In today’s world, where climate change, plastic pollution, and deforestation threaten the earth’s future, living sustainably is no longer just a lifestyle—it’s a responsibility. For the Ismaili community, sustainability is deeply rooted in faith, ethics, and a commitment to service. It’s about protecting creation—not just for today, but for all the generations yet to come.
At the heart of this movement is the Global Encounters (GE) Festival, a space where youth from around the world gather to connect, learn, and take action on global challenges. Far beyond a cultural celebration, the GE Festival breathes life into the principles of environmental stewardship, thanks to initiatives like Roots for Change and The Sustainability Pledge—both of which serve as powerful reminders that our values are best expressed through action, not just intention.
Sustainability in Action at the GE Festival
The GE Festival is more than just an event—it’s a living example of how sustainability can be embedded into every part of life. The entire experience is thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core:
- From choosing locally sourced, eco-friendly materials that support the environment and local economies.
- To interactive workshops on climate science, renewable energy, and eco-action that empower youth with knowledge.
- To measuring and reducing environmental impact through conscious water use, waste management, and carbon tracking.
Each of these choices represents a step toward environmental responsibility. Young people who attend not only gain insight into global sustainability challenges, but also take home new habits, practices, and ideas that ripple outward into their homes, neighborhoods, and regions.
This message of change is echoed by Roots for Change, a global Ismaili campaign that encourages individuals—especially youth—to reconnect with nature, embrace responsibility, and become individuals for environmental transformation in their own communities. Whether through tree-planting, clean-up campaigns, or sustainable living practices, the movement is inspiring real impact.
The Institutions Behind the Inspiration
The sustainability values promoted at the GE Festival are supported and enhanced by major Ismaili institutions whose work on environmental and social development is deeply impactful.
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
AKDN has taken a global leadership role in sustainable development. With a bold goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the network is reducing emissions by at least 4.2% annually. From Africa to South Asia, its work includes:
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and water management,
- Generating 65% of energy needs from renewable sources,
- Planting 50 million trees to restore landscapes and absorb carbon.
Beyond infrastructure and data, AKDN integrates sustainability into education, healthcare, and cultural programs—fostering long-term change.
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP)
In remote and mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, AKRSP has provided vital solutions to combat food insecurity and environmental degradation. More than 120,000 households have benefited from over 1,500 irrigation channels, improving access to clean water and arable land.
To address climate change more directly, AKRSP is now expanding the use of solar-powered irrigation—an innovation that not only saves energy but also makes farming more resilient. So far, 132,000+ trees have been planted by AKRSP, supporting reforestation and climate protection in high-risk areas.
Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH)
AKAH works at the frontline of disaster preparedness and environmental resilience. By promoting green construction, safe housing, and climate-adaptive planning, they ensure that communities are equipped to face rising environmental risks—especially in fragile regions prone to floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
The collective impact of AKDN, AKRSP, and AKAH demonstrates that sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s an integrated, actionable path forward supported by faith, planning, and service.
Our Collective Pledge: Walking the Talk
Inspired by the example of the GE Festival and the institutions that guide it, we too have taken up a Sustainability Pledge. It’s not just a list—it’s a lifestyle, reflected in our everyday decisions and in our long-term goals for change.
Our Pledge Includes:
- Eliminating single-use plastics from our homes, events, and workplaces.
- Supporting tree-planting campaigns in our cities and villages.
- Conserving electricity and clean water through awareness and habit change.
- Teaching young people about recycling, composting, and mindful consumption.
- Using digital and social media platforms to promote green habits and eco-responsibility.
By aligning our actions with the values of the Ismaili community and the goals of Roots for Change, we are proud to play a role in a global movement for a better, greener world.
A Faith-Driven Call to Action
As His Highness Aga Khan IV once reminded us that, “Each generation must leave for its successors a wholesome and healthy social and physical environment.” These words challenge us not only to enjoy the Earth but to care for it and leave it better than we found it.
The Qur’an calls Muslims to be stewards (khalifa) of the Earth—caretakers who live with balance, humility, and justice. That spiritual calling is what drives the Ismaili commitment to sustainability: it is not a passing trend, but a deeply moral responsibility.
Every tree we plant, every plastic item we refuse, and every session we host to raise awareness builds toward this vision of justice and care for creation.
Moving Forward, Together
Sustainability isn’t a one-time project or a short-term event—it is a lifelong promise. It is reflected in the long-term goals of AKDN, the local water-saving solutions of AKRSP, the innovative designs promoted by AKAH, and the educational impact of the GE Festival.
As we look to the future, we invite you—your families, your schools, your communities—to join this movement. Take the pledge. Educate those around you. Support green choices, however small they may seem. Because together, our actions—however modest—add up to global transformation. Let’s continue walking this path together—with purpose, with service, and with hope.
What is the GE Festival, and why is it important?
The GE (Global Encounters) Festival is a unique gathering where Ismaili youth from around the world connect, learn, and take action on global challenges. More than a cultural event, it serves as a platform to champion environmental stewardship, promote sustainability, and inspire young leaders to become agents of change in their own communities.
How does the GE Festival promote sustainability?
The festival integrates sustainability into every detail—from using locally sourced materials to organizing workshops on climate science and renewable energy. Participants also learn about waste reduction, water conservation, and carbon footprint tracking, encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly habits even after returning home
What is the "Roots for Change" campaign?
Roots for Change is a global Ismaili initiative encouraging individuals, especially youth, to reconnect with nature and become active stewards of the environment. Activities include tree-planting, community clean-ups, and promoting sustainable living practices to create lasting environmental impact.
How are the Ismaili institutions contributing to climate action?
Ismaili institutions like AKDN, AKRSP, and AKAH work globally to support environmental and social development. From planting millions of trees and developing renewable energy solutions to improving water systems and promoting green construction, these organizations integrate sustainability into health, education, and cultural initiatives.
What is AKDN’s goal regarding sustainability?
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, reducing emissions by at least 4.2% each year. Its projects include promoting sustainable agriculture, expanding renewable energy, and planting 50 million trees worldwide.
How does AKRSP help farmers and communities in Gilgit-Baltistan?
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has built over 1,500 irrigation channels, benefiting more than 120,000 households in Gilgit-Baltistan. It also supports tree-planting campaigns and introduces solar-powered irrigation systems, helping farmers adapt to climate change while improving food security and resilience
What role does the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) play?
AKAH focuses on disaster preparedness, environmental resilience, and safe housing. By promoting green construction and climate-adaptive planning, AKAH helps communities—especially in fragile mountain regions—cope with floods, landslides, and other climate-related challenges.
What is the Sustainability Pledge mentioned in the blog?
The Sustainability Pledge is a commitment to adopt eco-friendly habits such as eliminating single-use plastics, conserving water and energy, supporting tree-planting, and educating others about sustainable living. It reflects the values of environmental stewardship inspired by the GE Festival and Ismaili ethics.
How is sustainability linked to Ismaili faith and values?
Sustainability is deeply rooted in Ismaili ethics, emphasizing stewardship (khalifa) of the Earth as a moral and spiritual responsibility. It reflects a commitment to justice, balance, and care for creation, as encouraged by teachings from the Qur’an and guidance from His Highness Aga khan V .
How can I get involved in these sustainability eforts?
You can start by taking the Sustainability Pledge, supporting local and global tree-planting efforts, reducing plastic use, and spreading awareness in your community. Small actions taken collectively can lead to powerful, lasting change—helping create a greener, more just future for everyone.