Champions of Pluralism celebrated at the 2017 Global Pluralism Award ceremony

Ottawa: His Highness the Aga Khan, Chairman of the Global Centre for Pluralism, presented the inaugural Global Pluralism Award during a ceremony at the delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Canada, with the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada. The three winners, Leyner Palacios of Colombia, Alice Nderitu of Kenya and Daniel Webb of Australia, were recognized alongside seven honourable mentions for their unparalleled and sustained commitment to building more inclusive, peaceful societies.
Speaking at the ceremony, His Highness the Aga Khan said, “The example set by others can be a powerful source of inspiration — and that is why the Global Centre for Pluralism has established these awards. Their essential purpose is to share the power of inspiring examples with an ever-wider community of pluralism all across our world, a community that will then create a growing momentum for inclusion -- rather than exclusion – as a way to respond to the changes of our world.”
“Pluralism is the deliberate choice to respect and value diversity,” said the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, former prime minister of Canada and Chair of the Award Jury. “Through their accomplishments, each of the finalists has demonstrated that welcoming diversity has positive outcomes for all – peace, reconciliation and a better life.”
Each of the winners was presented with $50,000 CAD from the Global Centre for Pluralism to further their work in support of pluralism. The Global Pluralism Award, a new prize from the Global Centre for Pluralism, was envisioned by His Highness the Aga Khan to celebrate extraordinary examples of pluralism in action. The award was launched in a year that is significant for both the centre’s founders – His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada. His Highness the Aga Khan is commemorating his Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years as the spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims and of building institutions dedicated to improving quality of life. And, Canadians have marked 150 years since Confederation – a milestone that has generated considerable reflection about the country’s history, its relationship to indigenous peoples and its defining characteristics.