Aga Khan Planning and Building Services
Encyclopedia
Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies that seek to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East...
(AKDN). The agency works to improve the built environment, particularly housing design and construction, village planning, natural hazard mitigation, environmental sanitation, water supplies, and other living conditions. It does this by providing material, technical assistance and applied research, as well as planning and construction management services for communities in both rural and urban areas.
Organization and Governance
AKPBS acts through a series of national service companies that plan, organise and finance activities and operate facilities and programmes in close collaboration with other AKDN institutions, government, and select partner agencies. The national service companies are officially registered as not-for-profit, non-governmental organisations in each country. Their international sponsor is the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services S.A., a not-for-profit company based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Chairman and some or all of the directors of the AKPBS boards in IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
are appointed by the sponsoring company. All directors serve as volunteers on an unremunerated basis.
National Service Companies
- Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan (AKPBS,P)
- Established in 1980 with a mandate to plan and implement infrastructure and technology related development initiatives to improve living conditions within various provinces and regions, such as the Northern Areas of Pakistan, the PunjabPunjab (Pakistan)Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan, with approximately 45% of the country's total population. Forming most of the Punjab region, the province is bordered by Kashmir to the north-east, the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east, the Pakistani province of Sindh to the...
, North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)North-West Frontier ProvinceKhyber Pakhtunkhwa , formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province and various other names, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the north-west of the country...
and SindhSindhSindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
in development program areas such as habitat risk reduction, energy efficient building and construction improvement, water supply and sanitation, and natural resources conservation.
- AKPBS,P's main programs are the Water and Sanitation Extension ProgramWater and Sanitation Extension ProgramThe Water and Sanitation Extension Program is an initiative by the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan to provide clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities to prevent the high incidence of waterborne diseases in disadvantaged communities of Pakistan.WASEP was launched in...
(WASEP), the Building and Construction Improvement ProgramBuilding and Construction Improvement ProgramThe Building and Construction Improvement Program is a program of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan and is engaged in developing and promoting solutions to housing and built environment related issues of rural communities living in the Northern Areas of Pakistan and the...
(BACIP) and the Habitat Risk Management Program (HRMP). These programs have been internationally recognized for their multi-beneficial impact, local community acceptance and role in meeting the Millennium Development GoalsMillennium Development GoalsThe Millennium Development Goals are eight international development goals that all 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015...
.
- Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, India (AKPBS,I)
- Active since 1970, a major focus of their programmes has been the installation of sanitation units in the villages of Gujarat state. AKPBS,I also assists communities with the improvement of village water systems, the construction of water harvesting systems, and water quality monitoring.
Making use of the experiences in Pakistan and India, there are advanced plans for the establishment of AKPBS companies in both Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
and Tajikistan
Tajikistan
Tajikistan , officially the Republic of Tajikistan , is a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east....
.
Ashden Awards, 2011
On June 16, the world’s most prestigious green energy awards announced that the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service’s (AKPBS) innovative Building and Construction Improvement ProgramBuilding and Construction Improvement Program
The Building and Construction Improvement Program is a program of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan and is engaged in developing and promoting solutions to housing and built environment related issues of rural communities living in the Northern Areas of Pakistan and the...
(BACIP) has received the Award for Avoided Deforestation at this year’s Ashden Awards
Ashden Awards
The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy are annual awards given by a charity of the same name that is based in London. They reward local sustainable energy projects in the UK and developing countries that protect the environment, and improve quality of life....
for Sustainable Energy. Princess Zahra, Head of the Social Welfare department of the Aga Khan Development Network
Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies that seek to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East...
, accepted the award on behalf of AKPBS at a ceremony in London addressed by Rt. Hon. Gregory Barker, UK Government Minister for Climate Change. Winners from India and Africa were also announced.
Energy Globe Award - Pakistan, 2009
The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan won the National Energy Globe Award, 2009. Out of more than 800 entries from 111 countries, AKPBS,P's Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP) was selected as the best project for Pakistan. WASEP was also shortlisted in the top three projects worldwide for the Water Category Award for its sustainable, environmentally friendly and efficient supply of safe water, low-cost sanitation facilities and health & hygiene education in many marginalized parts of Northern Pakistan.Both the National Award as well as the Nomination Award were received by AKPBS,P’s Chairman, Mr. Hafiz Sherali, at a highly publicized ceremony held in Rwanda which was attended by a number of top-ranking UN officials as well as famous environmental champions. The Prime Minister of Rwanda, Mr. Bernard Makuza, also attended the Award ceremony. AKPBS,P has received the Energy Globe Award in the past for its household-based energy efficient products and technologies.
Global Leadership Award, 2009
The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air (PCIA) awarded the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan the Global Leadership Award for the year 2009. The award was extended to the AKPBS,P for its Building and Construction Improvement Program (BACIP) and its achievements in improving health, livelihood, and quality of life, particularly of women and children, by reducing exposure to indoor air pollution from household energy use. The award was presented at the 4th Biennial PCIA Forum in Kampala, Uganda on 28 March 2009.The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air (PCIA) Awards Program recognizes organizations committed to improving health, livelihood and quality of life, particularly for women and children, by reducing exposure to indoor air pollution from household energy use. More than 250 public and private organizations have joined the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air. Already, key PCIA Partners have reported helping 1.4 million households to adopt clean cooking and heating practices, reducing harmful exposures for more than 7.6 million people. These Partners plan to reach another 6 million households by 2010.
