Lametti has been appointed as Canada's official Representative to the Ismaili Imamat to deepen collaboration and oversee the joint declaration's initiatives.
5. Why is Canada collaborating with the Aga Khan in Syria?
The Aga Khan Development Network has a long-standing presence in Syria. Canada is partnering with them to provide humanitarian recovery and promote long-term stability through community-based projects.
Conclusion
The joint declaration between Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness the Aga Khan stands as a testament to the power of shared values in a fractured world. By addressing the immediate needs of Canadians through innovative housing solutions and tackling global inequality through the Economic Partnership Platform, this collaboration offers a blueprint for how state and non-state actors can work together for the common good. As the relationship enters its sixth decade, the appointment of a dedicated representative and the launch of multi-billion dollar initiatives ensure that the Canada-Imamat bond will remain a cornerstone of Canadian foreign and domestic policy for years to come. The "promise of Canada" that the Aga Khan referenced remains a beacon, now bolstered by a practical and ambitious roadmap for a more pluralistic and prosperous global community.
Joint declaration between Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness the Aga Khan
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