Doors Open: Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
View other posts on these topics: Sussex, Tours
(Oops, I meant to schedule this to go up yesterday. Sorry!)
It's that time - Doors Open Ottawa is back for its tenth anniversary in Ottawa. In what has become a bit of a tradition (more links are at the bottom of this post), I'm posting photos from one of the buildings I saw last year, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, the Agha Khan foundation's fancy building at 199 Sussex.
The building was lauded when it opened for the quality of construction and the design of the spaces. Chief among them was the "crystal", a glass enclosure at the centre of the buliding.
http://centretown.blogspot.com/2011/05/ ... mamat.html
delegation of ismaili imamat in Ottawa
There is no booking for the guided tours at the Delegation of the Imamat.
The days and times are posted on the AKFC website:
http://www.akfc.ca/events-2010.html
The days and times are posted on the AKFC website:
http://www.akfc.ca/events-2010.html
Oct. 19: Bilingual panel discussion on how cultural instititions are responding to the changing needs of increasingly diverse publics. Panellists include speakers from Canadian Museum of Civilization, University of Toronto, Ontario College of Art and Design. 7 p.m., Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Dr. Free admission and reception.
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Sea ... z1WwI5mhxT
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Sea ... z1WwI5mhxT
Africa’s Promise, Canada’s Opportunity: Event at Delegation of Ismaili Imamat
Africa’s Promise, Canada’s Opportunity—Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with the High Commission for the Republic of South Africa, is hosting “Africa’s Promise, Canada’s Opportunity: A Conversation with Pius Adesanmi and David Creighton.” 5-6:30 p.m. The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, Ont. To register call 613-237-2532 ext. 131 or email events@akfc.ca
http://www.embassymag.ca/dailyupdate/vi ... 11-20-2011
Africa’s Promise, Canada’s Opportunity—Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with the High Commission for the Republic of South Africa, is hosting “Africa’s Promise, Canada’s Opportunity: A Conversation with Pius Adesanmi and David Creighton.” 5-6:30 p.m. The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, Ont. To register call 613-237-2532 ext. 131 or email events@akfc.ca
http://www.embassymag.ca/dailyupdate/vi ... 11-20-2011
Invitation to the launch of the 2011 Canadian Development Report
The North-South Institute (NSI), in partnership with Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), is pleased to invite you to the launch of the 2011 Canadian Development Report (CDR) – Global Challenges: Multilateral Solutions.
http://www.cvent.com/events/invitation- ... f8beb.aspx
The North-South Institute (NSI), in partnership with Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), is pleased to invite you to the launch of the 2011 Canadian Development Report (CDR) – Global Challenges: Multilateral Solutions.
http://www.cvent.com/events/invitation- ... f8beb.aspx
Pluralism Forum | April 4, 2012
Retreat or Advance?
Reframing Europe's "Multiculturalism" Debates
Featured panellists [L to R]: Keith Banting (Queen's), Tariq Modood (Bristol), Will Kymlicka (Queen's)
Multiculturalism is dead. Multiculturalism has failed. Or so many European leaders and observers have declared. And yet in other places, notably Canada and Australia, support for multiculturalism remains high. What accounts for this apparent gap of experience? Is European diversity policy really in retreat, or is another approach to migrant integration emerging? Where are the dividing lines? How might “pluralism” reframe Europe’s “multiculturalism” debates?
Please join the Global Centre for Pluralism for its inaugural PLURALISM FORUM, a new series of moderated Q & A discussions with leading international authorities on the policies and practices that support pluralism. The featured panellists are: Keith Banting (Queen’s), Tariq Modood (Bristol), Will Kymlicka (Queen’s).Susan Harada (Carleton) will moderate the discussion.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
14:30 to 17:00, a reception follows
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada
Kindly RSVP to events@pluralism.ca by March 23, 2012 or Carolina at 613 237 2532 , x. 125
Please note: No parking is available on site but street parking is available in the neighbourhood along Boteler, Dalhousie, Parent and Bolton Streets. Visitors are requested to enter by the Boteler Street entrance.
http://www.pluralism.ca/book-launch.html
Retreat or Advance?
Reframing Europe's "Multiculturalism" Debates
Featured panellists [L to R]: Keith Banting (Queen's), Tariq Modood (Bristol), Will Kymlicka (Queen's)
Multiculturalism is dead. Multiculturalism has failed. Or so many European leaders and observers have declared. And yet in other places, notably Canada and Australia, support for multiculturalism remains high. What accounts for this apparent gap of experience? Is European diversity policy really in retreat, or is another approach to migrant integration emerging? Where are the dividing lines? How might “pluralism” reframe Europe’s “multiculturalism” debates?
Please join the Global Centre for Pluralism for its inaugural PLURALISM FORUM, a new series of moderated Q & A discussions with leading international authorities on the policies and practices that support pluralism. The featured panellists are: Keith Banting (Queen’s), Tariq Modood (Bristol), Will Kymlicka (Queen’s).Susan Harada (Carleton) will moderate the discussion.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
14:30 to 17:00, a reception follows
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada
Kindly RSVP to events@pluralism.ca by March 23, 2012 or Carolina at 613 237 2532 , x. 125
Please note: No parking is available on site but street parking is available in the neighbourhood along Boteler, Dalhousie, Parent and Bolton Streets. Visitors are requested to enter by the Boteler Street entrance.
http://www.pluralism.ca/book-launch.html
DII wins Governor General's medal
http://raic.org/honours_and_awards/awar ... amat_e.htm
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/ ... cture.html
Reflections on the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat as it Receives Governor General’s Medal in Architecture
http://simerg.com/about/reflections-on- ... hitecture/
http://raic.org/honours_and_awards/awar ... amat_e.htm
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/ ... cture.html
Reflections on the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat as it Receives Governor General’s Medal in Architecture
http://simerg.com/about/reflections-on- ... hitecture/
A perfect day at Doors Open Ottawa
By Maria Cook June 1, 2012
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/perfe ... story.html
OTTAWA — With 128 buildings offering architecture, history and stories during Doors Open Ottawa, making a checklist can be daunting.
But my perfect day out this weekend would include:
• Sensing something bigger than myself in a light-filled space
• Listening to a passionate architect describe their work
• Going behind the scenes at a museum to see hidden treasures
• Discovering a historic mansion that tells a new story
• Petting a puppy
The day starts at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 199 Sussex Drive. This elegant and calm building, set in a landscaped park, never fails to refresh the eyes.
It is the Canadian headquarters of the Aga Khan, leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, and also houses the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, an international aid agency.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, the building recently won a General General’s Medal in Architecture. Though modern, this simple white structure is informed by the heritage of Islamic architecture. For instance, it is organized around a series of courtyards.
The large interior court is surrounded by a patterned screen of cast aluminum that evokes the ornate marble and wood screens of old. Beneath a crystalline roof, seen from Sussex, this space is filled with light and the play of shadows.
It’s a shifting dance of translucence, luminosity and clarity inspired by the mysterious qualities of rock crystal, prized by the Aga Khan’s ancestors, the Fatimids, who founded Cairo in 969 AD.
The geometric layout of the garden court recalls the traditional Persian-Islamic walled garden, a representation of paradise. Plantings include serviceberry, boxwood and sedum.
The next stop is the office of Barry Padolsky Associates Inc., open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 377 Dalhousie St., Suite 313.
Padolsky, 73, is the architect behind the renewal of landmark heritage buildings such as the Museum of Nature and the ByWard Market building.
He will share sketches, drawings, models and photos of projects, including some unbuilt. His office has just completed a rehabilitation study of the Government Conference Centre, Ottawa’s former train station and a place many people would love to see renovated into a public space.
On hand will be a display of historic photos, postcards and original architectural drawings of the centre, as well as “ancient architectural drawing instruments,” such as T-squares and triangles used before computer-assisted design.
Padolsky’s office is located in the Mercury Court building, built in 1923 for the Laroque Department Store. With its big ground-floor shop windows and strong rhythm of bays it makes a lively contribution to the ByWard Market streetscape. It’s proof that a well-designed commercial building can find new tenants.
When there, look up: The copper statue of Mercury is a weather vane that survived the 1949 demolition of the Sun Life Building at Bank and Sparks streets. Padolsky gave it new life atop a domed clock tower when he renovated the building in 1989.
Then it’s on to the Canadian War Museum, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1 Vimy Place. Registration for a tour will be essential: call 819-776-7000, or you’ll risk disappointment.
The museum is offering a rare look at art and artifacts in storage vaults not accessible to the public. Of the museum’s 500,000 artifacts, only about 1,000 are ever on display.
In the dress and insignia vault, you’ll see the uniforms of decorated flying ace Billy Bishop and a war bride’s dress. The art vault contains 1,300 works, from Group of Seven members Frederick Varley and A.Y. Jackson to contemporary works by artists who have been to Afghanistan. The transport and artillery vault will show off torpedoes, and restoration experts will be on hand to chat.
Afterwards, enjoy the building. Walk onto the green roof for new views of Parliament Hill and the Chaudiere Island. Walk through the building to the edge of the Ottawa River. Spend a moment in the meditative space, a simple concrete cube, in the lobby, where light enters from a reflecting pool and also from a clerestory above. Sunlight beams in at 11 a.m. on November 11.
In the lobby, the copper wall is made from copper salvaged from Parliament Buildings; its rich green patina looks like landscape seen from above. The architects were Moriyama & Teshima of Toronto with GRC Architects of Ottawa.
The perfect day continues with a visit to the National Association of Friendship Centres, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 275 Maclaren Street.
Now occupied by an aboriginal organization, the house was built in 1887 for Richard Pope, then deputy commissioner of patents. Later residents included the Perley family, important in Ottawa’s lumber trade, and Joseph Bolduc, speaker of the Senate.
Surrounded by high-rises, the house has an asymmetric composition and features soft-red Ottawa brick. It was altered over time by additions that are also well-designed, such as the enclosed front sunroom with leaded glass windows.
It manages to be both informal and elegant and coincidently masks 7,000 square feet. Think about it: A big house that’s not a monster house.
