Aga Khan's Global Centre for Pluralism

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ottawasun.com/2014/11/19/aga-khan-foundation-to-built-at-former-war-museum-site


Aga Khan Foundation to built at former war museum site

DANI-ELLE DUBE, Ottawa Sun

First posted: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 01:44 PM EST | Updated: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 04:40 PM EST


The building that once housed the Canadian war museum will be turned into a new international diversity research and educational centre.

The NCC approved the site plan and design at its Board of Directors meeting Wednesday, a project that comes to no cost of the NCC in its development stages.

The centre is a part of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, a registered Canadian charity and group of agencies that address social, economic and cultural aspects of development.

"The Global Centre for Pluralism will not only be a great addition to National Capital and making use of an empty heritage building at a prime location," said Russ Mills, chairman of the NCC, "But it's also an honour for Canada because the Aga Khan Foundation operates in many parts of the world and could have built this in many countries. But the Aga Khan are impressed with aspects of Canadian society, especially with how with people with different backgrounds and religions live peacefully together."

Although the NCC isn't shelling out cash for the Aga Khan centre, public money could be used for related projects on adjacent land. However, the Government of Canada did contribute $30 million as an endowment to the institution.

The building is located in between the Royal Canadian Mint and the National Gallery of Canada. That means any future funding from the NCC, or possibly the City of Ottawa, could be used for projects such as improving connectivity between buildings on Lady Grey Drive.

Construction for the centre is to begin in April 2015 and end in Oct. 2016
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Remarks introducing The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, The Global Centre for Pluralism’s Fourth Annual Lecturer (Toronto, Canada)

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim.

Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin,
Madame Adrienne Clarkson,
Your Excellencies,
Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Chers amis, permettezmoi de vous souhaiter la bienvenue à la quatrième Conférence annuelle sur le pluralisme que nous avons le plaisir d’organiser pour la première fois au Musée Aga Khan de Toronto. Ces conférences offrent une plateforme unique pour le dialogue international et soulignent le leadership de ceux et celles qui font une différence concrète en faveur du pluralisme et de la citoyenneté inclusive. Nous avons l’immense honneur d’accueillir aujourd’hui, la juge en chef du Canada, qui partagera ses réflexions sur les défis et les perspectives du pluralisme au 21 e siècle.

Google translation] Dear friends, permit me to welcome you to the Fourth Annual Conference on pluralism we have the pleasure to organise for the first time in the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. These conferences provide a unique platform for international dialogue and emphasise the leadership of those who make a real difference in favour of pluralism and inclusive citizenship. We have the great honour today to welcome the Chief Justice of Canada, who will share her thoughts on the challenges and prospects for pluralism in the 21st century.

I am delighted to welcome the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin to deliver the Global Centre’s fourth Annual Pluralism Lecture and to welcome you all to the Aga Khan Museum. The Chief Justice is a great champion of pluralism, with a wide range of judgements that demonstrate a profound respect for inclusion and accommodation.

As you may know, she also made history in the year 2000, when she was the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice in Canada — you understand the hint about gender issues — and in 2013, when she became the longest serving Chief Justice of the Canadian Supreme Court.

Through her thoughtful, articulate leadership, she has reinforced respect for the Supreme Court, while also fostering greater public understanding about the justice system.

When the Chief Justice first came to the Supreme Court in 1989, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms had recently come into force. The justices were hearing numerous controversial human rights cases and often rendering divided decisions. But the Chief Justice’s appointment ushered in an era of consensus building among her colleagues. Through her thoughtful, articulate leadership, she has reinforced respect for the Supreme Court, while also fostering greater public understanding about the justice system.

By working to uphold the rights of all Canadian citizens, the Chief Justice has contributed in a major way to Canada’s robust pluralism. Certainly, Canadians will insist that there is still work to be done. But on the world stage, there is a great need for experiences of pluralism that work and Canada is providing a powerful example.

In her LaFontaine-Baldwin lecture in Toronto, in 2003, the Chief Justice said and I quote, “One problem, more than any other, dominates human history — the problem of how we deal with those who are different than us.” Those words have sharp, continuing relevance as we move further into the 21st century. Whether the challenge involves new waves of migrants moving into European societies, or political participation for the indigenous peoples of Latin America, or working towards democratic change in the Middle East and North Africa, there is a profound need to focus on the values and hopes that unite all human beings.

As the Chief Justice has stated and I quote again, “The creation of a harmonious society where every individual feels not only accepted but truly welcome is the responsibility of all citizens.” This responsibility is why the Global Centre for Pluralism exists to help us learn from one another about the challenges of diversity. And on evenings like this, we are fortunate to realise the Centre’s mission to convene change leaders and inspire dialogue about the benefits of inclusion and respect.

Ladies and Gentlemen, together with you, I eagerly look forward to hearing from the Centre’s honoured lecturer for 2015, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin.

His Highness the Aga Khan IV

SOURCES

http://www.pluralism.ca/index.php?optio ... 28&lang=en
http://www.pluralism.ca/images/PDF_docs ... tionEN.pdf

http://www.nanowisdoms.org/nwblog/10908/

*****
Reconciling Unity and Diversity in the Modern Era: Tolerance and Intolerance
Remarks of the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, P.C. Chief Justice of Canada
At the Aga Khan Museum

http://pluralism.ca/images/PDF_docs/APL ... ecture.pdf
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related:

Pluralism Lecture 2015 - RECONCILING UNITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE MODERN ERA

http://www.ismaili.net/heritage/node/31759
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kmaherali wrote:Address by MHI at the Inaugural Pluralism Lecture, Global Centre for Pluralism (Ottawa, Canada)

Canada is one of the best examples of a country that has embraced its diversity and cultivated a vision of nationhood based on shared and democratic citizenship. It should therefore come as no surprise that the Global Centre for Pluralism is headquartered in Ottawa. The Centre is founded on a strong and vital partnership with the Government of Canada, rooted in our common belief in respect for diversity and the importance of building inclusive societies. Excellency, as a former Kyrgyz Ambassador to Canada, you are no stranger to this country’s commitment to participatory democracy. And you have, through your own example, shown that an enlightened leadership recognises that, nothing less than this, is acceptable for any society.
Below is an article vindicating MHI's statement above.

Punjabi language is now the third most common in the House of Commons after English and French

By ABBAS RANA |

Published: Monday, 11/02/2015 12:00 am EST

With the election of 20 Punjabi-speaking MPs on Oct. 19, the Punjabi language is now the third most common in the House of Commons after English and French.

