Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan : humanitarian and visionary

Abstract

Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan traces the life of a high-born humanitarian, visionary and environmentalist, the second son of the once very well-known Aga Khan III. The birth of the prince in France and his years in Switzerland and at Harvard University are sketched against the background of world events that would have repercussions in his adult life. The author, in depicting the prince’s expert work with UNESCO and as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, also reflects his deep concern over North-South disparities and their inevitable consequences. The descriptions of his strenuous efforts to make known the dangers of nuclear proliferation and environmental depredation are interspersed with accounts of the crucial United Nations missions that the prince undertook over almost 20 years. Diana refers to some of the prince’s remarkable predictions and in later chapters speaks of his overall outlook and his lifelong collection of Islamic and Indian art. Throughout the book the Prince’s exceptional personality is reflected in extracts of his speeches, radio interviews, press cuttings and photographs. This is the story of a high UN official who devoted his life to improving the lives of the planet’s inhabitants. Sadruddin Aga Khan looked to the younger generations to make the world a better place. His example will surely prove inspiring to many young people.