Features to look for include stained glass windows, carved newell post at the foot of the stairs, ornate fireplaces and original carriage doors. The doctor’s office scenes in the CBC TV series Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays were filmed here.
The association represents 119 friendship centres across Canada. They are transition centres for aboriginal people moving from rural or remote areas to the city, and provide programs such as health, social services, and youth employment.
Visitors will see aboriginal art, hear live fiddle music and be offered bannock.
When you’ve had your fill of urbanity, you’ll be ready for wet greetings and spacious green lawns at the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind National Training Centre in Manotick, open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4120 Rideau Valley Drive North.
This little-known but amazing charity provides trained guide dogs at no charge for visually impaired Canadians from coast to coast, as well as assistance dogs for people in wheelchairs.
Working dogs on the street can’t be touched. Now’s your chance to meet puppies who will become future guide and assistance dogs, guide dogs in training, and working dogs with owners.
They are mostly Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German shepherds, aged 12 weeks to 18 months. There will be obstacle course demonstrations and tours of the kennels and the house where people live for a month when they are matched with a dog.
And after a long day on your feet, craning your neck to admire the sights, you’ll be ready for a cuddle with man’s best friend.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/perfe ... z1wd2SntFF
By Maria Cook June 1, 2012
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/perfe ... story.html
OTTAWA — With 128 buildings offering architecture, history and stories during Doors Open Ottawa, making a checklist can be daunting.
But my perfect day out this weekend would include:
• Sensing something bigger than myself in a light-filled space
• Listening to a passionate architect describe their work
• Going behind the scenes at a museum to see hidden treasures
• Discovering a historic mansion that tells a new story
• Petting a puppy
The day starts at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 199 Sussex Drive. This elegant and calm building, set in a landscaped park, never fails to refresh the eyes.
It is the Canadian headquarters of the Aga Khan, leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, and also houses the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, an international aid agency.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, the building recently won a General General’s Medal in Architecture. Though modern, this simple white structure is informed by the heritage of Islamic architecture. For instance, it is organized around a series of courtyards.
The large interior court is surrounded by a patterned screen of cast aluminum that evokes the ornate marble and wood screens of old. Beneath a crystalline roof, seen from Sussex, this space is filled with light and the play of shadows.
It’s a shifting dance of translucence, luminosity and clarity inspired by the mysterious qualities of rock crystal, prized by the Aga Khan’s ancestors, the Fatimids, who founded Cairo in 969 AD.
The geometric layout of the garden court recalls the traditional Persian-Islamic walled garden, a representation of paradise. Plantings include serviceberry, boxwood and sedum.
The next stop is the office of Barry Padolsky Associates Inc., open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 377 Dalhousie St., Suite 313.
Padolsky, 73, is the architect behind the renewal of landmark heritage buildings such as the Museum of Nature and the ByWard Market building.
He will share sketches, drawings, models and photos of projects, including some unbuilt. His office has just completed a rehabilitation study of the Government Conference Centre, Ottawa’s former train station and a place many people would love to see renovated into a public space.
On hand will be a display of historic photos, postcards and original architectural drawings of the centre, as well as “ancient architectural drawing instruments,” such as T-squares and triangles used before computer-assisted design.
Padolsky’s office is located in the Mercury Court building, built in 1923 for the Laroque Department Store. With its big ground-floor shop windows and strong rhythm of bays it makes a lively contribution to the ByWard Market streetscape. It’s proof that a well-designed commercial building can find new tenants.
When there, look up: The copper statue of Mercury is a weather vane that survived the 1949 demolition of the Sun Life Building at Bank and Sparks streets. Padolsky gave it new life atop a domed clock tower when he renovated the building in 1989.
Then it’s on to the Canadian War Museum, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1 Vimy Place. Registration for a tour will be essential: call 819-776-7000, or you’ll risk disappointment.
The museum is offering a rare look at art and artifacts in storage vaults not accessible to the public. Of the museum’s 500,000 artifacts, only about 1,000 are ever on display.
In the dress and insignia vault, you’ll see the uniforms of decorated flying ace Billy Bishop and a war bride’s dress. The art vault contains 1,300 works, from Group of Seven members Frederick Varley and A.Y. Jackson to contemporary works by artists who have been to Afghanistan. The transport and artillery vault will show off torpedoes, and restoration experts will be on hand to chat.
Afterwards, enjoy the building. Walk onto the green roof for new views of Parliament Hill and the Chaudiere Island. Walk through the building to the edge of the Ottawa River. Spend a moment in the meditative space, a simple concrete cube, in the lobby, where light enters from a reflecting pool and also from a clerestory above. Sunlight beams in at 11 a.m. on November 11.
In the lobby, the copper wall is made from copper salvaged from Parliament Buildings; its rich green patina looks like landscape seen from above. The architects were Moriyama & Teshima of Toronto with GRC Architects of Ottawa.
The perfect day continues with a visit to the National Association of Friendship Centres, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 275 Maclaren Street.
Now occupied by an aboriginal organization, the house was built in 1887 for Richard Pope, then deputy commissioner of patents. Later residents included the Perley family, important in Ottawa’s lumber trade, and Joseph Bolduc, speaker of the Senate.
Surrounded by high-rises, the house has an asymmetric composition and features soft-red Ottawa brick. It was altered over time by additions that are also well-designed, such as the enclosed front sunroom with leaded glass windows.
It manages to be both informal and elegant and coincidently masks 7,000 square feet. Think about it: A big house that’s not a monster house.
Features to look for include stained glass windows, carved newell post at the foot of the stairs, ornate fireplaces and original carriage doors. The doctor’s office scenes in the CBC TV series Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays were filmed here.
The association represents 119 friendship centres across Canada. They are transition centres for aboriginal people moving from rural or remote areas to the city, and provide programs such as health, social services, and youth employment.
Visitors will see aboriginal art, hear live fiddle music and be offered bannock.
When you’ve had your fill of urbanity, you’ll be ready for wet greetings and spacious green lawns at the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind National Training Centre in Manotick, open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4120 Rideau Valley Drive North.
This little-known but amazing charity provides trained guide dogs at no charge for visually impaired Canadians from coast to coast, as well as assistance dogs for people in wheelchairs.
Working dogs on the street can’t be touched. Now’s your chance to meet puppies who will become future guide and assistance dogs, guide dogs in training, and working dogs with owners.
They are mostly Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German shepherds, aged 12 weeks to 18 months. There will be obstacle course demonstrations and tours of the kennels and the house where people live for a month when they are matched with a dog.
And after a long day on your feet, craning your neck to admire the sights, you’ll be ready for a cuddle with man’s best friend.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/perfe ... z1wd2SntFF
DII Event
Nutrition on the Table: Micronutrients and Global Child Survival with Dr. Robert E. Black and Special Guests
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that undernutrition contributes to one third of the nearly 7.2 million child deaths caused each year by infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria. Feeding the hungry is about more than filling empty bellies – it is about providing enough essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) to promote healthy development, prevent disease and ultimately save lives.
Credited with saving millions of lives, Dr. Robert E. Black has dedicated his career to the health of children in the developing world – he is a global leader in the quest to reduce infectious disease and promote healthy child growth and development through nutrition interventions.
A recipient of the prestigious Canada Gairdner Award, Dr. Black’s pioneering research on zinc led the WHO and UNICEF to recommend the global use of zinc supplements to prevent disease and death.
AKFC Seminars – in partnership with the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) – invites you to an afternoon with Dr. Black, Chair of the Department of International Health and Director of the Institute for International Programs of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. A short presentation by Dr. Black will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Howarth Bouis, Director of HarvestPlus, Lynnette Neufeld, Director of Technical Services for MI, and other guests to be determined. An audience Q&A and reception will follow.
We hope you will join:
Friday, September 7th, 2012
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6
http://www.akfc.ca/events.html
Nutrition on the Table: Micronutrients and Global Child Survival with Dr. Robert E. Black and Special Guests
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that undernutrition contributes to one third of the nearly 7.2 million child deaths caused each year by infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria. Feeding the hungry is about more than filling empty bellies – it is about providing enough essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) to promote healthy development, prevent disease and ultimately save lives.
Credited with saving millions of lives, Dr. Robert E. Black has dedicated his career to the health of children in the developing world – he is a global leader in the quest to reduce infectious disease and promote healthy child growth and development through nutrition interventions.
A recipient of the prestigious Canada Gairdner Award, Dr. Black’s pioneering research on zinc led the WHO and UNICEF to recommend the global use of zinc supplements to prevent disease and death.
AKFC Seminars – in partnership with the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) – invites you to an afternoon with Dr. Black, Chair of the Department of International Health and Director of the Institute for International Programs of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. A short presentation by Dr. Black will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Howarth Bouis, Director of HarvestPlus, Lynnette Neufeld, Director of Technical Services for MI, and other guests to be determined. An audience Q&A and reception will follow.
We hope you will join:
Friday, September 7th, 2012
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6
http://www.akfc.ca/events.html
Article - The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
https://www.japlusu.com/news/delegation-ismaili-imamat
https://www.japlusu.com/news/delegation-ismaili-imamat
D.I.I honored with a Governor General Architectural Award
Media Advisory: Governor General Honours Achievements in Architecture
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jan 29, 2013 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Medals in Architecture during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 1, 2013, at 2:00 p.m.
The Governor General's Medals in Architecture recognize outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. This program, created by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), contributes to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increases public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society. These awards are administered jointly by Architecture Canada - RAIC and the Canada Council for the Arts, which is responsible for the adjudication process and contributes to the publication highlighting the medal winners. The winners were announced by the RAIC and the Canada Council for the Arts in May 2012.