In total, 23 MPs of South Asian origin were elected to the House last month. Three of them—Liberal MP Chandra Arya (Nepean, Ont.) who was born and raised in India, Gary Anandasangaree (Scarborough-Rouge Park, Ont.) who is Tamil, and Maryam Monsef (Peterborough-Kwartha, Ont.) who is of Afghan origin—do not speak Punjabi.

Of the 20 who do speak Punjabi, 18 are Liberals and two are Conservatives.

The NDP does not have any Punjabi-speaking MPs in caucus after B.C. MPs Jinny Sims and Jasbir Sandhu both lost on Oct. 19.

Among the newly-elected Punjabi-speaking MPs, 14 are males and six are females. Ontario elected 12, British Columbia four, Alberta three and one is from Quebec.

Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) is scheduled to unveil his Cabinet this week and some of these Liberal MPs are expected to be included in the front bench.

According to Statistics Canada’s 2011 National Household Survey, 430,705 Canadians identified Punjabi as their mother tongue, making it the third most common language after English and French.

About 100 million people in the world are native speakers of Punjabi, most of them based in Pakistan and India. In the Indian state of Punjab, Punjabi is the official language. In Pakistan, despite being the single largest linguistic group, Punjabi does not have official language status in the province of Punjab. Instead, Urdu and English are used in schools and offices.

In an interview with The Hill Times, Navdeep Bains, a Liberal elected in Mississauga-Malton, Ont., said that although 20 Punjabi-speaking MPs have been elected, these MPs represent all constituents regardless of their party affiliation or ethnic origin.

“It speaks to our commitment to diversity and allowing individual [MPs] to play an important role in our political institutions,” said Mr. Bains.

“The main issue to understand is that we have a very clear mandate to execute our platform and we also have a responsibility to represent our constituents, which are very diverse.”

Iqra Khalid, the Liberal now representing Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont. who was born in Pakistan but moved to Canada with her parents at a very young age, said that the diversity of the newly-elected House reflects the true make-up of Canada.

Our Parliament is finally starting to look like the people of Canada. It’s a very positive step forward,” said Ms. Khalid, a lawyer by training.

The 430,705 native Punjabi speakers make up about 1.3 per cent of Canada’s population. The 20 Punjabi-speaking MPs represent almost six per cent of the House of Commons.

Deepak Obhrai, first elected in 1997, won his Calgary seat for the seventh time in a row. He will chair the national caucus meeting this week to elect the interim Conservative Party leader. He said that his focus, now, is the next election when his constituents will judge him not on his ethnicity but his record in the party and how effectively he represents his constituents.

“The voice of the Indo-Canadian community will now be very well represented in the Parliament. In the overall aspect of it, the South Asian community won,” said Mr. Obhrai.

“We must also recognize we represent all communities. How active you play your role in the party and how active you play your role in the Parliament, you will be judged by your record, as I was.”

In the 2011 election, nine MPs of South Asian origin were elected and eight spoke Punjabi. Former NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan has Tamil roots and did not speak Punjabi. She lost her seat on Oct. 19.

Conservatives elected six of them in 2011, while the NDP elected two and Liberals did not elect any MPs who spoke Punjabi.

Mr. Obhrai is the only MP of South Asian origin from 2011 to have survived in 2015. The Conservatives who lost include Bal Gosal, Parm Gill, Devinder Shory, Tim Uppal and Nina Grewal. The two NDP MPs who lost are Mr. Sandhu and Ms. Sims.

Mr. Obhrai said the key reason other MPs of South Asian origin lost their seats was the Liberal momentum.

“There’s nothing more to read into it except to say that it was a red wave,” said Mr. Obhrai.

Salma Zahid, a former Liberal Queen’s Park ministerial staffer elected in Scarborough Centre, Ont., said voters wanted a change from the Stephen Harper Conservative government.

“People wanted change and I’m very proud of our platform, which we took to the people and it is because the Canadians believed in the change we were proposing,” she said.

Former Liberal Cabinet minister Herb Dhaliwal, who was one of the first Sikh MPs elected to the House in 1993 along with Gurbax Malhi, said the newly-elected MPs from ethnic communities have an opportunity to play a key role in Canada’s national and international policies.

“It reflects how open our political system is, that new immigrants can get elected and they can contribute to Canadian life and determining future policy. It also shows our Parliament is reflecting the diversity of our nation. That’s always a good thing,” said Mr. Dhaliwal, who was Canada’s first full Cabinet minister with Asian roots.

During his political career from 1993 to 2004, he held the National Revenue, Fisheries and Oceans, and Natural Resources portfolios, and was the political minister responsible for B.C.

arana@hilltimes.com

The Hill Times

http://www.hilltimes.com/news/news/2015 ... ouse/44002
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Post by kmaherali »

More about Canada related to the previous post...

New Crop of Immigrants in Parliament Is Seen as Reflection of Canada

OTTAWA — He was a teenage refugee, fleeing civil war in Somalia, when he came to Canada 22 years ago. Now, after completing high school and earning degrees in history and law, Ahmed Hussen is about to be sworn in as a member of Parliament — one of 46 nonwhite candidates elected to the House of Commons on Oct. 19, most of them immigrants.

“Even as recently as two years ago, if you asked, ‘Would you ever become an M.P. in Canada?’ I would say, ‘Impossible,’ ” said Mr. Hussen, 39, a Liberal who will represent a Toronto constituency. “It speaks well of Canadians that they’re willing to vote for a person based on his views and his platform, not where they come from.”

Many factors contributed to the sweeping victory last month by the Liberals, whose leader, Justin Trudeau, will take office as prime minister on Wednesday. But several analysts said that one of the most important factors was the immigration and refugee policies of the losing Conservative government.

In a country that generally prizes immigrants as a source of economic growth and officially encourages newcomers to maintain their ethnic identities, the Conservatives and Prime Minister Stephen Harper were widely seen as anti-Muslim, especially after they made an issue of the face coverings worn by some Muslim women.

More...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/04/world ... d=71987722
Last edited by kmaherali on Wed Nov 04, 2015 5:09 am, edited 2 times in total.
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http://pluralism.ca/en/events/upcoming-events.html

May 19, 2016 | Annual Pluralism Lecture 2016

Justice Albie Sachs

formerly of the Constitutional Court of South Africa

The Battle for the South African Constitution: Protecting Minorities through Power-Sharing or a Bill of Rights?

With introductory remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan and an audience dialogue moderated by David Walmsley, Editor-in-Chief of the Globe and Mail.


Join the Centre on May 19, 2016 at 6:30 EST for the live stream presentation via the Globe and Mail.

