“Some people make the mistake of thinking that Pluralism requires them to dilute or de-emphasize their own distinctive identities.  That is not true. What it requires is to ensure that one’s individual identity is strong enough to engage confidently with those of other identities as we all walk together along the road to a better world.” — His Highness the Aga Khan at the Global Pluralism Award ceremony

On November 15, 2017, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa was the setting for the inaugural Global Pluralism Award ceremony.

Presented by the Global Centre for Pluralism, the award recognizes pluralism in action. It celebrates the extraordinary achievements of organizations, individuals, and governments who are tackling the challenge of living peacefully and productively with diversity. Three award winners are selected bi-annually by an independent, international jury.

Learn more about the three recipients of the 2017 Global Pluralism Award.

Over 300 guests from around the world attended the event, which featured remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan; the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada; and the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada and Chair of the Award Jury.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Government of Canada established the Global Centre for Pluralism as global repository and source for knowledge about fostering pluralistic values, policies, and practices – drawing inspiration from the Canadian experience.

Visit the Global Centre for Pluralism’s website to learn more.