The following projects will be honoured this year:
-- Bloc_10 - 5468796 Architecture Inc. (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
-- Cliff House - MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
-- College of New Caledonia, Technical Trades Centre, Quesnel - Lead design
architect: Steve McFarlane, FRAIC, formerly of mcfarlane green biggar
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN, now of the office of mcfarlane biggar ARCHITECTS
+ DESIGNERS inc. (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
-- The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat: Architecture of Peace and
Plurality - Maki and Associates, Moriyama & Teshima Architects (Toronto,
Ontario)
-- The Integral House - Shim-Sutcliffe Architects Inc. (Toronto, Ontario)
-- Linear House - Patkau Architects Inc. (Vancouver, British Columbia)
-- Mission Kitcisakik - Architectes de l'urgence du Canada (Montreal,
Quebec)
-- The Mississauga Public Library Project - RDH Architects Inc. (Toronto,
Ontario)
-- Newmarket Operations Centre - RDH Architects Inc. (Toronto, Ontario)
-- Quartier des spectacles / Place des festivals + vitrines habitees -
Daoust Lestage Inc. architecture design urbain (Montreal, Quebec)
-- Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex- Kongats Architects (Toronto,
Ontario)
-- Vaughan City Hall - Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (Toronto, Ontario)
Descriptions and downloadable images of the architectural firms and their winning buildings are available at www.raic.org and www.canadacouncil.ca .
Media wishing to cover the ceremony are asked to confirm their presence in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later
than 1:45 p.m.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/media- ... 2013-01-29
Media Advisory: Governor General Honours Achievements in Architecture
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jan 29, 2013 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Medals in Architecture during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 1, 2013, at 2:00 p.m.
The Governor General's Medals in Architecture recognize outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. This program, created by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), contributes to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increases public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society. These awards are administered jointly by Architecture Canada - RAIC and the Canada Council for the Arts, which is responsible for the adjudication process and contributes to the publication highlighting the medal winners. The winners were announced by the RAIC and the Canada Council for the Arts in May 2012.
The following projects will be honoured this year:
-- Bloc_10 - 5468796 Architecture Inc. (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
-- Cliff House - MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
-- College of New Caledonia, Technical Trades Centre, Quesnel - Lead design
architect: Steve McFarlane, FRAIC, formerly of mcfarlane green biggar
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN, now of the office of mcfarlane biggar ARCHITECTS
+ DESIGNERS inc. (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
-- The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat: Architecture of Peace and
Plurality - Maki and Associates, Moriyama & Teshima Architects (Toronto,
Ontario)
-- The Integral House - Shim-Sutcliffe Architects Inc. (Toronto, Ontario)
-- Linear House - Patkau Architects Inc. (Vancouver, British Columbia)
-- Mission Kitcisakik - Architectes de l'urgence du Canada (Montreal,
Quebec)
-- The Mississauga Public Library Project - RDH Architects Inc. (Toronto,
Ontario)
-- Newmarket Operations Centre - RDH Architects Inc. (Toronto, Ontario)
-- Quartier des spectacles / Place des festivals + vitrines habitees -
Daoust Lestage Inc. architecture design urbain (Montreal, Quebec)
-- Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex- Kongats Architects (Toronto,
Ontario)
-- Vaughan City Hall - Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (Toronto, Ontario)
Descriptions and downloadable images of the architectural firms and their winning buildings are available at www.raic.org and www.canadacouncil.ca .
Media wishing to cover the ceremony are asked to confirm their presence in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later
than 1:45 p.m.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/media- ... 2013-01-29
Celebrating International Development Week Through Arts and Culture
Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, and take a trip through Asia and Africa, learning about the ways culture can help overcome poverty in the developing world!
This free open house during International Development Week will feature family-friendly exhibitions, music, images and films from some of the regions where Canadians are helping communities improve their quality of life by engaging cultural traditions.
Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10
10 am to 4 pm
1-800-267-2532
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebra ... ts-culture
Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, and take a trip through Asia and Africa, learning about the ways culture can help overcome poverty in the developing world!
This free open house during International Development Week will feature family-friendly exhibitions, music, images and films from some of the regions where Canadians are helping communities improve their quality of life by engaging cultural traditions.
Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10
10 am to 4 pm
1-800-267-2532
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebra ... ts-culture
Governor General of Canada presents architecture medal for the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1417/
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1417/
Ottawa 50th Anniversary Event
In celebration of the University of Victoria's 50th Anniversary
President and Vice-Chancellor David H. Turpin, CM, PhD, FRSC and
Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
are pleased to invite you to an
Alumni & Friends Ottawa Branch event
Including a discussion on how UVic is supporting important global initiatives,
and the following presentations:
Jeremy Webber, Canada Research Chair in Law and Society
Plus a special recognition of
Don Drummond, BA '76
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
Location:
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Business attire
Please register online by Friday, April 5, 2013.
If you have any inquiries regarding this event, please email events@alumni.uvic.ca.
April-09-13 at 5:30 PM
https://extrweb.uvic.ca/Ottawa50thAnniversaryEvent
In celebration of the University of Victoria's 50th Anniversary
President and Vice-Chancellor David H. Turpin, CM, PhD, FRSC and
Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
are pleased to invite you to an
Alumni & Friends Ottawa Branch event
Including a discussion on how UVic is supporting important global initiatives,
and the following presentations:
Jeremy Webber, Canada Research Chair in Law and Society
Plus a special recognition of
Don Drummond, BA '76
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
Location:
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Business attire
Please register online by Friday, April 5, 2013.
If you have any inquiries regarding this event, please email events@alumni.uvic.ca.
April-09-13 at 5:30 PM
https://extrweb.uvic.ca/Ottawa50thAnniversaryEvent
dcnonl.com/article/id59837/--aga-khan-honoured-for-commitment-to-architecture
Daily Commercial News
April 11, 2014
Aga Khan honoured for commitment to architecture
PAUL FRANK
columnist
On Nov. 27, 2013, as president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, I had the distinct pleasure and honour of spending the evening with His Highness, the Aga Khan.
The occasion was to present the 2013 RAIC Gold Medal, the Institute’s highest honour to His Highness.
The ceremony took place at the delegation of the Ismaili lmamat in Ottawa.
The RAIC Gold Medal was established to recognize “a person of science or letters related to architecture and arts.”
The selection of the Aga Khan marks the first time in more than 30 years that a non-architect has been chosen to receive the award. The Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
In his nomination, 2010 Gold Medal recipient George Baird, FRAIC, noted his remarkable accomplishments in various aspects of the field of architecture, as part of his broader social and economic development work.
In particular, the specialized cultural programming undertaken through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture includes architectural and urban design projects.
Its Historic Cities program has been responsible for the restoration of many heritage sites throughout the Muslim world.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established in 1977, is given every three years to projects that set new standards of excellence.
It was obvious that the respect the Aga Khan affords given the number of dignitaries in attendance for the presentation.
In addition to distinguished members of Canada’s architectural community, a host of Canadian dignitaries and representatives from African and Asian consulates attended.
Although the Aga Khan and his family are continuously on the world stage, both he and his daughter, Princess Zahra, were very humble and appreciative of the honour being bestowed.
During the rehearsal for the event and the pre-event reception, the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra were very welcoming.
He remarked a number of times on the fact that he feels comfortable and relaxed in Canada because of its welcoming pluralism.
That is one of the reasons Vancouver was selected in the early 1970s as a place to rebuild the Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan concluded his remarks at the ceremony by “emphasizing the potential of architecture to communicate across the boundaries that may otherwise divide us. Architecture provides us with ways to express that which is distinctive in our own experiences, even as it responds to what is universally human.”
At the closing reception, the Aga Khan spoke to many in attendance and personally thanked them for attending.
He commented that he sees receiving the RAIC Gold Medal as a validation for what he believes architecture gives to the world.
Given all of this evidence, it can truly be said that the RAIC 2013 Gold Medal is not at all a break from tradition, but rather the recognition of a person whose lifelong commitment upholds the spirit of the RAIC’s highest honour.
Paul Frank, FRAIC, is the immediate past-president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).
Daily Commercial News
April 11, 2014
Aga Khan honoured for commitment to architecture
PAUL FRANK
columnist
On Nov. 27, 2013, as president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, I had the distinct pleasure and honour of spending the evening with His Highness, the Aga Khan.
The occasion was to present the 2013 RAIC Gold Medal, the Institute’s highest honour to His Highness.
The ceremony took place at the delegation of the Ismaili lmamat in Ottawa.
The RAIC Gold Medal was established to recognize “a person of science or letters related to architecture and arts.”
The selection of the Aga Khan marks the first time in more than 30 years that a non-architect has been chosen to receive the award. The Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
In his nomination, 2010 Gold Medal recipient George Baird, FRAIC, noted his remarkable accomplishments in various aspects of the field of architecture, as part of his broader social and economic development work.
In particular, the specialized cultural programming undertaken through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture includes architectural and urban design projects.
Its Historic Cities program has been responsible for the restoration of many heritage sites throughout the Muslim world.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established in 1977, is given every three years to projects that set new standards of excellence.
It was obvious that the respect the Aga Khan affords given the number of dignitaries in attendance for the presentation.
In addition to distinguished members of Canada’s architectural community, a host of Canadian dignitaries and representatives from African and Asian consulates attended.
Although the Aga Khan and his family are continuously on the world stage, both he and his daughter, Princess Zahra, were very humble and appreciative of the honour being bestowed.
During the rehearsal for the event and the pre-event reception, the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra were very welcoming.
He remarked a number of times on the fact that he feels comfortable and relaxed in Canada because of its welcoming pluralism.
That is one of the reasons Vancouver was selected in the early 1970s as a place to rebuild the Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan concluded his remarks at the ceremony by “emphasizing the potential of architecture to communicate across the boundaries that may otherwise divide us. Architecture provides us with ways to express that which is distinctive in our own experiences, even as it responds to what is universally human.”
At the closing reception, the Aga Khan spoke to many in attendance and personally thanked them for attending.
He commented that he sees receiving the RAIC Gold Medal as a validation for what he believes architecture gives to the world.
Given all of this evidence, it can truly be said that the RAIC 2013 Gold Medal is not at all a break from tradition, but rather the recognition of a person whose lifelong commitment upholds the spirit of the RAIC’s highest honour.
Paul Frank, FRAIC, is the immediate past-president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).
October 22, 2015 | Pluralism Forum
Prospects for Pluralism Post-Arab Spring: Does Tunisia suggest a way forward?