ABOUT JUSTICE SACHS:

After the first democratic elections in South Africa, Justice Sachs was appointed by President Nelson Mandela to serve on the newly established Constitutional Court, the country’s highest court. A renowned defender of human rights, he helped draft South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution. Justice Sachs is the author of many books, including The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs (1966) about the 168 days spent in solitary confinement without trial and The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law (2009), a first-hand account of his judicial philosophy through the landmark cases he has heard.

ABOUT THE ANNUAL PLURALISM LECTURE:

The Centre’s flagship event, the Annual Lecture provides an opportunity to meet and learn from compelling individuals whose work has made a practical difference in the world. These change leaders reflect on how to build and strengthen pluralist societies.

Click here for more information about the Annual Pluralism Lecture series and our past lecturers.

The Lecture is presented in partnership with the Globe and Mail, which will livestream the Lecture. Although attendance at the Lecture in Toronto is by invitation only, we hope you will join us for the live stream.

Presented in partnership with:

Globe and Maill
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In keeping with the image and character of Canada as a model for multiculturaliism and pluralism and hence the situation of the centre in Canada.


Bhangra classes offered for high school credit in B.C.

B.C. high school students can earn credits by taking a course in the Indian dance of bhangra


B.C. high school students can trade in their gym classes for instruction in bhangra, a traditional dance that originated in the Punjab region of India.

The B.C. Ministry of Education now allows students to take bhangra classes for credit at the South Asian Arts Academy in Surrey.

"Students love it. A lot of kids have danced and played music throughout their lives, but now they can actually get credits for it — towards their graduation," said Gurpreet Sian, an instructor at the academy.

It took Sian and fellow instructor Rayman Bhullar over five years to work out the details with the Ministry of Education and get the program running.

At no cost, students can learn how to play the dhol drum and get lessons in the vibrant dance of bhangra.

Students register through the Ministry-approved iLearn DL, and once signed up, attend practices at the South Asian Arts Academy.

Tests and assignments

The only catch, they say, is that students must complete a couple of assignments and tests before a letter grade and credits are assigned.

Bhangra has its roots in the Punjab region of India where it was originally performed as a way to celebrate the harvest season.

Since then, the lively dance driven by the beat of the dhol has made it's away across the globe.

In Vancouver, festivals like the 'City of Bhangra' attract thousands of people yearly to celebrate and bridge cultures through music and dance.

"I like to compare bhangra to hip hop," Sian said. "It's this big underground subculture with competitions that happen all across North America, teams all over the place. Vancouver is sort of a hub you could say for bhangra dance, bhangra music," .

In the video above, Our Vancouver host Gloria Macarenko learns more about the dance and gets schooled in bhangra.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-c ... 87?cmp=rss
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What is the Global Pluralism Award?

Recognizing Pluralism in Action

The new Global Pluralism Award recognizes pluralism in action. It celebrates the extraordinary achievements of organizations, individuals and governments who are tackling the challenge of living peacefully and productively with diversity.

What is Pluralism?

Pluralism, founded on respect for diversity, requires that human differences are protected and valued. Read more.

The Jury

The international jury for the 2017 Award is made up of seven distinguished members from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. Stay tuned for the Jury announcement. Read more.


Selection Process

Through a multi-stage process, the jury will select awardees that have demonstrated exceptional and sustained achievement for pluralism. Read more.
.
Learn more about the award

http://award.pluralism.ca/
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Aga Khan to receive Honorary Degree in Toronto May 2016

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While fully federated with the U of T , St Michael’s is a university in its own right. Its graduate Faculty of Theology is one of the largest theology schools in North America. St Michael’s is also home to the renowned Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.

Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2C4
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http://www.pluralism.ca/en/events/annua ... ution.html

WEBCAST LIVE HERE at 7:30pm ET

19 MAY 2016. Do not miss!
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South African constitutional story carries lessons on pluralism
https://www.theismaili.org/news-events/ ... -pluralism

TheIsmaili.org

20 May 2016


Toronto, 20 May 2016 — The story of how the South African constitution was created, was the subject of the this year’s Annual Pluralism Lecture. And it was all the more remarkable for the formidable storyteller who recounted it.

Also see:
» GCP: 2016 Annual Pluralism Lecture by Justice Albie Sachs
» Visit Diary: Mawlana Hazar Imam visits Canada

Justice Albie Sachs — heroic activist, freedom fighter and a former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa — delivered the talk, a yearly fixture of the Global Centre for Pluralism. Mawlana Hazar Imam introduced him as “a chief architect of South Africa’s new post-apartheid constitution, one of the most admired constitutions in the world.”

“In the pursuit of an effective pluralism,” said Hazar Imam, “we can learn a great deal from studying the South African constitution.”

In their struggle to define their post-apartheid nation, explained Justice Sachs, South Africans faced a fundamental choice between constructing a power sharing structure along the dividing lines of race, or striving for equality on the basis of a shared humanity.

Oliver Tambo, then president of the African National Congress was firmly against “power sharing between racial and ethnic groups,” recalled Justice Sachs. Tambo argued persuasively for “a common society of citizens, where rights are protected through a bill of rights — not because you are white or black or a member of a majority or minority, but because you are a human being.”

“That was his profound vision and approach,” said Sachs. “Not to institutionalise race, ethnicity in the structures of government,” but rather to “recognise pluralism through political pluralism.”

At the culmination of his talk, Justice Sachs descended the stage to present Mawlana Hazar Imam with a copy of South Africa’s Bill of Rights, which is now enshrined in the country’s constitution. It was a heartfelt gesture that capped his emotional story.

"We are so proud of this document," he said. "Your Highness, please accept South Africa's most precious gift to the world."

The Global Centre for Pluralism’s Annual Pluralism Lecture invites international leaders who have made a difference in the world to share their insights on pluralism. Past lecturers include Canada's Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Held in the auditorium of the Aga Khan Museum yesterday evening, the event drew an eminent gathering, which included Princess Zahra and Prince Aly Muhammad, as well as former Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson — who gave the closing remarks — and other prominent Canadian and international leaders.

Mawlana Hazar Imam has been on a visit to Canada since Monday to attend various meetings and events in Ottawa and Toronto. Earlier in the day, Hazar Imam chaired a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Global Centre for Pluralism. Later today, he is due to receive an honorary degree from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies — in recognition of his efforts to strengthen civil society through the promotion of pluralism.

