DUSHANBE, February 8, 2016, Asia-Plus -- His Highness the Aga Khan has called for the establishment of ‘islands of stability’ in war-ravaged Syria that could provide areas of relative safety in the midst of conflict.

“We seek to create ‘islands of stability’, where there is public consensus, in the face of war.  It is my conviction that ‘islands of stability’ can be replicated wherever security permits.  Investing in them will help to prevent displacement of people and anchor communities that would otherwise flee as refugees,” he said.

According to the Aga Khan Development Network, the Imam (spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims made the remarks on February 4 in London at an international pledging conference devoted to Syria.

“I am deeply distressed over the indiscriminate and widespread devastation of life and property, including that of irreplaceable cultural assets which are the manifestation of Syria’s stunningly rich pluralistic history,” he said.

He pledged that AKDN, of which he is founder and Chairman, will expand its activities in Syria by contributing US$ 200 million over the next four years.  The Aga Khan noted that AKDN has already dedicated US$ 50 million to projects in Syria since the conflict began.

“Our goal is peace, stability and reconstruction,” he said.

The Aga Khan said his network has adopted a dual approach in Syria by fostering civil society and at the same time investing in communities by supporting agriculture, income generation, schools and hospitals.

“We aim to meet the urgent needs of the present, but where also possible to protect and strengthen the foundations for the future,” he said. “Our goal is to sustain hope.”

His Highness the Aga Khan and AKDN agencies are fully engaged in the peace process under the United Nations leadership and committed to helping build a Syria that “continues to respect pluralism, remains secular, and embarks on a political process led by Syrians.”

His Highness the Aga Khan, the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, became Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.