Across the Middle East and North Africa, initial gains from the 2011 Arab Spring have been eroded by instability, violence and a return to repressive practices of former regimes. In some cases, the situation is now more volatile than it was before the Arab Spring.
In this context, Tunisia appears to be the sole Arab spring country to have emerged as a potential success story so far. While still quite fragile, does Tunisia’s experience indicate a way forward for other states in the region and beyond?
Join us on October 22, 2015, in person or via webcast, as former Prime Minister of Tunisia, His Excellency Mehdi Jomaa and Vice-President for Studies at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Dr. Marwan Muasher explore these issues, along with Dr. Bessma Momani of the University of Waterloo.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
17:30 Reception
18:00 to 19:30 Pluralism Forum
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
http://www.pluralism.ca/index.php?optio ... 43&lang=en
Prospects for Pluralism Post-Arab Spring: Does Tunisia suggest a way forward?
Across the Middle East and North Africa, initial gains from the 2011 Arab Spring have been eroded by instability, violence and a return to repressive practices of former regimes. In some cases, the situation is now more volatile than it was before the Arab Spring.
In this context, Tunisia appears to be the sole Arab spring country to have emerged as a potential success story so far. While still quite fragile, does Tunisia’s experience indicate a way forward for other states in the region and beyond?
Join us on October 22, 2015, in person or via webcast, as former Prime Minister of Tunisia, His Excellency Mehdi Jomaa and Vice-President for Studies at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Dr. Marwan Muasher explore these issues, along with Dr. Bessma Momani of the University of Waterloo.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
17:30 Reception
18:00 to 19:30 Pluralism Forum
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
http://www.pluralism.ca/index.php?optio ... 43&lang=en
Knowledge Diplomacy | Act now – Executive Masterclass – Harvard Business School case study, “Roshan: Light At The End Of The Tunnel In Afghanistan
The Executive Masterclass will use the 2010 Harvard Business School case study, Roshan: Light at the end of the tunnel in Afghanistan to enable participants to actively explore the successes, challenges and operating environment that Roshan had to navigate.
The masterclass, will be facilitated by Shawn A. Cole from Harvard Business School and Karim Khoja, CEO of Roshan, who will provide additional insights, perspectives on evolving challenges and opportunities in not only in Afghanistan, but in other developing and emerging economies.
Event details:
Friday, November 6, 2015
9:00 am to 11:45 am
The Delegation of the Ismaili
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6
Participation in the Executive Masterclass is by application only, and space is limited.
If you are interested in attending, please submit a letter of interest and a short bio to events@akfc.ca by Wednesday, October 28, 2015.
Discover, Explore and Learn more via AKFC | Events | Executive Masterclass – Roshan: Light At The End Of The Tunnel In Afghanistan
Also read Globe and Mail | The one thing that works in Afghanistan: mobile
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/ ... ghanistan/
The Executive Masterclass will use the 2010 Harvard Business School case study, Roshan: Light at the end of the tunnel in Afghanistan to enable participants to actively explore the successes, challenges and operating environment that Roshan had to navigate.
The masterclass, will be facilitated by Shawn A. Cole from Harvard Business School and Karim Khoja, CEO of Roshan, who will provide additional insights, perspectives on evolving challenges and opportunities in not only in Afghanistan, but in other developing and emerging economies.
Event details:
Friday, November 6, 2015
9:00 am to 11:45 am
The Delegation of the Ismaili
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6
Participation in the Executive Masterclass is by application only, and space is limited.
If you are interested in attending, please submit a letter of interest and a short bio to events@akfc.ca by Wednesday, October 28, 2015.
Discover, Explore and Learn more via AKFC | Events | Executive Masterclass – Roshan: Light At The End Of The Tunnel In Afghanistan
Also read Globe and Mail | The one thing that works in Afghanistan: mobile
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/ ... ghanistan/
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
TheIsmaili.org
5 November 2015
Ottawa, 5 November 2015 — Canada's newly sworn-in Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, visited the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Tuesday evening, where he met with Malik Talib, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada and Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada.
The Prime Minister conveyed his deep admiration for Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Ismaili community in Canada and the global work of the AKDN.
President Talib and Dr Eboo congratulated the Prime Minister on behalf of Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Jamat. The three discussed areas of collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat.
“Canada is a valued partner of the Ismaili Imamat and has been home to a significant community of Shia Ismaili Muslims for several decades,” says Dr Eboo. President Talib adds that “the Ismaili community looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Trudeau’s new government in the months and years ahead.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/p ... ion-imamat
TheIsmaili.org
5 November 2015
Ottawa, 5 November 2015 — Canada's newly sworn-in Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, visited the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Tuesday evening, where he met with Malik Talib, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada and Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Canada.
The Prime Minister conveyed his deep admiration for Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Ismaili community in Canada and the global work of the AKDN.
President Talib and Dr Eboo congratulated the Prime Minister on behalf of Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Jamat. The three discussed areas of collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat.
“Canada is a valued partner of the Ismaili Imamat and has been home to a significant community of Shia Ismaili Muslims for several decades,” says Dr Eboo. President Talib adds that “the Ismaili community looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Trudeau’s new government in the months and years ahead.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/p ... ion-imamat
Christophe Bouleau of AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme to deliver 2016 Phillips Memorial Lecture
SAVING HERITAGE: PRESERVING HISTORY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 – 19:00 to 21:00
Harnessing the culture and history of a region can be a powerful driver of development and progress – but protecting and restoring historic sites and artefacts continues to be challenging in unstable and vulnerable parts of the developing world. Despite these barriers, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) works to revitalize culture and protect heritage, including projects to restore historic structures; create and rehabilitate public spaces, parks, and gardens; and support community-based projects to spur social, economic, and cultural development.
In this lecture and Q&A, Christophe Bouleau of AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme will discuss historic sites in the context of development, how AKTC works with communities, and how an integrated development approach could be beneficial in Canada.
Source: Heritage Ottawa
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... l-lecture/
SAVING HERITAGE: PRESERVING HISTORY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 – 19:00 to 21:00
Harnessing the culture and history of a region can be a powerful driver of development and progress – but protecting and restoring historic sites and artefacts continues to be challenging in unstable and vulnerable parts of the developing world. Despite these barriers, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) works to revitalize culture and protect heritage, including projects to restore historic structures; create and rehabilitate public spaces, parks, and gardens; and support community-based projects to spur social, economic, and cultural development.
In this lecture and Q&A, Christophe Bouleau of AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme will discuss historic sites in the context of development, how AKTC works with communities, and how an integrated development approach could be beneficial in Canada.
Source: Heritage Ottawa
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... l-lecture/
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
TheIsmaili.org
12 February 2016
Ottawa, 11 February 2016 — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the guest of honour at a private luncheon at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat today. The event underscored the importance of accommodating and valuing diversity around the world in order to build more peaceful and prosperous societies.
Co-hosted by John McNee, Secretary-General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, and Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative for Canada, the luncheon was also attended by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion and the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau.
During the luncheon, Mr McNee asserted that the challenge of advancing pluralism is central to both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Government of Canada’s agenda. Dr Eboo highlighted areas in which the AKDN, the UN and Canada have collaborated in building civil society capacity in fragile and conflict-afflicted states, and affirmed that the Secretary-General’s visit served to fortify the historical bonds between Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Government of Canada, and the United Nations.
The Secretary-General commended the work of the Global Centre for Pluralism for “making this world better, where the diversity of our society will be respected.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/u ... ion-imamat
TheIsmaili.org
12 February 2016
Ottawa, 11 February 2016 — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the guest of honour at a private luncheon at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat today. The event underscored the importance of accommodating and valuing diversity around the world in order to build more peaceful and prosperous societies.
Co-hosted by John McNee, Secretary-General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, and Dr Mahmoud Eboo, Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative for Canada, the luncheon was also attended by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion and the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau.
During the luncheon, Mr McNee asserted that the challenge of advancing pluralism is central to both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Government of Canada’s agenda. Dr Eboo highlighted areas in which the AKDN, the UN and Canada have collaborated in building civil society capacity in fragile and conflict-afflicted states, and affirmed that the Secretary-General’s visit served to fortify the historical bonds between Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Government of Canada, and the United Nations.
The Secretary-General commended the work of the Global Centre for Pluralism for “making this world better, where the diversity of our society will be respected.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/u ... ion-imamat
In conversation with Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme
February 25, 2016 - The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, reaching 80 million people with food assistance in 75 countries each year. WFP operates in many countries, such as Syria, that are involved in complex, protracted crisis.
Join Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of WFP, as she reflects on the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies working in protracted crises, and the opportunities presented by the Sustainable Development Goals and the World Humanitarian Summit.
Ms. Cousin will be joined by other humanitarian experts for an armchair discussion on how humanitarian development assistance is working to build resilience while addressing urgent needs -- drawing on recent experience in Syria. Join us:
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Event: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Reception: 7:15 PM
Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive
http://www.akfc.ca/en/events/item/230-wfp
February 25, 2016 - The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, reaching 80 million people with food assistance in 75 countries each year. WFP operates in many countries, such as Syria, that are involved in complex, protracted crisis.
Join Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of WFP, as she reflects on the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies working in protracted crises, and the opportunities presented by the Sustainable Development Goals and the World Humanitarian Summit.
Ms. Cousin will be joined by other humanitarian experts for an armchair discussion on how humanitarian development assistance is working to build resilience while addressing urgent needs -- drawing on recent experience in Syria. Join us:
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Event: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Reception: 7:15 PM
Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive
http://www.akfc.ca/en/events/item/230-wfp
The Global Centre for Pluralism and Interpeace are pleased to invite you to the first-ever Ottawa Peace Talks on the theme "Let's build peace through diversity."
Tuesday 19 April, 2016
Reception at 5:30 PM
Peace Talks begin at 6:00 PM
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive)
Speakers from diverse backgrounds and professions will share their personal stories that show how respect for diversity is essential to building peaceful and inclusive societies both at home and abroad.
Register to attend this free event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ottawa-pea ... 1768964559
Seats for the event are limited. Please register early as tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #OttawaPeaceTalks.
