Welcome Message from the President​​​

​In so many ways, the Aga Khan University is a powerful force for good. 

Here, talented young women and men receive a life-changing education that prepares them to succeed in the global knowledge economy, to lead change at home and abroad and to collaborate with others in a diverse world. 

AKU’s cutting-edge research, innovation and practice are helping to address crucial problems facing Africa and Asia, including maternal and child mortality, pandemic diseases, gender inequality and the s​hortage of high-quality primary and secondary education. 

Every year, approximately 2 million people rely on our hospitals and health centres for everything from primary care to neurosurgery.

In all of the regions in which we work, AKU strives to meet international standards of excellence in higher education and health care delivery – and to inspire other organizations to do likewise. At the same time, we provide millions of dollars in patient welfare and financial assistance to ensure that cost does not prevent access to our hospitals and academic programmes.​

In an era of division, AKU works to increase understanding and collaboration across borders and boundaries of all kinds. We have a long record of successfully partnering with world-renowned universities, leading global institutions and local and national governments. 

For all these reasons, and for many others, I am proud to serve as President of the Aga Khan University. ​​

Sincerely,

Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin
President and Vice-Chancellor​

 
 
 
Sulaiman Shahabuddin 
 
Sulaiman Shahabuddin
 
 
 
 
November 1, 2025
 
 
 
 
Technology and innovation are transforming healthcare globally. Countries like Brazil and Vietnam have demonstrated how digital tools, data-driven insights, and new care models can dramatically improve access and outcomes, even in resource-constrained settings. These examples remind us that progress is not just about technology itself, but about the partnerships that make it possible.

This week, I had the opportunity to speak at the International Conference on the Future of Healthcare 2025, themed “Translating Technology and Innovation into Impact.” In my remarks, I shared how the Aga Khan University is working with partners to harness innovation and digital transformation to strengthen health systems and improve lives across the regions we serve. I also emphasized the importance of creating a culture of innovation, something that, at AKU, began at the very top, guided by the vision of our Chancellor. His commitment to improving quality of life through education, healthcare, and innovation inspires our work every day. Today, innovation is at the core of everything we do at AKU. It shapes what we have achieved, what we are doing now, and what we will pursue over the next five years as part of our strategic plan.

The future of healthcare will depend on collaboration, private–private and public–private partnerships that bring together expertise, resources, and shared vision. When institutions, governments, and industry work hand in hand, innovation moves from concept to impact, reaching communities that need it most.

It was a privilege to listen to other respected keynote speakers who share this commitment. Together, we can ensure that technology and compassion go hand in hand to create lasting change.
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Technology and innovation are transforming healthcare globally. Countries like Brazil and Vietnam... 
 
 
 
 
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September 13, 2025
 
 
 
 
A decade ago, our late and beloved Founding Chancellor stood in Kampala and envisioned a university that would serve Uganda as a center of excellence in education, knowledge creation, and health care.

He declared, “When this institution is built, it is my hope that it will have brought to Uganda modern medicine in the best conditions, in intimate partnership with the public sector.”

This week we took a monumental step to realising this vision, as we officially launched the University’s new campus in Kampala, Uganda, and commenced the construction of the new Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala.

The Kampala campus represents one of AKU's largest investments in any country since receiving its Charter in 1985. The new campus is stunning, featuring a University Centre, a student housing building and an ambulatory care building, the Nakawa Specialty Medical Centre. At full capacity, the University will be home to 100 faculty and 700 students. We cannot wait to welcome the first cohort of the new four-year Bachelor of Nursing Science programme later this month. The upcoming 101-bed hospital will enable Ugandans to receive advanced care locally and train the healthcare specialists the country urgently needs.

It was my profound honour to welcome to AKU’s new home in Uganda, His Highness the Aga Khan, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Prince Aly Muhammad, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni, Mr. Peter Primus, German Deputy Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda, and esteemed partners, donors, supporters and AKU family who joined us online.

This is a truly monumental moment in AKU’s history, and I am supremely grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone moment. Every future achievement of the Aga Khan University in Uganda will be built upon the foundations laid here in Nakawa—by our visionaries, partners, and friends who have made this a reality.
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A decade ago, our late and beloved Founding Chancellor stood in Kampala and envisioned a... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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August 14, 2025
 
 
 
 
میری طرف سے تمام پاکستانیوں کو یوم آزادی مبارک ہو!
میری طرف سے تمام پاکستانیوں کو یوم آزادی مبارک ہو! 
 
 
 
 
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June 30, 2025
 
 
 
 
As Dean of the AKU's Medical College, Pakistan, Dr Adil Haider has led with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Over the past six and a half years, he has steered the College through growth and change with energy and values-driven leadership. It has been a pleasure working with him and witnessing his deep commitment to AKU and those we serve. On behalf of the AKU community, I thank Dr Haider for his outstanding service and wish him continued success in all that lies ahead.
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As Dean of the AKU's Medical College, Pakistan, Dr Adil Haider has led with clarity, compassion,... 
 
 
 
 
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June 8, 2025
 
 
 
 
Eid Mubarak to all - best wishes for happiness, peace and good health
Eid Mubarak to all - best wishes for happiness, peace and good health 
 
 
 
 
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Sulaiman Shahabuddin
 
 
 
 
June 5, 2025
 
 
 
 
This #WorldEnvironmentDay, we are reminded of the profound impact plastic pollution has on our planet, woven into nearly every aspect of modern life. From packaging and disposable cutlery to synthetic clothing and even essential medical supplies, plastics have become deeply embedded in our routines.
 
In line with our commitment to environmental stewardship, AKU has taken meaningful steps – from banning plastic bottles, cutlery and bags to driving longer-term changes that promote sustainable alternatives and encourage environmentally conscious habits across our communities. These actions, though modest, are part of a much larger journey.
 
Planetary health and human health are deeply interconnected. Let’s all take action, big or small, to reduce our plastic footprint and #BeatPlasticPollution together for generations to come.
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About President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin
Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin is the third President of Aga Khan University, arriving in late 2021.
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P. O. Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan

T: +92 21 3486 3900 | E: president@aku.edu​​​