Full Video at:

https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... an-museum/
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Judicial influence, by osmosis

ALBIE SACHS

Contributed to The Globe and Mail


Published Thursday, May 19, 2016 6:00AM EDT

Last updated Wednesday, May 18, 2016 6:57PM EDT

Albie Sachs is a former justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He will deliver the Global Centre for Pluralism Annual Lecture in Toronto on May 19.

More...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/ ... e30087147/
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His Highness the Aga Khan delivers Introductory Remarks at the Global Centre for Pluralism's 2016 Annual Lecture

http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... ry-remarks

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

Justice Albie Sachs
Madame Adrienne Clarkson
Your Excellencies
Ministers
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

What a great pleasure it is for me to welcome you, most warmly, to the Aga Khan Museum and to this Lecture. I am particularly pleased to extend this welcome on behalf of the Global Centre for Pluralism and the members of the Board of Directors.

This is the Fifth time that the Centre has sponsored this annual event - we call it the Pluralism Lecture. It is one of the highlights of the Centre’s activities each year. It is something we look forward to, beforehand, with great anticipation - and something we remember, afterward, with great appreciation.

And this year, it is our special honour to welcome as our Pluralism Lecturer - Justice Albie Sachs.

Au nom du Conseil d’administration du Centre mondial du du pluralisme, permettez-moi de vous souhaiter la bienvenue à la cinquième Conférence annuelle sur le pluralisme que nous avons le plaisir d’organiser pour la deuxième fois au Musée Aga Khan à Toronto. Ces conférences offrent une plateforme unique pour le dialogue international et soulignent le leadership de ceux et celles qui font une différence concrète en faveur du pluralisme et d'une citoyenneté basés sur le respect mutuel. Aujourd’hui, nous avons l’immense honneur de recevoir le juge Albie Sachs.

Justice Sachs’ career has been a truly inspiring one.

He has been a heroic freedom fighter, an insightful legal scholar, a compelling author and for fifteen years a member of South Africa’s Constitutional Court. And, as most of you undoubtedly know, he was a chief architect of South Africa’s new, post apartheid Constitution - one of the most admired Constitutions in the world.

The creation of that Constitution is a story with continuing relevance as nations across the world look for better ways of governing themselves. And it is about that Constitution - and how it was created - that Justice Sachs will speak to us tonight.

Justice Sachs’ commitment to the cause of justice and equality has been the central theme of his life. Even at the age of seventeen, he was a passionate anti-apartheid activist. As an engaged freedom fighter, he was arrested, held in solitary confinement without a trial and forced into exile. And he was not deterred even when a bomb was planted in his car, resulting in the loss of his arm and the sight in one eye.

As a senior member of the African National Congress, he helped to draft the organization’s Code of Conduct - a key document in advancing the ideal of an inclusive South Africa. And then, of course, came his role in creating the post-apartheid Constitution, and later his long career on South Africa’s Constitutional Court.

All of us who try to understand the challenges of pluralism in our modern world also understand that viable constitutions are the sound foundations on which healthy pluralism must rest. They are the vehicle through which the nations can reconcile the quest for national identity with the protection and the bridging of differences. In the pursuit of an effective pluralism we can learn a great deal from studying the South African constitution - and how it works - and how it was created.

Constitution-making requires a strong sense of idealism, married to a practical sense of realism. It requires a willingness to listen as competing priorities are expressed, and a readiness to negotiate as differences are reconciled. As the challenges of governance grow in complex and changing societies, a widely respected Constitution is essential to the preservation of peace and the pursuit of progress.

Canada’s own Charter of Rights and Freedoms has played a central role in making Canada a leading example of a successful pluralist society. And I should also point out that Canada was a helpful contributor to the successful Constitutional transition in South Africa.

That Canadian contribution in South Africa was principally made through the work of the International Development Research Centre - IDRC as most candians know it - a resource created during the Prime Ministership of Pierre Trudeau - whose dedication to effective pluralism was so important in Canadian history, and is, not surprisingly, mirrored in the commitments of the present Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

The mission of the Global Centre for Pluralism is to convene Global leaders and to learn from their experience how to bring about a more inclusive, pluralistic society. On an evening like this, we see how well that mission can be achieved in practice.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are grateful that all of you are here to share in that experience, and to join me in welcoming, most warmly, the Centre’s honoured lecturer for 2016, Justice Albie Sachs.

Thank you.
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Post by kmaherali »

The Ottawa Peace Talks were a great success!

Organized under the theme “Let’s build peace through diversity,” the Ottawa Peace Talks aimed to inspire reflection and discussion about how respect for diversity can promote more peaceful societies through inclusion, both in Canada and globally. This event marked the first time the Peace Talks were held in Canada.

Watch the videos

Speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their personal experiences, stories and ideas highlighting the importance of building peace through broad and diverse participation. You can see all their videos and photos from the event at pluralism.ca, including:

•Canada’s Minister for Democratic Institutions the Hon. Maryam Monsef delivered a personal speech about her community of Peterborough, Ontario coming together after a hate crime.
•The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson spoke about being welcomed in Canada as a child refugee.
•Indspire’s CEO Roberta Jamieson spoke on the need for justice for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and environmental sustainability and respect, as fundamental elements of peace.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Les Peace Talks d’Ottawa furent un grand succès!


Organisées sous le thème Bâtissons la paix par la diversité, les Peace Talks d’Ottawa avaient pour objectif d’inspirer la réflexion et les discussions sur la manière dont le respect de la diversité peut promouvoir la paix dans les sociétés au moyen de l’inclusion, tant au Canada qu’à l’échelle mondiale.

Regardez les vidéos (Veuillez sélectionner les sous-titres en français dans le coin à droite)

Des orateurs de divers milieux ont partagé leurs expériences personnelles, leurs histoires et leurs idées en soulignant l’importance de bâtir la paix au moyen d’une participation vaste et diversifiée. Vous pouvez visionner toutes les vidéos et des photos de l’événement à pluralisme.ca, incluant:
•La ministre des Institutions démocratiques, l’honorable Maryam Monsef, a prononcé un discours personnel sur sa communauté de Peterborough, en Ontario, laquelle s’est regroupée après qu’un crime haineux fut commis.
•La très honorable Adrienne Clarkson a parlé de son expérience d’accueil au Canada en tant qu’enfant réfugiée.
•La PDG d’Indspire, Roberta Jamieson, a parlé du besoin de justice pour les femmes et les filles autochtones portées disparues et assassinées, ainsi que de la durabilité et du respect de l’environnement en tant qu’éléments essentiels de la paix.
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Nominations Now Open for the Global Pluralism Award!

The Global Centre for Pluralism is thrilled to launch the new Global Pluralism Award.