The Peace Talks are an international event series that contribute to a dialogue about peace. The Peace Talks began in 2013, with the first-ever Geneva Peace Talks being co-organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and Interpeace.
The Ottawa Peace Talks are co-organized by The Global Centre for Pluralism and Interpeace, with the support of the Ottawa hub of the Global Shapers, One World Dialogue and Mirabaud.
Le Centre mondial du pluralisme et Interpeace vous invitent aux premiers Peace Talks d’Ottawa sous le thème «Bâtissons la paix par la diversité».
19 avril 2016
17 h 30 Réception
18 h Peace Talks
La Délégation de l’imamat ismaili (199, promenade Sussex)
Des orateurs de divers contextes partageront leurs expériences personnelles pour souligner l’importance de bâtir les sociétés inclusives au moyen d’une participation étendue et variée au pays et dans le monde.
Cliquez ici pour vous enrigistrer à cet événement gratuit.
Les places sont limitées alors s’il vous plaît, enregistrez-vous en avance. Les billets seront attribués sur le principe du premier arrivé, premier servi.
Participez à la discussion en utilisant le mot-clic #OttawaPeaceTalks.
Les Peace Talks sont une série internationale d’événements dont l’objectif est de créer un espace favorable à la discussion sur le renforcement de la paix.
Le concept des Peace Talks a commencé en Suisse en 2013 avec l’organisation de la première édition de l’évènement avec l’Office des Nations Unies à Genève, Interpeace, et la Geneva Peacebuilding Platform.
Les Peace Talks d’Ottawa sont organisés par le Centre mondial du pluralisme en collaboration avec Interpeace et avec le soutien de Global Shapers d'Ottawa, One World Dialogue et Mirabaud.
Tuesday 19 April, 2016
Reception at 5:30 PM
Peace Talks begin at 6:00 PM
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive)
Speakers from diverse backgrounds and professions will share their personal stories that show how respect for diversity is essential to building peaceful and inclusive societies both at home and abroad.
Register to attend this free event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ottawa-pea ... 1768964559
Seats for the event are limited. Please register early as tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #OttawaPeaceTalks.
The Peace Talks are an international event series that contribute to a dialogue about peace. The Peace Talks began in 2013, with the first-ever Geneva Peace Talks being co-organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and Interpeace.
The Ottawa Peace Talks are co-organized by The Global Centre for Pluralism and Interpeace, with the support of the Ottawa hub of the Global Shapers, One World Dialogue and Mirabaud.
Le Centre mondial du pluralisme et Interpeace vous invitent aux premiers Peace Talks d’Ottawa sous le thème «Bâtissons la paix par la diversité».
19 avril 2016
17 h 30 Réception
18 h Peace Talks
La Délégation de l’imamat ismaili (199, promenade Sussex)
Des orateurs de divers contextes partageront leurs expériences personnelles pour souligner l’importance de bâtir les sociétés inclusives au moyen d’une participation étendue et variée au pays et dans le monde.
Cliquez ici pour vous enrigistrer à cet événement gratuit.
Les places sont limitées alors s’il vous plaît, enregistrez-vous en avance. Les billets seront attribués sur le principe du premier arrivé, premier servi.
Participez à la discussion en utilisant le mot-clic #OttawaPeaceTalks.
Les Peace Talks sont une série internationale d’événements dont l’objectif est de créer un espace favorable à la discussion sur le renforcement de la paix.
Le concept des Peace Talks a commencé en Suisse en 2013 avec l’organisation de la première édition de l’évènement avec l’Office des Nations Unies à Genève, Interpeace, et la Geneva Peacebuilding Platform.
Les Peace Talks d’Ottawa sont organisés par le Centre mondial du pluralisme en collaboration avec Interpeace et avec le soutien de Global Shapers d'Ottawa, One World Dialogue et Mirabaud.
Governor General of Canada to Address Smart Global Development Conference at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will deliver a keynote address at the Smart Global Development conference on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 5:00 p.m., at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Ontario.
“As hubs of innovation and creativity, universities and institutes of higher education are ideally positioned to contribute to sustainable development,” said the Governor General. “I’m looking forward to joining leaders in the field to discuss how inclusivity, innovation and diplomacy can foster a smarter, more caring world.”
ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/governor-general-of-canada-to-address-smart-global-development-conference-at-the-delegation-of-the-ismaili-imamat/
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will deliver a keynote address at the Smart Global Development conference on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 5:00 p.m., at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Ontario.
“As hubs of innovation and creativity, universities and institutes of higher education are ideally positioned to contribute to sustainable development,” said the Governor General. “I’m looking forward to joining leaders in the field to discuss how inclusivity, innovation and diplomacy can foster a smarter, more caring world.”
ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/governor-general-of-canada-to-address-smart-global-development-conference-at-the-delegation-of-the-ismaili-imamat/
Speech of the GJ
Smart Global Development Conference
Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Greetings, all of you, and a special welcome to those of you who have travelled from far and wide to be here.
You missed winter—barely!
Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge that this conference is taking place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation.
In fact, the word “Ottawa” comes from the Algonquin word for trade, which makes sense given our location at the junction of three great rivers: the Ottawa, the Gatineau and the Rideau.
Think about that for a moment. For centuries, people have come together on this exact spot to trade goods, ideas and stories.
Today, we continue that tradition. Our theme is the role of higher education in advancing sustainable development goals.
So let me begin with a story.
It takes place a few years back: in 1981, in Karachi, Pakistan.
As you may know, Karachi is home to the Aga Khan University, one of the top learning institutions in Pakistan.
Today, the university is well known as a leader in the field of medicine, but what’s less well known is that this is partly the result of a wonderful partnership that existed between Aga Khan University and a number of North American universities including McGill in Montréal in the early 1980s.
This partnership saw renowned McGill epidemiologist Walter Spitzer and his team working closely with their Pakistani counterparts to share McGill’s lessons learned in establishing a successful community medicine model.
Thanks to this collaboration, the new Aga Khan University hospital was able to build on McGill’s experience in deploying public health services in Karachi!
Back in those days, I was serving as president of McGill, and I had the opportunity to join the Aga Khan in Karachi for the opening of the new university hospital.
I remember being so impressed by the boldness of the Aga Khan’s initiative!
The goal was very ambitious: to bring the best of Western medicine to a country with very distinct customs and traditions.
One of the most striking challenges involved the opening of the nursing school. Many of the nursing students were women, but a traditional barrier existed against the treatment of boys and men by female health professionals.
As you can imagine, this kind of challenge is only resolved by showing a great deal of cultural sensitivity. This was done elegantly and with high professional nursing standards through a partnership with McMaster University’s School of Nursing in Hamilton. In fact, the first dean of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing was a former McMaster professor.
With this story in mind, I’d like to briefly highlight three themes to help guide your discussions to follow:
Inclusivity, innovation and diplomacy.
I’ll begin with the central importance of building strong, inclusive institutions—including learning institutions—as a foundation for peaceful, prosperous, pluralist societies.
All of you understand this is a priority, but that doesn’t make it any easier to achieve.
But it’s essential that we succeed.
Here in Canada, we’re still learning.
In fact, I saw evidence of our learning in action during a recent visit to Nipissing University in North Bay—about a four-hour drive west of Ottawa on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Nipissing is doing some very interesting work in terms of being more inclusive when it comes to indigenous education.
The university has a dedicated Office of Aboriginal Initiatives, as well as:
•An Elder in Residence program
•An indigenous student lounge and sacred space
•An indigenous speaker series
•Mentorship programs
•An annual welcome powwow
•An annual gathering for prospective Aboriginal students
•An indigenous week
Also, the president and vice-chancellor of Nipissing is Mike DeGagné, who is the first Aboriginal president of a Canadian university.
I share all these details for a reason: to emphasize the fact that there’s no single way to foster inclusivity in higher education.
It’s hard work.
It’s multifaceted.
It calls for leadership and broad community engagement.
And it requires innovation, which is what I want to speak about next.
Innovation is one of those terms that can mean different things to different people. In this context, I mean finding creative ways to meaningfully improve our quality of life and build a more inclusive, compassionate society. It means taking an existing idea and recrafting it to do things better.
Universities and institutes of higher education are ideally positioned to contribute to sustainable development, because they’re hubs of innovation and creativity!
Let me pose two questions for your consideration at this conference.
One, ask yourselves: what does university innovation in support of global development look like? You’re much more likely to hit a specific target than a vague one, so I encourage you to be as specific as possible in answering this question.
Two, given the existing barriers that prevent universities in the global south from harnessing their creative potential, ask: how do we allow that innate creativity to flourish?
I’d like to share one great example of international innovation in learning that I’ve witnessed as governor general. It’s called the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, or AIMS, and it has three main goals:
1.
To promote mathematics and science in Africa
2.
To recruit and train talented students and teachers
3.
To build capacity for African initiatives in education, research and technology.
In 2013, I visited AIMS headquarters in Cape Town with Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Canada has been a strong supporter of the AIMS initiative through Jean’s and the IDRC’s leadership.
Also, in Waterloo, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics has formed a unique partnership with the AIMS-Next Einstein Initiative on its global outreach efforts.
In fact, just a few weeks ago, Perimeter Institute director and physicist Neil Turok, the 2016 winner of the American Institute of Physics’ John Torrence Tate Award for International Leadership, donated his cash prize to establish a new scholarship for AIMS students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Neil, who hails from South Africa and is a founder of AIMS, boldly set out early in his career to establish learning institutions so the “next Einstein” could come from Africa. By fostering international collaboration, he has helped to make the dream of higher education real for so many students on that continent.
This brings me to my third and final theme: the diplomacy of knowledge.
The diplomacy of knowledge is simply this: the process by which distinct peoples and cultures come together and improve lives by sharing knowledge across borders and disciplines.
And as I learned in Karachi more than three decades ago, the Aga Khan is a wise practitioner of this brand of diplomacy. He understands that ultimately, sustainable development is an exercise in applying knowledge and diplomacy in equal measure.
You can’t have one without the other!
When we succeed, the results can be remarkable.
