Global Centre for Pluralism recognised recipients for their dedication to promoting respect for diversity

Ottawa, Canada, 21 November 2019 – The Global Centre for Pluralism, founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada, recognised the recipients of the 2019 Global Pluralism Award at a ceremony on 20 November 2019 in Ottawa, Canada at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat with His Highness the Aga Khan and the Centre’s Board members including the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, Canada’s 26^th Governor General. The three award winners are granted CAN $50,000 and in-kind support to advance their work.

Download ceremony photos HERE.

The 2019 Global Pluralism Award winners are:

• Deborah Ahenkorah, a young Ghanaian social entrepreneur and book publisher bringing African children’s stories to life; 
• the Center for Social Integrity, an organisation, founded by a Rohingya humanitarian, giving youth from conflict-affected regions in Myanmar the skills to be leaders for change amidst the many overlapping conflicts ongoing in the country; 
• ‘Learning History that is not yet History’, a network of history educators and specialists in the Balkans pioneering a new approach to teaching the controversial history of conflict. 

Speaking at the ceremony, His Highness the Aga Khan said, “The award should serve as a reminder that we can all take steps, in both our personal and professional lives, to foster a more positive and productive response to the changing diversity in our world. The award offers examples to inspire and inform how we take on that challenge.”

Secretary General Meredith Preston McGhie, in her opening remarks, said, “The awardees offer positive and concrete examples of exceptional individuals and organisations who envision a world in which differences are valued and diverse societies prosper. I believe we all share this vision. The Global Centre for Pluralism looks forward to working closely with the 2019 recipients over the next year to help them broaden their reach to new partners and deepen their impact.”

This year, the Global Centre for Pluralism received over 500 submissions spanning 74 countries for the 2019 Global Pluralism Award - more than double the submissions to the inaugural awards in 2017.

Nominations for the 2021 Award will be accepted starting in February 2020. Learn more at award.pluralism.ca

For further information, please contact:

Calina Ellwand
calina.ellwand@pluralism.ca
T: +1 613 688-0137

NOTES

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 organisation. 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. Learn more at pluralism.ca

About the 2019 Global Pluralism Award Honourable Mentions

Adyan Foundation (Lebanon) promotes cultural and religious diversity through grassroots initiatives in education, media, public policy and intercultural exchange.

The Afghanistan National Institute of Music (Afghanistan) uses the power of music to transform lives, promote peace and restore music to Afghan society.

Artemisszió Foundation (Hungary) advances the social inclusion of Hungary’s most disadvantaged populations, including youth from underprivileged backgrounds, Roma women, migrants and refugees, through intercultural education and mentoring.

onBoard Canada, a programme of Ryerson University’s Chang School of Continuing Education, supports more inclusive and diverse leadership on Canada’s not-for-profit and public sector boards with governance training and board matching programmes.

Rupantar (Bangladesh), the largest awareness and social mobilisation organisation in Bangladesh, works for democracy and just governance through mass participation.

SINGA (France), a citizen movement, supports refugees and migrants in 19 European cities to create meaningful relationships and professional networks in their host countries.

Soliya (USA) uses virtual exchange to bring cross-cultural experiences to youth around the world, preparing the next generation to engage constructively across differences and lead with empathy.