The Award recognizes individuals and organisations working to promote more diverse, inclusive societies around the world. Nominations are now open and will be accepted until August 31st, 2016. Submit an application or nominate a worthy initiative at award.pluralism.ca.

Three awardees will be selected by an independent, international jury. Each recipient will receive a prize of $50,000 CAD to further their work in support of pluralism. Additional in-kind assistance may be provided, including engagements in each recipient’s country of operation to raise the public profile of their achievements. The Award will be presented in 2017 at the international headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, Canada.

Individuals, businesses, academics, civil society and governments are eligible for the Global Pluralism Award. By engaging a broad range of recipients, the Award affirms that the promotion of pluralism is not the sole responsibility of governments or non-profits, but of society as a whole.

Please visit the Award website, award.pluralism.ca for more information, and to submit your nomination.
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Post by kmaherali »

Thank you for attending the Annual Pluralism Lecture

Justice Albie Sachs giving His Highness the Aga Khan "South Africa's most precious gift," its Bill of Rights. Photo credit: Tom Sandler


Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for joining us at the 2016 Annual Pluralism Lecture, delivered by Justice Albie Sachs, and the subsequent Q & A with Globe and Mail columnist Doug Saunders. We hope you enjoyed the event.

We have updated our website with the full video of the event and the full text of His Highness the Aga Khan’s introductory remarks. The transcript of Justice Sachs’ remarks will be available on that page in the coming weeks. French video subtitles will also be available shortly.

A photo album on our Facebook page features pictures from the reception and Lecture. Please feel free to “like” our Facebook page for future Centre events and announcements.

We also wanted to direct you to some of the media coverage of the event. Here is a link to Justice Sachs’ thoughtful op-ed in the Globe and Mail, his interview on CBC’s Metro Morning with host Matt Galloway, and a video interview with Tony Keller of the Globe and Mail.

The Centre’s one-on-one video interview with Sachs will be released in the coming weeks, as well as a CBC Ideas interview that will air on June 28th. If you like our page on Facebook, you will find these and other updates. You may also sign up for our mailing list to be kept informed.

Thank you again for your support of the Global Centre for Pluralism, and for helping to make our fifth Annual Pluralism Lecture a success.

Yours sincerely,
The Global Centre for Pluralism

PS: Please take the time to fill in this very brief survey about your experience at the 2016 Annual Pluralism Lecture!
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Photo Album: Global Centre for Pluralism’s 2016 Annual Pluralism Lecture

South African Jurist Albie Sachs delivered the Lecture entitled, “The Battle for South Africa’s Constitution” at the fifth Annual Pluralism Lecture in Toronto.

All photos by Tom Sandler for the Global Centre for Pluralism

https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... m-lecture/
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What’s new at the Global Centre for Pluralism? / Quoi de neuf au Centre mondial du pluralisme?

pluralism.ca / pluralisme.ca

Are you involved in a project that is contributing to greater appreciation and respect for diversity? You can apply for one of three $50,000 Global Pluralism Awards. Do you know of a worthy project that deserves this award? Nominate them!

The due date for applications and nominations is August 31, 2016. Please visit award.pluralism.ca for more information, FAQs, and to start the process!

Read our 2015 Annual Report

The Annual Report highlights the programs and resources that are being developed at the Centre, including the launch of an ambitious global research program and new partnerships. You can read the report here.

Watch the interview with Albie Sachs

“Diversity doesn't destroy unity, but true unity depends upon acknowledging diversity.” – Justice Albie Sachs, Toronto, May 2016

We are happy to announce that an exclusive interview with Justice Albie Sachs is now online. Sachs discusses the elements of South Africa’s constitution-making process that may be instructive for other divided societies; he also provides his own definition of pluralism. Watch the interview here.

You can also watch his Pluralism Lecture delivered in Toronto in May, now broken into shorter segments. All videos are available with French subtitles. Watch the Lecture here.


The Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, charitable organization founded by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada. Inspired by Canada’s experience as a diverse and inclusive country, the Centre was created to advance global understanding of pluralism and positive responses to the challenge of living peacefully and productively together in diverse societies.
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Acclaimed leaders, including former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Laureate, to jury inaugural Global Pluralism Award

A jury of international leaders, chaired by the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, former Canadian Prime Minister, has been named to select the winners of the first inaugural Global Pluralism Award. The Award recognizes individuals and organisations whose high-impact, innovative initiatives are tackling the challenge of living peacefully and productively with diversity. The Award is a program of the Global Centre for Pluralism, an international research and education centre founded by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada.

The members of the jury represent a range of sectors, including local government, the business world and civil society. Through their own work on inclusive citizenship, social welfare and community development, the jury members all appreciate first-hand the extraordinary effort it takes to build societies where differences are valued and respected. Their expertise will inform the selection process for the top three awardees, who will be named at a ceremony in Ottawa, Canada in November 2017 at the Global Centre for Pluralism’s new international headquarters.

The jury includes:
•The Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, Canada (Chair)
•Rima Khalaf, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, Jordan
•Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, Canada
•Bience Gawanas, Lawyer & Special Advisor to the Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Namibia
•Rigoberta Menchú, Indigenous rights activist & Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Guatemala
•Pascale Thumerelle, Vice-president, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Vivendi, France

Bio notes for jury members can be found at this link. Each recipient will receive a prize of $50,000 CAD to further their work in support of pluralism. The Award is accepting nominations until August 31st, 2016 at award.pluralism.ca. Click here to learn more about the Award!
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October 27, 2016 – Pluralism Forum

Pluralism and Peace in a Fragmenting World: What is Canada’s Role?


The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, Marie-Joelle Zahar, David Gorman and Roland Paris


Thursday, October 27, 2016
---
5 p.m. Reception
5:30 to 7 p.m. Pluralism Forum
---
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada


To register:

http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pluralism-an ... 8462650554

In an increasingly fragmented conflict landscape, characterised by growing sectarianism, nationalism and polarisation, how can Canada contribute to reinventing the tools of peacebuilding to support more pluralistic, peaceful societies? One of the most challenging elements of post-conflict recovery is establishing a genuine commitment to valuing diversity. The failure to embed pluralism in mediation efforts and peace agreements can lead to renewed conflict and instability.

Join experts at our next public Forum to discuss pluralism in peacebuilding and the opportunities for Canadian leadership.

Pluralism Forum: Biographies

http://www.pluralism.ca/images/PDF_docs ... BiosEN.pdf
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Post by kmaherali »

Pluralism and Peace Forum / Forum sur le pluralisme et la paix Oct.27, 2016

Pluralism Forums - Global Centre for Pluralism

Published on Oct 28, 2016


Pluralism and Peace in a Fragmenting World: What is Canada’s Role?