By the way, if you want to read more about my admiration for the Aga Khan’s leadership, you can read all about it in the letter I wrote to him in my new book of letters titled The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation. The theme of that letter is how the diplomacy of knowledge can lead us toward a smarter, more caring world.
If you take one thing from my remarks today, let it be this: ask yourselves how your organization can make a unique contribution to a better world through knowledge diplomacy.
One project we have been working on is the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program. This program is leveraging Canada’s Commonwealth ties to create international study opportunities and globally minded citizens both here at home and abroad.
The goal: to create a dynamic community of globally minded leaders.
I think we’re well underway!
Let me close by summing up:
Inclusivity.
Innovation.
Diplomacy.
And let me thank you all for being here to discuss smart global development.
Have a productive conference—I wish you the very best with your important work.
Thank you.
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=16380&lan=eng
Smart Global Development Conference
Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Greetings, all of you, and a special welcome to those of you who have travelled from far and wide to be here.
You missed winter—barely!
Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge that this conference is taking place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation.
In fact, the word “Ottawa” comes from the Algonquin word for trade, which makes sense given our location at the junction of three great rivers: the Ottawa, the Gatineau and the Rideau.
Think about that for a moment. For centuries, people have come together on this exact spot to trade goods, ideas and stories.
Today, we continue that tradition. Our theme is the role of higher education in advancing sustainable development goals.
So let me begin with a story.
It takes place a few years back: in 1981, in Karachi, Pakistan.
As you may know, Karachi is home to the Aga Khan University, one of the top learning institutions in Pakistan.
Today, the university is well known as a leader in the field of medicine, but what’s less well known is that this is partly the result of a wonderful partnership that existed between Aga Khan University and a number of North American universities including McGill in Montréal in the early 1980s.
This partnership saw renowned McGill epidemiologist Walter Spitzer and his team working closely with their Pakistani counterparts to share McGill’s lessons learned in establishing a successful community medicine model.
Thanks to this collaboration, the new Aga Khan University hospital was able to build on McGill’s experience in deploying public health services in Karachi!
Back in those days, I was serving as president of McGill, and I had the opportunity to join the Aga Khan in Karachi for the opening of the new university hospital.
I remember being so impressed by the boldness of the Aga Khan’s initiative!
The goal was very ambitious: to bring the best of Western medicine to a country with very distinct customs and traditions.
One of the most striking challenges involved the opening of the nursing school. Many of the nursing students were women, but a traditional barrier existed against the treatment of boys and men by female health professionals.
As you can imagine, this kind of challenge is only resolved by showing a great deal of cultural sensitivity. This was done elegantly and with high professional nursing standards through a partnership with McMaster University’s School of Nursing in Hamilton. In fact, the first dean of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing was a former McMaster professor.
With this story in mind, I’d like to briefly highlight three themes to help guide your discussions to follow:
Inclusivity, innovation and diplomacy.
I’ll begin with the central importance of building strong, inclusive institutions—including learning institutions—as a foundation for peaceful, prosperous, pluralist societies.
All of you understand this is a priority, but that doesn’t make it any easier to achieve.
But it’s essential that we succeed.
Here in Canada, we’re still learning.
In fact, I saw evidence of our learning in action during a recent visit to Nipissing University in North Bay—about a four-hour drive west of Ottawa on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Nipissing is doing some very interesting work in terms of being more inclusive when it comes to indigenous education.
The university has a dedicated Office of Aboriginal Initiatives, as well as:
•An Elder in Residence program
•An indigenous student lounge and sacred space
•An indigenous speaker series
•Mentorship programs
•An annual welcome powwow
•An annual gathering for prospective Aboriginal students
•An indigenous week
Also, the president and vice-chancellor of Nipissing is Mike DeGagné, who is the first Aboriginal president of a Canadian university.
I share all these details for a reason: to emphasize the fact that there’s no single way to foster inclusivity in higher education.
It’s hard work.
It’s multifaceted.
It calls for leadership and broad community engagement.
And it requires innovation, which is what I want to speak about next.
Innovation is one of those terms that can mean different things to different people. In this context, I mean finding creative ways to meaningfully improve our quality of life and build a more inclusive, compassionate society. It means taking an existing idea and recrafting it to do things better.
Universities and institutes of higher education are ideally positioned to contribute to sustainable development, because they’re hubs of innovation and creativity!
Let me pose two questions for your consideration at this conference.
One, ask yourselves: what does university innovation in support of global development look like? You’re much more likely to hit a specific target than a vague one, so I encourage you to be as specific as possible in answering this question.
Two, given the existing barriers that prevent universities in the global south from harnessing their creative potential, ask: how do we allow that innate creativity to flourish?
I’d like to share one great example of international innovation in learning that I’ve witnessed as governor general. It’s called the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, or AIMS, and it has three main goals:
1.
To promote mathematics and science in Africa
2.
To recruit and train talented students and teachers
3.
To build capacity for African initiatives in education, research and technology.
In 2013, I visited AIMS headquarters in Cape Town with Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Canada has been a strong supporter of the AIMS initiative through Jean’s and the IDRC’s leadership.
Also, in Waterloo, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics has formed a unique partnership with the AIMS-Next Einstein Initiative on its global outreach efforts.
In fact, just a few weeks ago, Perimeter Institute director and physicist Neil Turok, the 2016 winner of the American Institute of Physics’ John Torrence Tate Award for International Leadership, donated his cash prize to establish a new scholarship for AIMS students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Neil, who hails from South Africa and is a founder of AIMS, boldly set out early in his career to establish learning institutions so the “next Einstein” could come from Africa. By fostering international collaboration, he has helped to make the dream of higher education real for so many students on that continent.
This brings me to my third and final theme: the diplomacy of knowledge.
The diplomacy of knowledge is simply this: the process by which distinct peoples and cultures come together and improve lives by sharing knowledge across borders and disciplines.
And as I learned in Karachi more than three decades ago, the Aga Khan is a wise practitioner of this brand of diplomacy. He understands that ultimately, sustainable development is an exercise in applying knowledge and diplomacy in equal measure.
You can’t have one without the other!
When we succeed, the results can be remarkable.
By the way, if you want to read more about my admiration for the Aga Khan’s leadership, you can read all about it in the letter I wrote to him in my new book of letters titled The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation. The theme of that letter is how the diplomacy of knowledge can lead us toward a smarter, more caring world.
If you take one thing from my remarks today, let it be this: ask yourselves how your organization can make a unique contribution to a better world through knowledge diplomacy.
One project we have been working on is the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program. This program is leveraging Canada’s Commonwealth ties to create international study opportunities and globally minded citizens both here at home and abroad.
The goal: to create a dynamic community of globally minded leaders.
I think we’re well underway!
Let me close by summing up:
Inclusivity.
Innovation.
Diplomacy.
And let me thank you all for being here to discuss smart global development.
Have a productive conference—I wish you the very best with your important work.
Thank you.
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=16380&lan=eng
Higher education must play a greater role in international development
TheIsmaili.org
14 April 2016
Ottawa, 14 April 2016 — Higher education has the potential to unlock new opportunities and underwrite sustainable growth in the developing world. But compared with investments in primary education and basic health care, the international community’s support for tertiary education has been limited.
A two-day gathering at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa aimed to raise the profile of higher education on the global development agenda.
Also see:
» Speech by the Governor General of Canada
» Smart Global Development conference website
“Universities and institutes of higher education are ideally positioned to contribute to sustainable development, because they’re hubs of innovation and creativity,” said His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada in his opening keynote on Wednesday evening. He suggested that the conference deliberations be guided by themes of “inclusivity, innovation and diplomacy.”
Attendees from more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as representatives from more than a dozen Canadian universities were gathered for the Smart Global Development conference — a joint presentation of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Academics Without Borders and the International Development Research Centre, with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.
Khalil Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada told the audience that “the need for high quality, permanent institutions has never been so important.” Universities, colleges and research institutes are critical anchors of progress, he explained.
“The most severe sort of marginalisation is marginalisation from the global knowledge society," he said. "Without global knowledge resources, communities, populations, indeed entire countries can be held back for generations.”
The importance of higher education to the work of the Aga Khan Development Network is evident in its two universities — the University of Central Asia, which was represented at the conference by Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Executive Chairman of the Board Executive Committee, and the Aga Khan University represented by its president, Firoz Rasul.
In his remarks, the Governor General recalled the establishment of the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan in the early 1980s, citing it as an example of how Canadian institutions of higher learning can make a difference in the quality of tertiary education in the developing world.
“Today, the university is well known as a leader in the field of medicine,” said Johnston — “the result of a wonderful partnership that existed between Aga Khan University and a number of North American universities.”
In particular, he highlighted the assistance given by McMaster and McGill in laying the foundations for AKU’s School of Nursing and Medical College. “The goal was very ambitious,” said Johnston, “to bring the best of Western medicine to a country with very distinct customs and traditions.”
Partnership for Central Asia
Canada and the Aga Khan Development Network have been partners in development for several decades, successfully expanding opportunities and improving quality of life in some of the most fragile regions of the developing world. Partnerships with higher education institutions have been central to these endeavours.
Last year, the University of Central Asia and Toronto’s Seneca College signed a memorandum of understanding in which Seneca would develop UCA’s preparatory programme in English, mathematics and science. The two institutions reaffirmed this commitment today, in a signing ceremony that took place at the conference.
The preparatory courses will ensure that students entering the university’s undergraduate programmes at campuses in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan will be equipped with the skills they need to succeed at the university level. Students at the Naryn campus in Kyrgyzstan will be the first to benefit.
“With Seneca’s support, our inaugural class of students will receive a rigorous academic programme that will prepare them for a truly international standard of education,” said UCA Executive Chairman Shamsh Kassim-Lakha.
Seneca President David Agnew noted that “Seneca and UCA share a common belief that world class education is one that offers a global perspective while empowering students to create social change both locally and internationally.” He also announced the College’s support of 12 scholarships for talented students from Central Asia.
