Global Encounters Festival 2025: Youth Engagement, Regional Partnerships, and a New Vision for Development

The Global Encounters Festival 2025, held in Dubai from July 20 to 27, brought together more than 4,000 young participants from over 50 countries, including a strong presence from East Africa. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre and supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, the event drew more than 25,000 attendees in person and reached millions through global broadcast. It combined sport, the arts, service, and leadership development, while also reinforcing the value of community engagement in international cooperation.

The event was a structured initiative anchored by the Ismaili community’s decades-long investment in building global relationships and fostering opportunities for young people through education, civic participation, and ethical leadership. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) provided the institutional backbone behind much of the program delivery and long-term planning.

The Ismaili Community and Its Roots in East Africa

The Ismaili presence in East Africa began in the mid-19th century, with early settlements along the Swahili coast and in commercial trade hubs inland. Over time, the community became an integral part of national development in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It contributed to the region’s infrastructure, education, and health sectors, while also supporting entrepreneurship, social enterprises, and civic institutions.

Much of this progress was shaped by the leadership of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. His commitment to pluralism, meritocracy, and service helped build a network of institutions across the continent. Under his guidance, AKDN became one of the most influential development organizations in Africa, and globally, delivering tangible improvements in public health, education, and civil society.

Many of the young athletes, artists, and leaders representing East Africa at the Global Encounters Festival have been supported directly or indirectly by these investments. Their participation reflects a legacy that combines identity with an unwavering commitment to building public good.

A Platform for Values-Driven Global Engagement

Global Encounters began as a legacy initiative of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, designed to bring together young people from across the world in a setting that promotes cross-cultural dialogue, ethical leadership, and service to society. Over the years, it has evolved into a sophisticated global program that continues to grow in scale and impact.

The 2025 edition in Dubai featured sport competitions, art exhibitions, service projects, and immersive workshops. Leadership sessions focused on sustainability, climate action, inclusive education, and digital innovation. The entire festival was powered by renewable energy, using International Renewable Energy Certificates from Dubai’s solar grid infrastructure, demonstrating a strong alignment with the global energy transition agenda.

This approach reflects the AKDN’s integrated model, which seeks to balance cultural and social objectives with sustainability and long-term policy alignment. For governments globally, it presents a unique example of what can be achieved when civil society partners are empowered to deliver youth programming at scale.

Strengthening Ties Between the UAE and the Ismaili Community

The choice of Dubai as the host city sent a strong diplomatic message. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The opening ceremony featured remarks from Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, who welcomed the global Ismaili community and acknowledged the presence of Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and Prince Amyn Aga Khan.

During the opening ceremony, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community through a video delivered a message of gratitude that reflected the significance of the host country’s support. He said:

“I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks to His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; to the city of Dubai; and to the government of the United Arab Emirates for the warm welcome they have extended.”

He noted that sport and the arts are not just forms of creative expression, but also tools that bring people together across borders. His message emphasized continuity of purpose and the importance of building platforms that connect people through shared values.

The continued cooperation between the UAE government and the Ismaili community is not new. It reflects a historic and long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to pluralism and civic development. The festival reaffirmed this relationship and expanded it through the inclusion of new thematic areas such as environmental action and youth innovation. It brought Ismailis from nearly 25 different countries culminating in Dubai, which is now being seen as a hub of global tolerance, inclusivity and diversity.

A New Era of Leadership with Prince Rahim Aga Khan

Today, the Ismaili community looks toward the future under the leadership and guidance of Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th hereditary Imam. His work not only continues the legacy of his late father, but is also focused on advancing environmental responsibility, promoting ethical governance, and expanding digital access across the developing world.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan has already introduced new initiatives within AKDN aimed at strengthening green finance, educational equity, and institutional partnerships. His vision is grounded in continuity, but it also reflects the urgency of the moment. He brings to the role a focus on innovation and a belief that young people, if empowered, can become agents of meaningful transformation. The Global Encounters Festival is a reflection of this approach. It is a space where young people are not only celebrated for their talents, but equipped to lead in areas that matter to society.

The Strategic Value of the Global Encounters Model

For governments in East Africa and across the continent, Global Encounters offers more than a template for youth programming. It presents a working example of how transnational communities can deliver impact that aligns with public objectives. From climate policy to skills development, the festival intersects with key priorities on the regional and continental agendas.

Partnerships between governments and institutions like AKDN provide a valuable mechanism for translating policy into action, particularly in education, civic service, and social enterprise. These partnerships also create platforms where emerging leaders can connect with peers globally, access new opportunities, and represent their communities in a positive and dignified manner.

Reinforcing Purpose Through Participation

The Global Encounters Festival 2025 demonstrated the potential of well-organized, community-driven programs to build long-term bridges between people and institutions. It offered a rare example of how civil society, when supported by governments and anchored by values, can produce results that serve both individuals and the public good.

The participation of East African youth was a reminder that development is not only about infrastructure or economic growth. It is also about giving young people the tools, space, and encouragement to participate in building their societies and contributing globally. Events like Global Encounters show what is possible when that investment is made.