In this book club, we explore recent literary 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.
Upcoming Event:
The Finest Hotel in Kabul
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.
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.
Date: Thursday, November 13 · 4 – 5:30pm EST
Location: The Global Centre for Pluralism (330 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1N 0C7)
Past Events:
Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement
On September 11, 2025, AKFC hosted a session featuring the book Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement with celebrated author and systems change expert, Adam Kahane and lead discussant, The Honourable Farah Mohamed. Together, they led attendees in a dialogue on what it takes to shift entrenched systems by leaning into collaboration, curiosity, and resilience. Watch the recording.
Under Development: A Journey Without Maps
On October 4, 2024, we hosted a discussion about a gripping memoir – Under Development: A Journey Without Maps by Ian Smillie. In this session, celebrated author and international development expert Ian Smillie was joined by Maureen O’Neil, Chair, Water Aid International, to discuss his five-decade career navigating some of the world’s most challenging contexts, from the Biafran War in Nigeria to combating blood diamonds. Together, they led attendees in a dialogue on why the fight against poverty remains one of the world’s most enduring challenges. Watch the recording.
Explaining Successes in Africa: Things Don’t Always Fall Apart
On April 4, 2024 we explored the remarkable narratives in the book, Explaining Successes in Africa: Things Don’t Always Fall Apart with author Erin Hern and discussant Adrian Harewood, Journalist, Carlton University, School of Journalism and Communication. Watch the recording.
Innovation In Real Places – Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World
On November 27, 2023, in the last Global Reads session of the year, discussant Naheed Nenshi, former mayor of Calgary, led a thought-provoking discussion with the distinguished author of Innovation In Real Places – Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World, Dan Breznitz. Watch the recording. Watch the recording.
From Development to Democracy: The Transformation of Modern Asia
On October 23, 2023, we explored From Development to Democracy: The Transformation of Modern Asia, together with author Joseph Wong and discussant, Margaret Biggs, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Center for Sustainable Development. Watch the recording.
How to Be a Climate Optimist: Blueprints for a Better World
On September 14, 2023, discussant Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change, led a thought-provoking discussion with author Chris Turner on his book, How to Be a Climate Optimist: Blueprints for a Better World, for which he won the 2023 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. Watch the recording.
Not in the Ornamental Teapot
On March 29, 2023, in partnership with the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus, Global Read explored the collection of short stories Not in the Ornamental Teapot with author Erato Ioannou. In this discussion led by Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, we delved into themes of conflict, home, and re-defining the narratives and perspectives of women in society and literature. Watch the recording.
What Strange Paradise
On December 6, 2022, in the last Global Reads session of 2022, discussant Rema Jamous Imseis, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative in Canada, led a thought-provoking discussion with author Omar El Akkad on his novel, What Strange Paradise, which delves into the complex topic of forced migration from the points of view of two children. Watch the recording.
The Ministry for the Future
On November 29, 2022, Global Reads examined The Ministry for the Future, a novel which uses fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all, together with author Kim Stanley Robinson and discussant Catherine McKenna, Chair of the UN’s Secretary-General’s High-level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments. Watch the recording.
Aftershocks: Pandemic Politics and the End of the Old International Order
On April 14, 2022, the inaugural session of Global Reads, explored Aftershocks: Pandemic Politics and the End of the Old International Order together with author Thomas Wright and discussant, Christopher MacLennan, Canada’s Deputy Minister for International Development. Watch the recording.
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