The University of Central Asia is in the process of building its three residential campuses. The Naryn campus will enrol its first undergraduate students in September 2016, with Khorog, Tajikistan to follow in 2017 and the Tekeli campus in Kazakhstan due to open its doors in 2019. In addition to Seneca, the UCA has benefited from the assistance of the University of British Columbia, Carleton University, the University of Alberta, as well as support from Global Affairs Canada and the International Development Research Centre.
Enduring commitment to education
Speaking at the conference this morning, Dr Mahmoud Eboo, AKDN Resident Representative for Canada suggested that some might wonder what motivates the interest of AKDN and the Ismaili Imamat in education.
“The notion of the search for knowledge and its application for the benefit of people and the improvement of quality of life has been an ethical principle that has been part of the work of the Imamat for centuries,” he said. In 970 CE, when Mawlana Hazar Imam’s ancestor founded Al-Azhar in Cairo — which is today the world’s oldest university — “Muslim societies were at the vanguard of knowledge production.”
This focus on education continues today with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s establishment of two international universities, explained Dr Eboo. Together with a network of educational institutions that span the early childhood, primary and secondary levels, AKDN’s educational endeavours are spread across Central Asia, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
“Knowledge production, knowledge creation for the benefit of people and their quality of life — that is the driving ethic of the Aga Khan network,” he said.
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie situated the role of higher education within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. She discussed the priorities of the Government of Canada and its educational initiatives in international development.
“We very much value the partnerships that we have with our Canadian partners as well as the Canadian government,” said Dr Eboo. “For us, education is the single most powerful counterforce to poverty, to radicalisation, to lack of opportunity, to lack of hope.”
“Fear is infectious, but hope is too.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/h ... evelopment
TheIsmaili.org
14 April 2016
Ottawa, 14 April 2016 — Higher education has the potential to unlock new opportunities and underwrite sustainable growth in the developing world. But compared with investments in primary education and basic health care, the international community’s support for tertiary education has been limited.
A two-day gathering at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa aimed to raise the profile of higher education on the global development agenda.
Also see:
» Speech by the Governor General of Canada
» Smart Global Development conference website
“Universities and institutes of higher education are ideally positioned to contribute to sustainable development, because they’re hubs of innovation and creativity,” said His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada in his opening keynote on Wednesday evening. He suggested that the conference deliberations be guided by themes of “inclusivity, innovation and diplomacy.”
Attendees from more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as representatives from more than a dozen Canadian universities were gathered for the Smart Global Development conference — a joint presentation of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Academics Without Borders and the International Development Research Centre, with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.
Khalil Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada told the audience that “the need for high quality, permanent institutions has never been so important.” Universities, colleges and research institutes are critical anchors of progress, he explained.
“The most severe sort of marginalisation is marginalisation from the global knowledge society," he said. "Without global knowledge resources, communities, populations, indeed entire countries can be held back for generations.”
The importance of higher education to the work of the Aga Khan Development Network is evident in its two universities — the University of Central Asia, which was represented at the conference by Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Executive Chairman of the Board Executive Committee, and the Aga Khan University represented by its president, Firoz Rasul.
In his remarks, the Governor General recalled the establishment of the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan in the early 1980s, citing it as an example of how Canadian institutions of higher learning can make a difference in the quality of tertiary education in the developing world.
“Today, the university is well known as a leader in the field of medicine,” said Johnston — “the result of a wonderful partnership that existed between Aga Khan University and a number of North American universities.”
In particular, he highlighted the assistance given by McMaster and McGill in laying the foundations for AKU’s School of Nursing and Medical College. “The goal was very ambitious,” said Johnston, “to bring the best of Western medicine to a country with very distinct customs and traditions.”
Partnership for Central Asia
Canada and the Aga Khan Development Network have been partners in development for several decades, successfully expanding opportunities and improving quality of life in some of the most fragile regions of the developing world. Partnerships with higher education institutions have been central to these endeavours.
Last year, the University of Central Asia and Toronto’s Seneca College signed a memorandum of understanding in which Seneca would develop UCA’s preparatory programme in English, mathematics and science. The two institutions reaffirmed this commitment today, in a signing ceremony that took place at the conference.
The preparatory courses will ensure that students entering the university’s undergraduate programmes at campuses in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan will be equipped with the skills they need to succeed at the university level. Students at the Naryn campus in Kyrgyzstan will be the first to benefit.
“With Seneca’s support, our inaugural class of students will receive a rigorous academic programme that will prepare them for a truly international standard of education,” said UCA Executive Chairman Shamsh Kassim-Lakha.
Seneca President David Agnew noted that “Seneca and UCA share a common belief that world class education is one that offers a global perspective while empowering students to create social change both locally and internationally.” He also announced the College’s support of 12 scholarships for talented students from Central Asia.
The University of Central Asia is in the process of building its three residential campuses. The Naryn campus will enrol its first undergraduate students in September 2016, with Khorog, Tajikistan to follow in 2017 and the Tekeli campus in Kazakhstan due to open its doors in 2019. In addition to Seneca, the UCA has benefited from the assistance of the University of British Columbia, Carleton University, the University of Alberta, as well as support from Global Affairs Canada and the International Development Research Centre.
Enduring commitment to education
Speaking at the conference this morning, Dr Mahmoud Eboo, AKDN Resident Representative for Canada suggested that some might wonder what motivates the interest of AKDN and the Ismaili Imamat in education.
“The notion of the search for knowledge and its application for the benefit of people and the improvement of quality of life has been an ethical principle that has been part of the work of the Imamat for centuries,” he said. In 970 CE, when Mawlana Hazar Imam’s ancestor founded Al-Azhar in Cairo — which is today the world’s oldest university — “Muslim societies were at the vanguard of knowledge production.”
This focus on education continues today with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s establishment of two international universities, explained Dr Eboo. Together with a network of educational institutions that span the early childhood, primary and secondary levels, AKDN’s educational endeavours are spread across Central Asia, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
“Knowledge production, knowledge creation for the benefit of people and their quality of life — that is the driving ethic of the Aga Khan network,” he said.
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie situated the role of higher education within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. She discussed the priorities of the Government of Canada and its educational initiatives in international development.
“We very much value the partnerships that we have with our Canadian partners as well as the Canadian government,” said Dr Eboo. “For us, education is the single most powerful counterforce to poverty, to radicalisation, to lack of opportunity, to lack of hope.”
“Fear is infectious, but hope is too.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/h ... evelopment
Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat presents Saving Heritage: Preserving History in the Developing World
Held February 24, 2016: Harnessing the culture and history of a region can be a powerful driver of development and progress – but protecting and restoring historic sites and artifacts continues to be challenging in unstable and vulnerable parts of the developing world.
Despite these barriers, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture works to revitalize culture and protect heritage, including projects to restore historic structures; create and rehabilitate public spaces, parks, and gardens; and support community-based projects to spur social, economic, and cultural development.
In this lecture and Q&A, Christophe Bouleau of AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme discussed historic sites in the context of development, how AKTC works with communities, and how an integrated development approach could be beneficial in Canada.
/ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/04/19/delegation-of-the-ismaili-imamat-presents-saving-heritage-preserving-history-in-the-developing-world/
Held February 24, 2016: Harnessing the culture and history of a region can be a powerful driver of development and progress – but protecting and restoring historic sites and artifacts continues to be challenging in unstable and vulnerable parts of the developing world.
Despite these barriers, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture works to revitalize culture and protect heritage, including projects to restore historic structures; create and rehabilitate public spaces, parks, and gardens; and support community-based projects to spur social, economic, and cultural development.
In this lecture and Q&A, Christophe Bouleau of AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme discussed historic sites in the context of development, how AKTC works with communities, and how an integrated development approach could be beneficial in Canada.
/ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/04/19/delegation-of-the-ismaili-imamat-presents-saving-heritage-preserving-history-in-the-developing-world/
Ottawa Peace Talks
April 19, 2016
Organized under the theme “Let’s build peace through diversity”, the Ottawa Peace Talks aims to inspire reflection and discussion about how respect for diversity can promote more peaceful societies through inclusion, both in Canada and globally. This event marks the first time the Peace Talks are held in Canada. Speakers coming from diverse backgrounds will share their personal experiences, stories and ideas to highlight the importance of building peace through broad and diverse participation. The Ottawa Peace Talks will also look at the role of individual Canadians, and Canada as a whole, to support greater inclusion for peace at home and at the global level.
The purpose of the Peace Talks is to expand the space for discussion about building peace and resolving conflict. The Peace Talks aim to change perceptions about peace and to make the issue of peace more understandable and accessible to a wider public. The Peace Talks event series began in 2013, with the first ever Geneva Peace Talks being co-organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and Interpeace.
Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Tuesday, April 19th
5:30 PM Reception
6:00 PM Peace Talks
Watch the event: VIDEO
http://www.pluralism.ca/en/events/forum ... talks.html
The Ottawa Peace Talks were co-presented by the Global Centre for Pluralism and Interpeace.
The speaker order is as follows:
1.The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson
2.Roberta Jamieson
3.The Hon. Maryam Monsef
4.Michele Brandt
5.Roméo Dallaire
6.Emmanuel Jal
7.Alaa Murabit
8.Giovanna Mingarelli
9.Désirée McGraw
10.Hamoon Ekhtiari
11.Erum Hasan and Nisreen Ismail
April 19, 2016
Organized under the theme “Let’s build peace through diversity”, the Ottawa Peace Talks aims to inspire reflection and discussion about how respect for diversity can promote more peaceful societies through inclusion, both in Canada and globally. This event marks the first time the Peace Talks are held in Canada. Speakers coming from diverse backgrounds will share their personal experiences, stories and ideas to highlight the importance of building peace through broad and diverse participation. The Ottawa Peace Talks will also look at the role of individual Canadians, and Canada as a whole, to support greater inclusion for peace at home and at the global level.
The purpose of the Peace Talks is to expand the space for discussion about building peace and resolving conflict. The Peace Talks aim to change perceptions about peace and to make the issue of peace more understandable and accessible to a wider public. The Peace Talks event series began in 2013, with the first ever Geneva Peace Talks being co-organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and Interpeace.
Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Tuesday, April 19th
5:30 PM Reception
6:00 PM Peace Talks
Watch the event: VIDEO
http://www.pluralism.ca/en/events/forum ... talks.html
The Ottawa Peace Talks were co-presented by the Global Centre for Pluralism and Interpeace.
The speaker order is as follows:
1.The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson
2.Roberta Jamieson
3.The Hon. Maryam Monsef
4.Michele Brandt
5.Roméo Dallaire
6.Emmanuel Jal
7.Alaa Murabit
8.Giovanna Mingarelli
9.Désirée McGraw
10.Hamoon Ekhtiari
11.Erum Hasan and Nisreen Ismail
Canadians fête Imamat Day at Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
TheIsmaili.org
12 July 2016
Ottawa, 12 July 2016 — Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 59th Imamat Day was celebrated at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Thursday at a reception organised by the Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative for Canada.
AKDN Representative Dr Mahmoud Eboo and his wife Karima hosted the event, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Governor General, Parliament and the Government of Canada, as well as civil society leaders and members of the Ismaili community, including Ismaili Council for Canada President Malik Talib.
The Honourable Senator Peter Harder addressed the gathering on behalf of the government.
“I am delighted to mark the 59th anniversary since Prince Karim Aga Khan became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, having descended directly from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family),” said Senator Harder. “Canadians appreciate the Aga Khan’s recognition of our country as a model for pluralism around the world. We also take great pride in His Highness’ acceptance of honorary Canadian citizenship.”
The Senator acknowledged the millions of Ismailis around the world who celebrate Imamat Day, and applauded the contributions that Canadian Ismailis make to Canada.
Approximately 100 guests were present at the evening event. They learnt of the scope and breadth of the work of the Ismaili Imamat, the many of countries in which the AKDN operates, as well as the activities of the various agencies in those countries. Some ambassadors, while aware of the Development Network’s engagement in their own countries, were astonished at the extent of its contributions in other parts of the world.
Explaining the significance of Imamat Day, Dr Eboo described the Ismaili Imamat as “the ancient and historical institutional office representing the succession of Ismaili Imams from the first Imam, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.”
“Throughout history,” he said, “the Ismaili Imamat has been an institution that has sought to uphold the values of a thinking Islam, of pluralism as a fundamental ethic, of the inherent value of human dignity, and of our shared responsibility for the environment. The Imamat has pursued this through the building of civil society capacity in support of governments.”
Senator Harder recalled that he first met Mawlana Hazar Imam 27 years ago, and spoke of the lessons that he has learnt since — the need for greater understanding between the West and Muslim civilisations, the urgency for societies to foster a cosmopolitan ethic across an increasingly interconnected globe, and the importance of nurturing successful pluralist societies.
“Around the world, ignorance, intolerance and zealotry are equal-opportunity curses to all religions and are chasing faith out of public life — this needs to change,” observed Senator Harder. “The Aga Khan offers an effective antidote. Diversity, tolerance and human rights must be the path forward. I know Prime Minister Trudeau and His Highness affirmed those values in their recent meeting.”
Part of that antidote lay in the institutions that Mawlana Hazar Imam has established, which shed light on the contributions of Islam and Muslim civilisations to the shared progress of humanity.
“Here in Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism, a 50/50 partnership between the Government of Canada and the Imamat, will formally open its headquarters at 330 Sussex in 2017 during Canada’s sesquicentennial and His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee,” said Dr Eboo. “Additionally, the Imamat has formal agreements with the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, as well as partnerships with British Columbia and Quebec and with Canadian universities including the University of Alberta, McGill, McMaster, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, and Seneca College.”
“In a troubled world, where Islam is often misperceived, misrepresented, mischaracterised and misunderstood, His Highness has sought to educate, through a multiplicity of programmes and physical spaces he has built in Canada and elsewhere, an understanding of Islam’s contributions to mathematics, art, culture, science, and knowledge,” added Dr Eboo.
The event highlighted the deep and extensive collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat in their efforts to enhance quality of life around the world. Senator Harder said that Canada looks forward to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s continued counsel on how the country can continue to “promote diversity and help build peace and stability around the world.”
“And next year, as Canadians celebrate our country’s 150th anniversary,” he said, “we will also celebrate His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee.”
“In marking those happy milestones together, let us find new opportunities to strengthen our friendship and advance our shared and deeply held values.”
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... ion-imamat
TheIsmaili.org
12 July 2016
Ottawa, 12 July 2016 — Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 59th Imamat Day was celebrated at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Thursday at a reception organised by the Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative for Canada.
AKDN Representative Dr Mahmoud Eboo and his wife Karima hosted the event, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Governor General, Parliament and the Government of Canada, as well as civil society leaders and members of the Ismaili community, including Ismaili Council for Canada President Malik Talib.
The Honourable Senator Peter Harder addressed the gathering on behalf of the government.
“I am delighted to mark the 59th anniversary since Prince Karim Aga Khan became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, having descended directly from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family),” said Senator Harder. “Canadians appreciate the Aga Khan’s recognition of our country as a model for pluralism around the world. We also take great pride in His Highness’ acceptance of honorary Canadian citizenship.”
The Senator acknowledged the millions of Ismailis around the world who celebrate Imamat Day, and applauded the contributions that Canadian Ismailis make to Canada.
Approximately 100 guests were present at the evening event. They learnt of the scope and breadth of the work of the Ismaili Imamat, the many of countries in which the AKDN operates, as well as the activities of the various agencies in those countries. Some ambassadors, while aware of the Development Network’s engagement in their own countries, were astonished at the extent of its contributions in other parts of the world.
Explaining the significance of Imamat Day, Dr Eboo described the Ismaili Imamat as “the ancient and historical institutional office representing the succession of Ismaili Imams from the first Imam, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.”
“Throughout history,” he said, “the Ismaili Imamat has been an institution that has sought to uphold the values of a thinking Islam, of pluralism as a fundamental ethic, of the inherent value of human dignity, and of our shared responsibility for the environment. The Imamat has pursued this through the building of civil society capacity in support of governments.”
Senator Harder recalled that he first met Mawlana Hazar Imam 27 years ago, and spoke of the lessons that he has learnt since — the need for greater understanding between the West and Muslim civilisations, the urgency for societies to foster a cosmopolitan ethic across an increasingly interconnected globe, and the importance of nurturing successful pluralist societies.
“Around the world, ignorance, intolerance and zealotry are equal-opportunity curses to all religions and are chasing faith out of public life — this needs to change,” observed Senator Harder. “The Aga Khan offers an effective antidote. Diversity, tolerance and human rights must be the path forward. I know Prime Minister Trudeau and His Highness affirmed those values in their recent meeting.”
Part of that antidote lay in the institutions that Mawlana Hazar Imam has established, which shed light on the contributions of Islam and Muslim civilisations to the shared progress of humanity.
“Here in Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism, a 50/50 partnership between the Government of Canada and the Imamat, will formally open its headquarters at 330 Sussex in 2017 during Canada’s sesquicentennial and His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee,” said Dr Eboo. “Additionally, the Imamat has formal agreements with the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, as well as partnerships with British Columbia and Quebec and with Canadian universities including the University of Alberta, McGill, McMaster, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, and Seneca College.”
“In a troubled world, where Islam is often misperceived, misrepresented, mischaracterised and misunderstood, His Highness has sought to educate, through a multiplicity of programmes and physical spaces he has built in Canada and elsewhere, an understanding of Islam’s contributions to mathematics, art, culture, science, and knowledge,” added Dr Eboo.
The event highlighted the deep and extensive collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat in their efforts to enhance quality of life around the world. Senator Harder said that Canada looks forward to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s continued counsel on how the country can continue to “promote diversity and help build peace and stability around the world.”
“And next year, as Canadians celebrate our country’s 150th anniversary,” he said, “we will also celebrate His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee.”
“In marking those happy milestones together, let us find new opportunities to strengthen our friendship and advance our shared and deeply held values.”
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... ion-imamat
Embracing Complexity: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Development and Humanitarian Assistance
September 21, 2016 - How do we know what works in development? In crisis or conflict situations, how do we determine the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions?
Impact evaluations are a complex but critical component of development policy and practice. Done well, they provide evidence of the effectiveness of interventions and offer lessons for future programs. In crisis or conflict situations, however, assessing the impact of interventions is even more challenging and complex, given the urgency for immediate response. In both development and humanitarian contexts, embracing complexity is key to measuring impact.
Join Aga Khan Foundation Canada for the fourth event of our series on Measuring Development Impact, Embracing Complexity with Dr. Jyotsna (Jo) Puri, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Evaluation, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie). Dr. Puri’s presentation will explore the evidence on what is working, how and for whom, in both development and crisis situations. She will talk about the nature of that evidence and focus specifically on areas such as climate change, governance and humanitarian assistance - areas that have traditionally received less attention in the search for evidence of development impact.
Register Now!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
The Delegation of the Ismaili
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
If you cannot attend in person, register to watch the live webcast.
http://www.akfc.ca/en/events/item/273-e ... complexity
September 21, 2016 - How do we know what works in development? In crisis or conflict situations, how do we determine the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions?
Impact evaluations are a complex but critical component of development policy and practice. Done well, they provide evidence of the effectiveness of interventions and offer lessons for future programs. In crisis or conflict situations, however, assessing the impact of interventions is even more challenging and complex, given the urgency for immediate response. In both development and humanitarian contexts, embracing complexity is key to measuring impact.
Join Aga Khan Foundation Canada for the fourth event of our series on Measuring Development Impact, Embracing Complexity with Dr. Jyotsna (Jo) Puri, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Evaluation, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie). Dr. Puri’s presentation will explore the evidence on what is working, how and for whom, in both development and crisis situations. She will talk about the nature of that evidence and focus specifically on areas such as climate change, governance and humanitarian assistance - areas that have traditionally received less attention in the search for evidence of development impact.
Register Now!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
The Delegation of the Ismaili
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
If you cannot attend in person, register to watch the live webcast.
http://www.akfc.ca/en/events/item/273-e ... complexity