Asia Society Texas Center Honors Princess Zahra Aga Khan

The Annual Roy M. Huffington Award was presented to Princess Zahra Aga Khan at The Houstonian on October 10 by the Asia Society Texas Center. The Huffington Award recognizes leaders who have been a major force on the international stage. Named after Asia Society Texas Center co-founder Roy M. Huffington, the award distinguishes outstanding contributions that have furthered international understanding, welfare, and diplomacy on a global scale.

Princess Zahra was honored for her outstanding commitment to advancing healthcare and education around the world. The Princess works to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa.

“We were so humbled to honor Princess Zahra, and it was an inspiration to hear about the many projects in healthcare and education that she and the Aga Khan Development Network have spearheaded globally,” said Bonna Kol, president of Asia Society Texas Center. “Through her work, Princess Zahra is building hope and trust in a world where both are greatly needed.”

President Bonna Kol and honorary co-chair & board member Nancy C. Allen presenting the Huffington Award to Princess Aga Khan

During the program, Princess Zahra spoke about her work focusing on girls education worldwide which has brought about economic opportunity. She stated, “It is not learning what to think, but learning how to think, and I think that’s what our education activities seek to instill a spirit of inquiry and those values which are the basic human values of pluralism and understanding that makes the quality of life of one’s neighbor better than it is today.”

The Princess believes there is much to learn from younger generations. “I think we are living at a time when there is optimism,” she said. “There are things that are happening in our world in medicine, communications, and technology, which are going to have such profound impacts on not only the way we live as human beings but on the way that we interact and we learn.”

Over 350 guests enjoyed an elegant dinner followed by a special musical performance by the Master Musicians of the Aga Khan Music Initiative, Homayoun Sakhi on the Afghan rubab and Abbos Kosimov on the Uzbek doira, who were joined by Nitin Mitta on the North Indian tabla.

Nancy C. Allen and the Honorable James A. Baker, III and Susan Baker served as honorary co-chairs for the event. Following a congratulatory video message from the Bakers, Board Vice Chair Y. Ping Sun, President Bonna Kol, and Honorary Co-Chair Nancy C. Allen presented the Huffington Award to Princess Zahra to a standing ovation.

Special guests included Muffet Blake and Bob Murray, Leslie and Brad Bucher, Tripp Carter, Anne and Albert Chao, Molly and Jim Crownover, Lily and Charles Foster, Glen Gondo, Marty Goossen, past Huffington honoree Marie Goradia, Michelle* and Hector Herrera, Secretary of State Ruth Hughs, Susan and Ted Louie, Sultana and Moez Mangalji, Rosine and David Matthews, Sylvia and Gordon Quan, Nathalie and Charles Roff, Starlee Sykes and Al Vickers, Lynn Wyatt, as well as representatives from the consular corps.