Energy Globe Award - Pakistan, 2008
The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan was selected as the best project in Pakistan for the Energy Globe Award, 2008. Out of a total of 769 entries from 111 countries, AKPBS,P's Building and Construction Improvement Program (BACIP) won the national Energy Globe Award for Pakistan. This Award is reputed to be a very important environmental award in the world and was received by AKPBS,P’s Chairman, Mr. Hafiz Sherali, at a ceremony held in Prague where political VIPs from around the world met at the gala event in the realm of the Czech EU presidency.The Energy Globe has been awarded annually since 1999 in the realm of a television gala broadcast worldwide. It distinguishes projects from all over the world that conserve our resources such as energy and water or that utilize renewable or emission-free forms of energy. The goal is to present successful sustainable projects to a broad audience, for many of our environmental problems already have good, feasible solutions.
Dubai International Award for Best Practices 2008
The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service in Pakistan received the Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment (DIABP) 2008 for its Water and Sanitation Extension ProgramWater and Sanitation Extension Program
The Water and Sanitation Extension Program is an initiative by the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan to provide clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities to prevent the high incidence of waterborne diseases in disadvantaged communities of Pakistan.WASEP was launched in...
(WASEP). The Award's Jury based their decisions on tangible impact resulting from the transfer of one or more of the following: ideas, skills, processes, knowledge or expertise, and technology; changes in policies or practices and sustainability of the transfer as part of a continuous process of learning and change.
The DIABP was established under the directives of late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the former Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the emir of Dubai. The Award was established during the United Nations International Conference that convened in Dubai in 1995 to recognize the best practices with positive impact on improving the living environment.
World Habitat Award, 2006
The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan won the World Habitat AwardWorld Habitat Awards
The World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation as part of its contribution to the United Nations' International Year of Shelter for the Homeless in 1987....
for 2006 for its efforts to improve housing conditions in Pakistan. Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is the eldest child of Aga Khan IV. She attended Institut Le Rosey and Harvard University, from where she graduated in 1994 with a degree in Development Studies...
received the award in Naples on behalf of the AKPBS.
The objectives of the AKPBS have been inspired by His Highness the Aga Khan's
Aga Khan IV
Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV, NPk, NI, KBE, CC, GCC, GCIH, GCM is the 49th and current Imam of the Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili Muslims. He has held this position under the title of Aga Khan since July 11, 1957, when, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan...
philosophy that "a proper home can provide the bridge across that terrible gulf between poverty and a better future". The AKPBS developed over 60 low-cost, seismic-resistant, energy and resource-efficient housing construction methods and standards. These range from smoke-free stoves and screened kitchen cabinets for storing food to water heaters and ventilation systems. Many of these products and low-cost technologies are designed to address the prevailing housing conditions in poor areas of the developing world.
The programme has created a self-sustaining industry in low-cost home improvement. Community members identify the need for new products, provide feedback on existing products, raise awareness of problems such as respiratory illnesses caused by smoke from cooking fires, market the products and manage the programme. The products are built and sold by local entrepreneurs. Since 1997, AKPBS has trained over 200 entrepreneurs and artisans, who have in turn sold over 14,000 house improvement products. The Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance
Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance
-Meaning:Microfinance is the provision of a broad range of financial services, for those who often do not have access, such as - deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers and insurance products - to low-income households to help them raise their income levels and improve their quality of...
, a sister agency, now offers small loans to help poor people finance housing improvements.
The World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation
Building and Social Housing Foundation
The Building and Social Housing Foundation is an independent housing research charity, with work that covers a broad range of issues around housing. It was established in 1976 and is based in Coalville in Leicestershire in the United Kingdom, but does work internationally...
(BSHF) as part of its contribution to the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. Two awards of £10,000 are given annually at the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
global celebration of World Habitat Day to projects from the global north as well as the south that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems.
Alcan Prize for Sustainability, 2005
In 2005, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service received the US $1 million AlcanAlcan
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. is a Canadian company based in Montreal. It was created on November 15, 2007 as the result of the merger between Rio Tinto PLC's Canadian subsidiary, Rio Tinto Canada Holding Inc., and Canadian company Alcan Inc. On the same date, Alcan Inc. was renamed Rio Tinto Alcan Inc..Rio...
Prize for Sustainability for its efforts to improve housing conditions as well as water and sanitation facilities in Pakistan through its Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP). WASEP was launched in 1997 to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases through the provision of potable water as well as improved hygiene and sanitation practices.
Alcan Inc
Alcan
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. is a Canadian company based in Montreal. It was created on November 15, 2007 as the result of the merger between Rio Tinto PLC's Canadian subsidiary, Rio Tinto Canada Holding Inc., and Canadian company Alcan Inc. On the same date, Alcan Inc. was renamed Rio Tinto Alcan Inc..Rio...
, a global leader in aluminium and related products, created the Alcan Prize for Sustainability to recognise outstanding contributions to the goal of economic, environmental, and social sustainability by not-for-profit, non-governmental, and civil society organisations. To ensure credibility and objectivity, the Alcan Prize is managed by a third-party, the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum.
See also
- Aga Khan Development NetworkAga Khan Development NetworkThe Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies that seek to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East...
- Water and Sanitation Extension ProgramWater and Sanitation Extension ProgramThe Water and Sanitation Extension Program is an initiative by the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan to provide clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities to prevent the high incidence of waterborne diseases in disadvantaged communities of Pakistan.WASEP was launched in...
- Building and Construction Improvement ProgramBuilding and Construction Improvement ProgramThe Building and Construction Improvement Program is a program of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan and is engaged in developing and promoting solutions to housing and built environment related issues of rural communities living in the Northern Areas of Pakistan and the...