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At a convocation ceremony on 9 June for the Faculty of Arts and Science at Concordia University, Montreal, Princess Zahra was awarded an honorary doctorate for her contributions over many decades to improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities around the world.

Concordia University Chancellor Gina Cody presided over the ceremony, and Professor Anne Wade formally presented Princess Zahra’s achievements to graduands, faculty, and guests.

Professor Wade read the citation, stating, “Princess Zahra Aga Khan is a distinguished leader within the Aga Khan Development Network… widely regarded for her inspired leadership, shaping futures through education, healthcare and cultural stewardship.”

Princess Zahra, who was accompanied by her children, Sara and Iliyan Boyden, expressed her gratitude to Concordia University for the honour and for its partnership with AKDN.

“I accept this honorary degree with utmost respect, humility and gratitude, on behalf of all those around the world from remote villages to isolated valleys,” she said. “Their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to the cause of development, to improving the quality of life of people in the most vulnerable communities around the world, is the true foundation of this honour.”

Since 2010, Concordia has collaborated with AKDN agencies on a wide range of educational initiatives. The University has offered scholarships to select graduates of the Aga Khan Schools, enabling them to pursue and complete higher education in Canada. It has also partnered with the Aga Khan Academies’ Professional Development Centres in East Africa and South Asia to develop early years literacy and numeracy through teacher training and the use of Concordia’s Learning Toolkit+ in 173 government schools.

Earlier this year, Princess Zahra was appointed by His Highness the Aga Khan to be the Pro-Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, where she has served as a trustee for over two decades. She is also a trustee of the University of Central Asia and sits on the boards of a number of AKDN agencies as well as the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

The convocation ceremony coincides with Concordia’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Princess Zahra’s message to the graduating class on this milestone occasion was one of hope and determination:

“You, the graduands, have had the good fortune of studying in a country that values freedom, compassion, pluralism, equity, democracy, openness to others, education, generosity and a spirit of welcome,” she said. “Keep these values in your hearts and in your actions throughout your lives, as they will allow you to build a better world for all.”