This fall, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in the United States welcomes CEO, Aleem Walji. Aleem comes to the Foundation from the World Bank where he was Chief Innovation Advisor. Previously, he was Head of Global Initiatives at Google.org and served as the first CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation in Syria.

Aleem says he is excited to engage once again with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which is rooted in the developing world, inspired by a universal ethic of social responsibility, and doing work that is so important in light of world events. He is particularly moved by the Network’s commitment to building permanent institutions and taking a long-term view to address complex development challenges.

“At this moment, I feel compelled to join an institution doing such important work in bringing hope to communities and igniting the spirit of individual enterprise that inspires people to improve the quality of their own lives,” Aleem said. “I can’t think of anything more important at this moment in history.”

Aleem first witnessed the work of AKDN in northern Pakistan two decades ago while he was in graduate school. There, he was inspired by the AKDN’s work with village organizations and how it reflected local priorities and energies.

Aleem notes, “When so many people in so many parts of the world are living in unstable environments, it is critical that the institutions of civil society help fill that void to create the conditions for prosperity and positive social change.”

Aleem is married to Sulfyna Murji, who ran with the AKF Run Team in the 2014 Boston Marathon as an act of hope, friendship and peace. They have two sons, Sinan and Qahir.

Welcome, Aleem! We are glad to be working together on that important mission.