Prince Rahim Agha Khan

 

Prince Rahim Aga Khan, born on October 12, 1971, in Geneva, Switzerland, is the eldest son of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community. Following the passing of his father in February 2025, Prince Rahim succeeded him as the 50th Imam of the Ismailis. His leadership is expected to carry forward the legacy of his father, focusing on development, humanitarian efforts, and fostering the well-being of the global Ismaili community.

Prince Rahim grew up in a privileged yet grounded environment, with access to the best educational opportunities. He began his education at Phillips Academy Andover in Massachusetts, a prestigious private school in the United States. Following this, he pursued higher education at Brown University in Rhode Island, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature in 1995. His academic journey was marked by a strong interest in the humanities, which helped shape his later work in the Ismaili community.

In addition to his formal education, Prince Rahim continued to enhance his professional knowledge by participating in the Executive Development Program at the IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, in 2006. This mix of liberal arts and business education equipped him with a diverse skill set that would prove valuable in his leadership role.

From an early age, Prince Rahim was involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a global initiative founded by his grandfather, Prince Aga Khan I, aimed at improving the quality of life for people in underprivileged regions. His deep engagement with the AKDN’s various programs has spanned sectors such as education, healthcare, economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Prince Rahim's work within AKDN has helped advance the organization's mission of promoting development and reducing poverty, especially in areas like South Asia, Africa, and Central Asia.

Prince Rahim holds various leadership positions within AKDN and its affiliated organizations. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, and the Aga Khan University Foundation, among other entities. These institutions collectively aim to create lasting positive impacts through education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.

One of Prince Rahim’s most notable roles has been in supporting environmental initiatives. He has shown a strong commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and advocating for sustainable practices. His work has included