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Global Reads: Not in the Ornamental Teapot
March 29, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus, is pleased to invite you to join our book club series: Global Reads.
Join us on March 29 for an engaging discussion with internationally acclaimed author, Erato Ioannou, whose work “Deserted” was shortlisted for a Commonwealth Short Story Prize in 2019. We invite you to join a conversation on exploring her short story collection – Not in the Ornamental Teapot – where we will delve into themes of conflict, home, and re-defining the narratives and perspectives of women in society and literature.
The discussion will be led by Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
Additional Information for Attendees
- Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event
- Book giveaway: Free copies of Not in the Ornamental Teapot will be available for in-person attendees
- Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet our speaker(s)!
Featuring
Erato Ioannou, Author
Inspired by her life in Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe, Erato Ioannou is the author of short story collections “Cats Have It All” (2004) and “Not in the Ornamental Teapot” (2020) which is now published in Greek, English, and Spanish. Her work received praise and featured international journals and anthologies. Her short story ‘Deserted’ which is included in her most recent collection was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (2019) out of approx. 5000 entries. Most recently, her novel Muerta was the winner in the historical fiction category for the Stockholm Writers First 5 Pages Prize out of approx. 800 entries. She served as assistant editor-in-chief of the literary magazine of the Cypriot PEN, “In Focus” (2016 – 2020) and she is the founder and Chair of “Room for Art”.
Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General, Global Centre for Pluralism
Meredith Preston McGhie has devoted more than 20 years to addressing conflict and instability in Africa and Asia in some of the most troubled situations. From working with the Naga in Northeast India and indigenous communities on the Thai-Myanmar border, to supporting UN efforts in Kosovo, Northern Iraq and several African countries, her work has straddled frontline negotiation, policy and diplomacy.
She became the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Secretary General on October 1, 2019. Most recently, as Africa Regional Director with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, she oversaw the HD Centre’s complex mediation and dialogue efforts in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan, among other places. In the Kenyan National Dialogue and Reconciliation Process in 2007-08, she advised the Panel of Eminent African Personalities led by the late Kofi Annan. She has contributed annually to the Oslo Forum, a gathering of the world’s leading experts and policymakers in conflict resolution, and teaches mediation practice internationally.
Ms. Preston McGhie studied military and international history at the University of British Columbia before pursuing graduate studies in global security at Keele University in the United Kingdom.
With remarks from:
Khalil Z. Shariff, CEO, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Efharis Kostala, President of the Parnassos Hellenic Cultural Society of Ottawa
Giorgos Ioannides, The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada
About the series
Global Reads is a book club series where participants can connect and learn together with other globally minded professionals. Global Reads primarily explores recent works focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from the international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.
Join Global Reads to:
- Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
- Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
- Gain a fresh perspective on your work
- Reignite your professional development goals
Questions? Please contact [email protected]