Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Global Reads - The Finest Hotel in Kabul
2025-11-13 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | Global Centre for Pluralism, 330 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON, K1N 0C7
Join Global Reads for books, discussions, and meaningful connections! This event will take place at the Global Centre for Pluralism.

Join Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the Global Centre for Pluralism in-person for a special edition of Global Reads featuring acclaimed journalist and author Lyse Doucet, in conversation about her new book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul.
Drawing on four decades as one of the BBC’s most trusted voices from conflict zones, Lyse Doucet offers a deeply human portrait of Afghanistan’s complex history, told through the lens of a once-grand hotel and the people whose lives intersect within it.
In this session, Lyse will be joined by Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, for a conversation on the power of literature to build understanding and empathy across divides. Together, they will reflect on storytelling as a means of connecting across cultures, histories, and identities — and what it reveals about our shared humanity.
If you are passionate about global affairs, storytelling, and the role of empathy in a divided world, this event is for you.
Copies of The Finest Hotel in Kabul will be available for purchase.
This event is in-person only, and will take place at the Global Centre for Pluralism.
Please note that this event will be offered in English.
Questions? Akfc.Events@akdn.org
Register Today!

Speakers
Lyse Doucet
Canadian journalist, British Broadcasting Corporation
Lyse Doucet is a Canadian journalist and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent. In the course of a career spanning four decades, she has reported from countries around the world and was based as a correspondent in Jerusalem, Amman, Islamabad, Kabul, and Abidjan.
She has led the BBC’s coverage of major events including the recent Iran-Israel war, the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War. She received an OBE in the Queen’s Honours list in 2014, and was admitted to the Order of Canada in 2019. Her latest awards in the U.S. include the 2024 Zenger Award for Press Freedom from the University of Arizona, and the 2018 Trailblazer Award from Georgetown University. She was a recipient of the Columbia School of Journalism Award in 2016, an Emmy in 2014 for her team’s reporting from Syria, and Peabody Awards for her work from Syria and Afghanistan. In 2021, she was nominated for a Peabody for her work as a writer and reporter on the BBC podcast Afghanistan: Documenting A Crucial Year.
Doucet has twenty honorary doctorates from leading British and Canadian Universities. She has a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Toronto, and a BA Hons. from Queen’s University in Kingston. She is also a senior fellow of Massey College of the University of Toronto. Doucet has been reporting on Afghanistan since 1988. She visits the Inter-Continental whenever she is in Kabul
Meredith Preston McGhie
Secretary General, Global Centre for Pluralism
In her role as Secretary General for the Global Centre for Pluralism, Meredith Preston McGhie provides strategic leadership for the Centre and represents the Centre as an ambassador of pluralism to develop strong relationships with community leaders, governments, civil society and other institutions.
Prior to joining the Centre in October 2019, Meredith devoted more than 20 years to addressing conflict and instability in Africa and Asia. 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. As Africa Regional Director with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Meredith 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, former Director of the Board of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
She has held positions with the United Nations in Sudan and South Sudan, and worked across the region on conflict resolution and humanitarian response efforts. Meredith began her career supporting conflict resolution efforts of leaders in the Naga community of North East India and among Indigenous minorities in Myanmar with the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact. She continuously contributes to policy discussions on peacemaking globally, including teaching peace process design and speaking on pluralism and the power of peacemaking, as highlighted in her recent TEDx talk.

Advancing Climate Resilience: Nature-based Solutions, Partnerships, and Knowledge
2026-02-03 09:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
This event has passed. Watch the recording below:

Join us for a full-day event bringing together climate and development practitioners for a day of learning, exchange, and dialogue.

As part of the36th International Development Week, this event highlights this year’s theme, Prosperity through Partnership, and the role of collaboration in advancing climate and development action.
English and French interpretation will be provided.
This national knowledge-sharing event is hosted by Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), as part of the Government of Canada’s Partnering for Climate initiative and the Nature and Climate Community of Practice.
Throughout the day, participants will engage in high-level panels, interactive discussions, and facilitated breakout sessions focused on advancing inclusive and effective climate change adaptation.
Please note: While in-person participation is reserved for registered Community of Practice members, the virtual public audience is invited to observe and take part in key learning moments from the day.

Sessions:
Morning Session: Opportunities and challenges for nature-based finance and partnerships
The morning session will explore how nature-based solutions can be connected to carbon and nature revenue streams, value chains, blended finance, and private-sector partnerships. Participants joining online will also take part in facilitated breakout discussions with other virtual attendees, creating space for shared reflection, exchange of perspectives, and collaborative learning.
Afternoon Session: Insights from Indigenous partnerships and knowledge sharing
In the afternoon, programming will resume with a panel focused on Indigenous partnerships, program design, and governance in nature-based solutions. The day will also feature the formal launch of the Global Affairs Canada-funded report, Working with Knowledge Holders to Advance Inclusive and Equitable Nature and Climate Initiatives.
The event offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with emerging ideas, lessons learned, and Indigenous approaches shaping inclusive and effective climate and nature initiatives.

