Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (Service) (NGO)
The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for India (AKEPB) is a volunteer organization, representing one of five Central Institutions under the Ismaili Council, established to promote a better quality of life for the Ismaili Community through Economic Development.
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Duration: Active Since 2024
My Experience
As a board member of the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) since April 2024, I have been actively involved in community service initiatives, particularly focusing on fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship within the local population. My role has centred around organising a Shark Tank-style entrepreneurship event aimed at introducing the concepts of business management and entrepreneurship to individuals in my community. This event is designed to inspire creative startups, encourage self-sufficiency, and ultimately improve participants' quality of life.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), through its various agencies, works to improve the quality of life for people across various sectors, including health, education, and economic development. The Economic Planning Board, specifically, focuses on supporting individuals with employment, personal finance, and entrepreneurial ventures. My contribution through the entrepreneurship event aligns with AKDN’s broader mission by empowering locals to take charge of their economic futures.
Through this event, I am directly involved in helping individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to launch their own businesses. By proposing the format of a Shark Tank event, I have enabled participants to pitch innovative ideas, receive feedback, and learn the intricacies of business development, from ideation to market execution. My goal is to create a ripple effect, where those who attend the event take actionable steps toward transforming their lives and communities. The impact is measurable by the number of startups and entrepreneurial ventures that emerge as a result.
This experience has also profoundly affected me. Being part of such a significant initiative has given me deeper insight into the challenges and aspirations of those around me. It has reinforced the importance of fostering economic independence and sustainability, which I believe are critical to long-term community well-being. Moreover, the event has allowed me to hone my organisational and leadership skills, as well as my understanding of business strategy and entrepreneurship, all while contributing meaningfully to society.
The event, with its focus on real-world applications and practical knowledge, not only boosts individual livelihoods but also strengthens the community as a whole. By encouraging innovation and supporting local talent, we are building a future where self-reliance and creativity can thrive. As such, this initiative is a clear example of community service, as it aims to create lasting change by empowering people to improve their economic conditions and, in turn, contribute to a more resilient society.
Ismaili Civic
Experience
Thousands of volunteers from over 36 countries around the world will unite to make a difference to
society on Global Ismaili CIVIC Day 2024
#GICD2024
The Ismaili CIVIC initiative is a global programme under which the community across the world has united around its centuries old tradition of serving humanity. Rooted in the community's ethics and long-standing tradition of voluntary service, the initiative fosters a spirit of compassion, unity, and social responsibility.
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