Presented every two years, the Global Pluralism Award celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected.

An independent, international jury of experts selected this year’s three winners and seven honourable mention recipients from among 200 submissions across 60 countries following a rigorous review process.

In the opening remarks, Princess Zahra Aga Khan said: “A society made stronger by the very diversity that defines it ……. The exceptional laureates that we have celebrated over the years – now 40 recipients from 30 countries – demonstrate, very concretely, what is possible when we start seeing diversity as an asset, even in some of the most challenging contexts.

Secretary General Meredith Preston McGhie said in her welcome message: “The Award laureates’ work exemplifies the kind of leadership we need right now, in this moment, in all of our societies. They speak to what Elder Commanda was speaking here before: empathy, humanity, passion and love. There is much to be learned from them. And the Centre is excited to be learning from them and working with them in the coming year to help them expand their reach to new partners and deepen their impact.”

Read the opening remarks by Princess Zahara Aga Khan.

Read the welcome message by Meredith Preston McGhie.

2023 Global Pluralism Award Winners:

Esther Omam (Cameroon) – peacebuilder, mediator and human rights defender mobilizing women and young people from across Cameroon to advocate for an end to conflict.

Red de Intérpretes y Promotores Interculturales Asociación Civil (Mexico) – Indigenous youth collective in Oaxaca, Mexico providing otherwise unavailable Indigenous language interpretation to those involved in legal proceedings in Mexico and the United States.

REFORM: The Palestinian Association for Empowerment and Local Development (Palestine) – non-governmental organization building solidarity between groups in Palestine by empowering them to get involved in social life and influence decision-making. 

2023 Global Pluralism Award Honourable Mentions:

Build Up (Kenya/United States/Global)

Deeyah Khan (Norway/United States)

The Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions – GIN-SSOGIE (South Africa/Global)

India Love Project (India)

Lea Baroudi (Lebanon)

Politize! Civic Education Institute (Brazil)

Touché (Belgium)