Dubai: The Aga Khan Foundation has pledged $100 million (AED 367 million) over the next five years to fight malnutrition, joining forces with global philanthropists, governments, and development partners in the Edge of Life campaign. This initiative, launched during Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to raise a minimum of AED 1 billion to combat childhood hunger worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement of the Aga Khan Foundation's commitment was made during a Suhoor event organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). The event, held at the Armani Dubai Hotel, Burj Khalifa, was attended by philanthropic and business leaders, in collaboration with His Excellency Badr Jafar, the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy.
This commitment represents a significant expansion of the Aga Khan Development Network's (AKDN) long-standing efforts to improve nutrition and food systems across Asia and Africa. In his first year of leadership, His Highness the Aga Khan has more than doubled AKDN's financial commitment to nutrition, building on existing projects in Africa and approving the expansion of the Central Asia Stunting Initiative in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, and Tajikistan. With these ongoing programs, AKDN will allocate approximately $100 million over the next five years to initiatives aimed at preventing malnutrition and strengthening nutrition systems in vulnerable communities.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, emphasized the global trust in the UAE's humanitarian approach, which has inspired exceptional responses from international philanthropies to the Edge of Life campaign. Al Gergawi described the strategic partnerships as bridges of hope that establish a collective action ecosystem to break the cycle of hunger in the most vulnerable regions. He commended the Aga Khan Foundation's contribution as a primary driver toward the campaign's goal of rescuing five million children from hunger worldwide.
The Foundation's efforts reflect the belief that addressing malnutrition requires sustained commitment and collective action across sectors and societies. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed his honor in joining global partners to support efforts ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and contribute to their communities.