Register

Questions? Contact akfc.events@akdn.org
AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation
This event is part of AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience. The series aims to bring together practitioners, advocates, and others who share an interest in exploring and discussing how we may use the climate crisis as a catalyst for great leaps in addressing the complex challenges involved in confronting climate change in a manner that advances sustainable development, well-being, and resilient livelihoods for all.

Where Dreams Meet Real Opportunities: A Fireside Chat with Ziyaan Virji
2026-02-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Discover how your dreams can meet real opportunities! Join us on February 3 for a fireside chat with Ziyaan Virji, Founder of Leaders of Today.

What does it really take to turn an idea into impact?
Ziyaan Virji is a young social entrepreneur who turned a simple Google Sheet into Leaders of Today — a global platform helping tens of thousands of young people access scholarships, fellowships, and opportunities around the world.
What started as a way for one youth to keep track of opportunities grew into a movement accessed over 3 million times, now reaching 50,000+ young leaders through a weekly newsletter and digital platform built by youth, for youth.
In this conversation, Ziyaan will share:

How he got started before he felt “ready”

What actually worked (and what didn’t) along the way

How young people can turn their interests into real-world impact

Practical advice for navigating opportunities in education, leadership, and social change

Whether you’re curious about social entrepreneurship, global issues, or just figuring out your next step, this session is designed to be honest, interactive, and grounded in real experience.
This event is virtual via Zoom.
Please note that this event will be offered in English.
Questions? akfc.education@akdn.org
Register Today!

Featured Speaker

Ziyaan Virji, Founder & CEO, Leaders of Today
Ziyaan is a 24-year-old award-winning social entrepreneur and speaker. At 15, he founded For the Menstruator, an initiative advancing menstrual equity that has reached over 25,000 people across 10 countries. His work spans climate, health, and education, collectively impacting more than half a million people worldwide. Ziyaan has spoken at TEDx and the United Nations and is a recipient of the Princess Diana Award.

From Testing to Transformation: SMO Innovation in Practice
2026-02-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
An interactive gathering where small and medium organizations share lessons from testing, adapting, and advancing innovation in practice.

Join us for an in-person, interactive gathering celebrating the creativity, resilience, and impact of small and medium organizations (SMOs) in Canada’s international cooperation sector.
English, French and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
This event, co-hosted by Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT), will spotlight real-world experiences from SMO innovators as they share lessons from testing, adapting, and advancing innovation in practice.
Through participatory dialogue and creative activities, you will discover practical insights and inspiring examples of innovation in action while connecting with SMO leaders and peers across sectors, fostering meaningful collaboration. The event provides a supportive platform where SMOs can speak confidently about innovation, gender equality, community collaboration, and adaptation. It is designed as a pluralistic, inclusive space that values dialogue, relationship-building, and shared learning.
This event is an opportunity to feel energized, inspired, and connected. Come ready to explore new ideas and celebrate the human side of innovation in Canada’s international cooperation ecosystem.
Questions? Contact akfc.events@akdn.org
Register

Global Leadership Program Information Session 2026
2026-05-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Curious about the Global Leadership Program? Join our virtual info session on May 4 to learn more and get your questions answered live.

This session will walk you through the application process, program structure, and what to expect from the immersive in-person residency in Ottawa. You’ll also learn more about alumni engagement opportunities and how the program continues beyond the residency.
You’ll hear directly from AKFC staff, program facilitators, and alumni, who will share their experiences and insights. Bring your questions or submit them in advance when registering — we’ll answer them live.
Register

Want to explore more before the session? Visit our website to review program details, FAQs, and to start your application.
Global Leadership Program application deadline: May 19 at 11:59 PM ET
We look forward to seeing you at the information session — and to welcoming the next cohort of leaders working toward a more peaceful, prosperous, and pluralist world.
Questions? Contact AKFC-GlobalLeadershipProgram@akdn.org

Global Ivey Day: The Role of Canadian Leaders in the World
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join us and the Ivey Business School, Alumni Network: Ottawa Chapter on May 14 in Ottawa to explore ‘The Role of Canadian Leaders in the World’ as part of Global Ivey Day.
The evening will include featured conversation led by Khalil Z. Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, alongside reflections from Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of Ivey Executive Education.
Register

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Location: Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K6 (Enter from Sussex or Boteler Street)
Cost: $40.00 person. Guests and non-alum are welcome.
Parking: No parking onsite. Please use street parking on Dalhousie, Gilberte-Paquette or Bolton.

Schedule:

5:30 p.m. – Reception. Food will be served (only non-alcoholic beverages will be served)
6:30 p.m. – Keynote with Khalil Z. Shariff
7:30 p.m. – Networking and tours of the building

Global Ivey Day
Global Ivey Day is an annual worldwide celebration bringing together Ivey Business School alumni, faculty, and students to network, reconnect, and celebrate their shared community through local events. It showcases the global reach of Ivey alumni and includes activities like professional development, thoughtful discussions and bringing people together.