Meredith Preston-McGhie, Marie-Joelle Zahar, David Gorman and Moderator Roland Paris speak about

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC17NxD8XNg#t=40
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Post by kmaherali »

Speeches

Kofi Annan’s speeches.
http://linkis.com/org/qKHOQ

Religion, Pluralism, and Democracy

Mr. President, Excellences, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to speak to you today on one of the most important issues of our time: the relationship between religion, pluralism, and democracy.

Let me say at the outset that I believe that religion, pluralism and democracy are not incompatible. To the contrary, I believe that that they should be mutually reinforcing foundations of healthy, stable, and prosperous societies.

From the dawn of time, and at the four corners of the earth, religion and faith have provided humanity with ethical codes and spiritual guidance and comfort. At its best, religion has been a driving force for personal and social progress. Even in secular states, religious norms have inspired many of their laws and customs. But we cannot deny that religions have also often been instrumentalised to exclude, to persecute and even to kill “the other”, whether an external enemy or a close neighbour.

In our increasingly diverse societies, the only way to avoid conflict and ensure that all believers, whatever their faith, are able to practice freely is by ensuring that religion is tempered by the principle of pluralism. The Global Centre for Pluralism- which was established by His Highness the Aga Khan and the government of Canada, and of which I am a board member- defines pluralism as a concept which not only respects diversity, but actually values and celebrates it because of its recognized benefits to society.

In her acclaimed study on the decline and fall of history’s dominant empires, the Yale University professor, Amy Chua, reveals that the most successful empires in world history, from Ancient Persia and Rome to the Tang Empire in China, were based on pragmatic pluralism. Pluralism allowed them to successfully integrate a wide variety of peoples into their systems, and then draw on their manifold talents and knowledge to defend and expand their empires because they all had a stake in them. Their downfall, she argues, stemmed from their embrace of intolerant and exclusionary attitudes. Democracy is the system best suited to securing and sustaining pluralism in today’s world. True democracy enshrines the rights and liberties of all individuals in law and institutions, regardless of race, gender, or religion, and gives everyone a voice. I could not think of a better country in which to deliver this message than Indonesia, whose national motto is “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or Unity in Diversity.

This great country made up of roughly 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 languages, and many faiths, spread out across a vast archipelago is a heartening confirmation that pluralism can work. Speaking here in Bali, whose unique heritage and traditions make it one of the world’s most prized destinations, only highlights the benefits that diversity can bring to a country. Yet in too many parts of the world today, that mutually reinforcing and beneficial diversity is under threat.

Globalization, while integrating the world’s economies, societies and people more than ever, and creating unprecedented wealth across the globe, is also generating a backlash because the benefits are not fairly shared and the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. The losers of globalization- encouraged by populist politicians – are retreating into primal identities, some real, some imagined, as bulwarks against uncertainty and fear. Around the world, groups or movements are trying to reject the ties that bind all of us across religious, national, racial, and class divides. Populist and xenophobic movements are demonizing migrants and other minorities in the name of protecting their own identities, often based on some notion of ethnic and or religious purity. Even more brutally, religious extremists are denying humanity not only to those of different faiths, but even to those of their own faith who do not share their convictions. Diversity is increasingly being portrayed as a threat that undermines our societies, rather than an asset that can benefit us all.

Unfortunately, the democratic institutions that are best placed to counter these forces are also being challenged. Confidence in these institutions is declining, and not just in new democracies. Party membership, voter participation and trust in politicians are declining in old and well-established democracies too. There is a feeling that democracy is being hollowed out and that its institutions and processes are not functioning properly, or in the interest of the people from whom power is derived. In many countries, we see democratically-elected leaders becoming increasingly authoritarian and stretching their stay in power indefinitely. If citizens do not believe they can change their leaders through the ballot box- the accepted mechanism for peaceful and democratic rotation of leadership- they will find other ways, even at the risk of destabilising their countries. These trends are undermining our faith in each other and in our institutions. That is why my Foundation is emphasising the legitimacy of democracy through elections with integrity.

Elections with integrity are not only free and fair but ensure legitimacy for the winner and security for the loser. As I have often said, the problem is not the faith but the faithful. Religion can be harnessed for the good, but also misused. We must stress the basic values that are common to all religions: compassion; solidarity and respect for the human person. At the same time, we need to get away from stereotypes, generalizations and preconceptions, and take care not to let crimes committed by individuals, or small groups, dictate our image of an entire people, an entire region, or an entire religion. We must also avoid the trap set by extremists of limiting human beings to one identity. We all have multiple identities which enrich us as individuals.

While we may differ, we can share a common love of our families, or our national heritage and our faith. We must accept that what we have in common far exceeds that which divides us, and we don’t have to hate the “other” to love who we are. And we must fight to revitalise democracy itself, because sustaining diversity in a peaceful and productive manner is only possible in a democratic system of government.

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, democracy is the worst form of government ever invented, except for all the others. But we cannot take democracy for granted. Recent elections in a number of countries have shown us democracy is a fragile flower.However, those elections have obliged mainstream leaders to recognize that the material benefits of globalization have not been evenly shared and many have been left behind or fallen through the safety net. They show too why voting matters. Many of the populists’ most rabid critics do not vote, and then express surprise and dismay when they win. But democracy is not just about elections, rather, democracy is first and foremost about laws and institutions that guarantee the rights of its citizens, and respects, even protects, religious freedom. Plural societies, however, often prove hard to govern because of their diversity. As Indonesia knows, successful governance in such societies requires inclusive leadership, to build and sustain trust across communities over time. We must also recognize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this task.

The way ahead is difficult but the future demands that we rise to the challenge. This will require leadership from all regions of the globe, and all parts of society. Politics is too important to be left to politicians alone: religious leaders; business leaders; civil society organizations; and ordinary citizens must demonstrate their commitment to the morals of their faith and the values of democratic pluralism.

