AKIPRESS.COM - The Aga Khan on July 11 marks 60 years as a spiritual leader of around 15 million Ismaili Muslims.

To mark his occasion, Prince Karim Aga Khan, 80, will meet with government and faith leaders from more than 25 countries in Chantilly, France, AKDN said.

Parallel celebrations will be held at Ismaili Community centers around the world.

Followers of the Aga Khan, known as Ismailis, are scattered across Pakistan and India, while others live in Central Asia and the West.

As part of his role, the Aga Khan serves as founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a massive charitable organisation. The network headquartered in Switzerland aims to boost developing countries and alleviate poverty. 

Some of the new charity projects and initiatives to be announced or dedicated this year include increased access to finance for education, health and housing, early childhood development, and infrastructure projects in developing countries.