Global Centre for Pluralism

Future home of the Global Centre for Pluralism on Sussex Drive, Ottawa.

The Global Centre for Pluralism (French: Centre mondial du pluralisme) is an international centre for research, education and exchange about the values, practices and policies that underpin pluralist societies.[1] Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the Centre seeks to assist the creation of successful societies and was founded on the premise that tolerance, openness and understanding towards the cultures, social structures, values and faiths of other peoples are now essential to the survival of an interdependent world.

The Global Centre for Pluralism is an international initiative of Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims, and was established jointly with the Government of Canada in 2006.[2] It is located in the former Canadian War Museum building along Ottawa's Sussex Drive and was officially opened on May 16, 2017.[3] The Centre draws inspiration from the Canadian experience[1] and functions as a global repository and a source of knowledge and know-how about fostering pluralistic values, policies, and practices. It aims to work with countries to nurture successful civil societies in which every citizen, irrespective of cultural, religious or ethnic differences, is able to realize his or her full potential.

Board of directors

The Board of Directors of the Global Centre for Pluralism gathered for their inaugural meeting in Ottawa from October 7–8, 2010.[4] Composed of renowned Canadian and international leaders and thinkers, the Board includes the following members:[5]

Building

The building in 1923

Media related to Former Archives Building at Wikimedia Commons

When fully operational, the Global Centre for Pluralism will be located at 330 Sussex Drive in Ottawa,[5] a building that served as the home of the Public Archives of Canada from 1906 to 1967 and the Canadian War Museum from 1967 to 2005. The building was built from 1904 to 1906 and is designated a National Historic Site of Canada and a Classified Federal Heritage Building.[6]

The building has been vacant for several years and requires significant renovation and rehabilitation.[5] A multi-phased revitalization of the heritage property is currently underway.[5]

Profile of activities

The Global Centre for Pluralism draws on Canada’s successful record in constructing and sustaining pluralist civil society. Working closely with governments, academia and civil society around the world, the Centre is a think-tank for studying and fostering pluralism.[7] It seeks to foster legislation and policy that strengthens developing countries’ capacity for enhancing pluralism in law, justice, the arts, the media, financial services, health and education. In addition, it will deliver programs, facilitate dialogue, develop pedagogical materials and work with partners worldwide to build capacity to promote indigenous approaches to pluralism within countries and communities.[2]

From its inception, the Centre is expected to be one of the largest think-tanks in Canada.[8] Its mission is consistent with Canadian international policy objectives, including the promotion of democracy and good governance, a more equitable sharing of the world’s resources between developed and developing countries, and the projection of Canadian values, such as the rule of law, human rights and respect for diversity.[2]

The Centre honours people, for efforts to build an inclusive society, with the Global Pluralism Awards. The awards were presented for the first time on November 15, 2017, with the winners being Leyner Palacios Asprilla of Colombia, Alice Wairimu Nderitu of Kenya, and Daniel Webb of Australia.[9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Government of Canada and Aga Khan Sign Funding Agreement for Global Centre for Pluralism" (Press release). Aga Khan Development Network. 2006-10-25. Archived from the original on 2007-05-06. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  2. 1 2 3 "Aga Khan welcomes Government of Canada's partnership in new Global Centre for Pluralism" (Press release). Aga Khan Development Network. 2005-04-18. Archived from the original on 2007-04-04. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  3. ↑ "Official Opening of the Global Centre for Pluralism's international headquarters" (Press release). Global Centre for Pluralism. 2017-05-16. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
  4. ↑ "Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Ottawa for inaugural Global Centre for Pluralism board meeting". TheIsmaili.org. 2010-10-07. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "GLOBAL CENTRE FOR PLURALISM HOLDS INAUGURAL BOARD MEETING" (Press release). Aga Khan Foundation Canada. 2010-10-07. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2009-01-06. Canadian Register of Historic Places.
  7. ↑ Zabjek, Alexandra (2006-10-27). "Muslim leader plays down 'clash of civilizations'". The Ottawa Citizen. CanWest News Service. Archived from the original on 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  8. ↑ Singer, Zev (2004-05-21). "Aga Khan announces think-tank for Ottawa". The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  9. ↑ Farooqui, Salmaan (November 14, 2017 (online) and November 15, 2017 (in print newspaper)). "Inclusion in action: Meet the three winners of the Global Pluralism Awards". The Globe and Mail (newspaper). pp. A8-A9 (print). Archived from the original on November 27, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2018. Check date values in: |publication-date= (help)

Coordinates: 45°25′50″N 75°41′55″W / 45.430602°N 75.698746°W / 45.430602; -75.698746

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