Ladies and Gentlemen, no one is born a good democrat and no one is born a good citizen. It was an Indonesian, Alwi Shihab, who noted that democracy is a habit we need to cultivate. Mutual respect and tolerance have to be fostered and passed on to each successive generation. We have to learn from each other, making our different traditions and cultures a source of harmony and strength, not discord and weakness. Only by learning from each other can we build a global community based on those core truths that every religion teaches us: respect and love for all humanity, because we are all the children of God.
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2017 GCP Corporate Plan

PDF File at:

http://pluralism.ca/images/PDF_docs/cor ... _EN_SM.pdf
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Post by kmaherali »

His Highness the Aga Khan has lived a life committed to belonging and #inclusion. Watch the @6DegreesTO homage here: http://bit.ly/2h2SIrU

https://twitter.com/GlobalPluralism
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Aga Khan's Global Centre for Pluralism moves in to heritage

Post by Admin »

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/aga-kha ... -1.3948686

Aga Khan's Global Centre for Pluralism moves in to heritage digs after decade of delays

Ismaili spiritual leader spent millions renovating historic building for Canada-backed think-tank
]

By Evan Dyer, CBC News Posted: Jan 30, 2017 5:00 AM ET Last Updated: Jan 30, 2017 5:23 AM ET
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, left, congratulates the Aga Khan after his address to Parliament in 2014. The spiritual leader's Global Centre for Pluralism, created with the backing of Harper's government, is finally moving in to its Ottawa home.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, left, congratulates the Aga Khan after his address to Parliament in 2014. The spiritual leader's Global Centre for Pluralism, created with the backing of Harper's government, is finally moving in to its Ottawa home. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)

Photo of Evan Dyer

Evan Dyer
CBC Reporter

Evan Dyer has been a journalist with CBC for 15 years, after an early career as a freelancer in Argentina. He can be reached at evan.dyer@cbc.ca

A think-tank founded by the Aga Khan with $30 million from taxpayers has finally moved into a prime heritage building in Ottawa 10 years after the federal government gave it a 99-year lease.

The Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP) pays the federal government $1 a year to use the building at 330 Sussex Dr., formerly the Canadian War Museum. The agreement also allows the GCP to lease out office space in the building at commercial rates.

And it already has a tenant: the Royal Canadian Mint, a Crown corporation.

The centre's opening comes after a decade of false starts and missed deadlines.

It also highlights the close relationship successive Canadian governments have sought to foster with the Aga Khan, the hereditary leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims and a well-known philanthropist.
Trudeau Vacation 20170110

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Aga Khan on Parliament Hill last May. Trudeau, who has known the Aga Khan personally for many years, has been dogged by questions about his vacation at the spiritual leader's private island in the Bahamas. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been forced to defend his recent visit to the Ismaili spiritual leader's private island in the Bahamas. Trudeau, who through his father has a long personal relationship with the Aga Khan, has said the visit and a similar one in 2014 were personal.

But the Aga Khan and his charitable organizations have a long-standing relationship with the government of Canada, which sees their development work as aligned with Canada's objectives and has contributed money to their projects for decades.

The Global Centre for Pluralism got its start in 2006, when the government of Stephen Harper gave $30 million to establish an operating fund for the think-tank, which is supposed to spread Canadian values of pluralistic democracy around the world.

In return, the Aga Khan committed $10 million of his own money and pledged to pay for the necessary renovations to the heritage building, which sits between the Royal Canadian Mint and the National Gallery.

Although the National Capital Commission finalized the lease transfer in 2007, the centre didn't set up a board of directors until 2010. For several years, it has operated out of temporary offices in the Ismaili Imamat, the Aga Khan's diplomatic mission in Ottawa.
Deadline pushed back

The centre had an agreement with Canada to be up and running at the new site by December 2014, but as that deadline approached, it asked for an extension. Government records obtained by CBC show it got a new deadline of September 2016, but when that date arrived the building still wasn't ready.
Global Centre for Pluralism

The Global Centre for Pluralism signed a 99-year lease for $1 a year in 2007, and later negotiated the right to sub-lease part of the property at market rates. (Global Centre for Pluralism)

The GCP hosts an annual lecture and awards ceremony, as well as an annual roundtable discussion. It has also produced some reports and papers, with a focus on Kenya and Kyrgyzstan.

Its next scheduled project is a report on "the economic dimensions of pluralism in Canada," based on research by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

'It's like buying an old house. Once you move in, you find things that need fixing.'
- John McNee, director of the Global Centre for Pluralism

GCP director John McNee says neither Conservative nor Liberal governments have ever questioned whether the centre is producing value for Canada's investment.

"These things take time," he says. "In the initial phase it's been important to build up an analytical framework to understand these ideas" of how pluralism can benefit societies.

"The business plan is that over the long term the centre will expand to occupy the whole building. This is the end of the initial phase, and over the next 10 years we'll learn what our needs are. And then we'll see."

The GCP's corporate report shows its original endowment has grown to $54 million.
Lease conditions changed

The construction delays were partly due to the fact the building was in worse condition than expected. The work included asbestos removal, McNee says.

"It's like buying an old house. Once you move in, you find things that need fixing." He says the work cost the Aga Khan approximately $35 million.

"The building was made available at a time when no government department or agency had expressed an interest in occupying it. Here you have a global philanthropist putting a very large amount of money into restoring a piece of Canadian heritage and infrastructure."

In 2013, the Aga Khan Foundation asked the government to allow it to rent out office space in the building. It wanted to be able to sub-lease 2,800 square metres, or more than half of the total floor space.
Aga Khan museum

The Ottawa-based Global Centre for Pulralism is just one of several projects in Canada sponsored by the Aga Khan or his organizations. Many of them, such as the Aga Khan Museum, which opened in Toronto in 2014, are known for their impressive architecture. (Zulekha Nathoo/CBC)

In briefing notes obtained by CBC News through access to information, public servants with the National Capital Commission raised concerns the property "would be in direct competition with the NCC's rental space in the Byward Market, and given that the GCP's lease is at a nominal rate, the NCC could potentially suffer financially."

Despite the warning, the NCC granted the right to sub-lease, which required a municipal zoning amendment that cost the foundation $10.

The NCC did turn down a GCP request to grant 20-year subleases, limiting them to 10 years and insisting it be consulted about potential tenants.
PMs seek closeness to Aga Khan

The requests for deadline extensions and leasing authority came as the Harper government was looking to draw closer to the Ismaili leader.

A 2013 "memorandum for action" prepared for Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird suggests "options aimed at moving toward a strategic partnership with the Aga Khan."

The memo notes the Aga Khan had already been made a member of the Order of Canada and an honorary citizen and received privileges normally reserved for foreign heads of state and heads of government, including the right to enter and leave the country through Ottawa's Hangar 11. The memo suggests "extending additional courtesies," but they are blacked out in the document released to CBC.

Aga Khan praises Canada for commitment to global pluralism

In January 2014, International Development Minister Christian Paradis announced an additional $150 million for the Aga Khan Foundation, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote to the Aga Khan at his estate in Aiglemont, France, inviting him to make an official visit to Canada, where he would be given the rare privilege of addressing Parliament.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomes the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, February 27, 2014.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomes the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, February 27, 2014. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)


The government earmarked the extra money for the Aga Khan without a clear idea of how it would be spent, and officials were aware their minister could face questions about it.

