What is the Global Centre for Pluralism?
The Global Centre for Pluralism is a new international research and education centre dedicated to the study and practice of pluralism worldwide. The Centre views pluralism as a fundamental human value and cornerstone of peace, stability and development. Ensuring that every individual – irrespective of cultural, ethnic or religious differences – has the opportunity to realize his or her full potential as a citizen is a vital part of its mission. To this end, the Centre will function as a global repository and source for knowledge and know-how about fostering pluralistic values, policies, and practices in a variety of settings. An initiative of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network, the Centre is being established with significant financial and intellectual support from the Government of Canada.
What will the Global Centre for Pluralism do?
The Global Centre for Pluralism will serve the global community as an international centre of excellence for the study, practice and teaching of pluralism. Its core functions will include research, education, professional development through continuing education, dialogue and exchange, governance reform, and outreach events, including cultural performances and exhibitions.
Why is the Centre being established in Canada?
Canada is one of the world’s most successful pluralist societies. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, His Highness the Aga Khan began asking Canadian leaders to explain the key to Canada’s success managing its own diversity. In July 2001, a formal Pluralism Initiative was launched to understand how and why Canada’s unique experiment works and how its lessons might be shared with other culturally diverse societies around the world. A research program and a series of consultations with Canadian leaders, officials, academics and cultural groups as well as world leaders led to the decision to establish in Ottawa a major new international institution dedicated to the promotion of successful pluralist societies in collaboration with the Government of Canada and Canadian institutions.
How is the Centre funded?
The Government of Canada has contributed $30 million to the Centre’s Endowment Fund. In turn, His Highness the Aga Khan has contributed $10 million to the Fund and will contribute at least an additional $20 million to refurbish 330 Sussex Drive – the federal heritage building that formerly housed the Canadian War Museum – to serve as the Centre’s headquarters. To finance its activities, the Centre will draw on the earnings generated by the Fund and seek additional support from potential international partners for projects and programs. To account for its use of public funds, the Centre reports annually.
How will the Centre be governed? The Centre will be governed by a Board of Directors chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. At least seven Directors must be Canadian citizens. Up to four may be citizens of other countries. The Board is accountable for the operation of the Centre.
Where will the Global Centre for Pluralism be located? Is the Centre open?
The Centre’s global headquarters is located at 330 Sussex Drive between the National Gallery of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mint. This landmark heritage structure was purpose-built to house the Dominion Archives of Canada and later served as the home of the Canadian War Museum. The building, which has been vacant for several years, requires extensive renovation and rehabilitation – expected to take some years to complete. When the Centre becomes operational it will occupy temporary premises until the building is ready.
How do the mandates of the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat differ?
Although the Global Centre for Pluralism (330 Sussex Drive) and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive) are both initiatives of His Highness the Aga Khan, each is a distinct organizational entity.
The Global Centre for Pluralism is an international organization focused on deepening the world’s ability to understand and practice pluralism. Founded with support from the Government of Canada, it takes inspiration from Canada’s experience with pluralism but the bulk of its programming will focus on bringing knowledge about the benefits and practice of pluralism to other countries around the world. The Centre is a separate institution, with its own Board and management.
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat was established by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). A secular facility, the Delegation offers a centre for building relationships, enabling quiet diplomacy, disseminating knowledge and information, while reflecting the wide-ranging humanistic and humanitarian agenda of the AKDN. It houses the offices of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and other agencies of the AKDN. A Visitor Program provides the public with an opportunity to explore the building through regularly scheduled open house hours. Please visit www.akfc.ca for more information.
Is the Global Centre for Pluralism a registered charity?
The Global Centre for Pluralism is a registered Canadian charity. Charitable registration number: 85780 2409 RR0001.
How do I apply for a job at the Global Centre for Pluralism?
The Global Centre for Pluralism is in a start-up phase of work, with an initial focus on the recruitment of its inaugural Board of Directors. Information will be available on this site when recruiting begins.
Who is His Highness the Aga Khan?
His Highness the Aga Khan became Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information about His Highness the Aga Khan please visit http://www.akdn.org/about_agakhan.asp
What is the Aga Khan Development Network?
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender. For more information, visit www.akdn.org
What is Aga Khan Foundation Canada?
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is a non-profit international agency that supports social development programs in Asia and Africa. As a member of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKFC works to address the root causes of poverty: finding and sharing effective and lasting solutions that help improve the quality of life for poor communities. Programs focus on four core areas: health, education, rural development and building the capacity of non-governmental organizations. Gender equity and protecting the environment are integrated into every program.