Under the heading "Defensive Lines," they provided Paradis a response to any tough questions on the matter: "We are still in the process of determining precise allocations for the additional $150 million."

Video of the Aga Khan's appearance in Parliament, as well as an invitation-only speech he gave at Massey Hall in Toronto, was posted on stephenharper.ca.

In order to view it, visitors had to give an email address and were soon hit with emails from the Conservative Party, in which Immigration Minister Chris Alexander described the Aga Khan and Harper as "two great world leaders."
'Influential communities'

The episode provides an insight into why both Conservatives and Liberals have shown a desire to be close to the Aga Khan, whose estimated 80,000 Canadian Ismaili followers make up one of the country's most generous — and most coveted — donor communities.

That point wasn't lost on anyone involved in the GCP negotiations.

A briefing note drafted for Baird as he prepared to sign off on the think-tank's 2014 annual report, and obtained through access to information, reminds the minister that Ismailis "live in every part of the country, with large and influential communities located in urban centres of Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

"If they can, Ismailis donate about one-eighth of their income as a tenet of their belief."
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Post by kmaherali »

Description

Heritage Ottawa 2017 Phillips Memorial Lecture

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

7:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE: This lecture takes place at 199 Sussex Drive, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. NOT at 330 Sussex Drive.

Order of Canada architect Shirley Blumberg will speak about the repurposing of 330 Sussex Drive, formerly the Canadian War Museum, which is soon to open as the Aga Khan’s Global Centre for Pluralism. This presentation will explore the aspirations, highlights and challenges of the renewal of this significant Capital landmark.

This special lecture event takes place at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat.

Please note that pre-registration will be required for this event.

Details and a registration link will be posted by mid-January.

The lecture is free.

Speaker: Shirley Blumberg, O.C.

Shirley Blumberg, Architect is a partner at KPMB Architects in Toronto, and is a Member of the Order of Canada “for her contributions to architecture and for her commitment to creating spaces that foster a sense of community.” Her portfolio ranges from mixed-use developments to highly specialized cultural and academic institutions, many with a focus on revitalizing heritage contexts.




Global Centre for Pluralism

The vision of the Global Centre for Pluralism is a world where human differences are valued and diverse societies thrive.

Its mission is to serve as a global platform for comparative analysis, education and dialogue about the choices and actions that advance and sustain pluralism.

Through research, education and knowledge exchange, the Centre’s programs:
•Initiate understanding of the sources of inclusion and exclusion in Canada and around the world
•Chart pathways to pluralism in specific places and cases
•Catalyze knowledge exchange and learning about the policies and practices that support pluralism

Founded in Ottawa by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, charitable organization.

Inspired by Canada’s experience as a diverse and inclusive country, the Centre was created to advance positive responses to the challenge of living peacefully and productively together in diverse societies. The Centre is governed by an international Board of Directors and chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan.

The Centre defines pluralism as a set of values and actions, founded on respect for diversity, which support and sustain inclusive societies.

In pluralist societies, choices are made to ensure the full participation of all people in political, economic and socio-cultural life. Every person becomes a valued member of society – regardless of ethnic, religious or cultural difference.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-landmark- ... 0564866338
[/b]
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Post by kmaherali »

March 30, 2017 – Pluralism Forum

Reducing Group Inequalities: Pathways to Pluralism in Malaysia, Brazil and Nigeria

Frances Stewart, University of Oxford, United Kingdom – Horizontal Inequalities
Hwok-Aun Lee, Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore – Malaysia
Daniela Ikawa, Columbia University, USA – Brazil
Daniel Agbiboa, University of Pennsylvania, USA – Nigeria

Closing remarks: Will Kymlicka, Queen’s University, Canada

--
Thursday, March 30, 2017
14:00 reception
14:30 Algonquin Prayer and Blessing by Elder Evelyn Commanda
followed by Pluralism Forum
--
Global Centre for Pluralism
330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Registration:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/reducing-gr ... 2590939377[/b]
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Post by kmaherali »

http://mailchi.mp/pluralism/invitation- ... 20f57ec9da

Global Centre for Pluralism and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation invite you to join us for the official launch of the Pluralism Project’s research findings and a discussion about the policy implications at the Centre’s new headquarters.

THE DIVERSITY DIVIDEND: CANADA’S GLOBAL ADVANTAGE

Publication Launch and Panel Discussion

Featuring:

Paul Davidson, President & CEO, Universities Canada
Zabeen Hirji, Chief Human Resources Officer, Royal Bank of Canada
Kamal Al-Solaylee, Associate Professor, Ryerson University School of Journalism
Omar Sachedina, Ottawa News Bureau Correspondent, CTV National News

Introductory remarks by research leads: Dr. Bessma Momani and Jill Stirk

Monday, April 24, 2017
17:30 reception
18:00 – 19:30 Panel Discussion and Q&A

Location: Global Centre for Pluralism’s new international headquarters at 330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON

Seating is very limited. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here to register
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-diversi ... 3456719950
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Post by kmaherali »

On March 30th, the Global Centre for Pluralism launched Accounting for Change in Diverse Societies—a new publication series comprised of country “change cases” and thematic overviews that explores global pathways to pluralism. To mark the occasion, the Centre convened a Pluralism Forum to explore the responses of Malaysia, Brazil and Nigeria to group inequalities.

Inequalities between groups are a fundamental barrier to pluralism in countries around the world. Led by overview author Frances Stewart (University of Oxford), the panel featured three change case authors. Hwok-Aun Lee (Institute for Southeast Asian Studies) reviewed the pros and cons of constitutional guarantees as levers of affirmative action for indigenous majorities. Daniela Ikawa (Columbia University) highlighted the importance of social movements and the recognition of group-based identities as catalysts for redress of systemic racial discrimination. Daniel Agbiboa (University of Pennsylvania) considered how territorially-bounded identities can both enhance and impede pluralism. Commenting at the end, overview author Will Kymlicka (Queen’s University) highlighted the important work of both institutions and public mindsets—hardware and software—in all efforts to foster greater pluralism.

Click here to read the papers
http://www.pluralism.ca/en/resources/ac ... eties.html

Highlights from the event:
•Click to watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... Wj06kfgWEY
•Click to see photos
http://www.pluralism.ca/en/events/forum ... geria.html

http://mailchi.mp/pluralism/accounting- ... 20f57ec9da
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