Congratulations to the 2019 Global Pluralism Award Winners
The Global Centre for Pluralism recognizes pluralism in action. Through their remarkable and sustained achievements, awardees contribute to building more inclusive societies in which human diversity is protected. This years winners are Center for Social Integrity , Deborah Ahenkorah and Learning History that is not yet History . Senator Omidvar outlined the importance of pluralism as she welcomed the award winners to the Senate of Canada Building.
“I am so very pleased to welcome you to this beautiful place to celebrate the beautiful idea of pluralism. I want to thank my co-host, Senator Mobina Jaffer and the Global Centre of Pluralism, whose work we are here to celebrate today.
I am a strong believer in the power of language to shape our ideas and imagination and I am struck by the power of the word “pluralism” which encompasses concepts of multiculturalism, diversity, inclusion and so much more.
It wraps itself around our minds and our hearts as a uniquely suited response to the complexities that we are faced with. Whether these relate to climate change or displacement and whether these are global, national or local.
There can never be just one single answer, just one single response, just one single solution, or just one identity – but a multitude when dealing with complexity. Power and influence are not located in just one place or institution – but in many. And I say this advisedly as a senator. So tonight, we celebrate not the power of one, but the power of many.
Pluralism is all about embracing multiple points of view and multiple identities so it can be messy, chaotic, confusing but it is also uniquely affirmative about the path that this country has chosen to take. A path that was reaffirmed recently when Canadians overwhelmingly rejected the forces of division against immigrants and refugees and against minority communities. Think of a certain sportscaster, some billboards and the first ever anti-immigrant party – all of which were roundly rejected. Bravo Canada!
This is not to say that we are completely immune to the forces of populism, but the DNA of pluralism is an excellent vaccine against the forces of nativism.
But events like these are important because we need to be vigilant, to be active, to call out racism when we see it and to celebrate pluralism at work. This is not a journey with a destination. As the Aga Khan, the founder of the Global Centre of Pluralism has so appropriately noted, and I quote: “the challenge of pluralism is never completely met because pluralism is a process not a product. It is a mentality, a way of looking at a diverse and changing world. A pluralistic environment is a kaleidoscope that history shakes every day”.
Tonight, we are making history as well. It is not the “why” of pluralism that we need to consider any more, but the “how”. How it works on the ground. The award winners today will provide us with excellent answers and examples through their work. I want to commend the Global Centre of Pluralism for enriching our understanding of the working pathways of pluralism through their stories. It is so very important to follow aspirations with action.
There are many people tonight that deserve a special welcome. Her Excellency the Rt. Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General of Canada is with us today. She has been and continues to be a leading figure in our cultural and political life. Always driven by a passion for public service and inclusion. Thank you for joining us.
Also, with us today is the Rt. Honourable Joe Clark, Canada’s 16th Prime Minister. Mr. Clark has had a distinguished political and public career. He was elected eight times to the House of Commons of Canada, serving as Canada’s youngest Prime Minister and one of the most distinguished Foreign Ministers in Canadian history.
Joe Clark played a key role in some of the defining accomplishments of recent history that put Canada on the global map as a leader: the Commonwealth campaign against apartheid, the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States, the Ottawa conference which agreed on the “two plus four” formula to unite Germany at the end of the Cold War to name a few.
Today, he promotes democracy and encourages innovation and practical reforms in the developing world, and at home. As chair of the Awards Jury of the Global Centre for Pluralism, he is wonderfully positioned to introduce to the trailblazers of pluralism.
Please welcome him.
Thank you. ”
Watch the entire ceremony on the Global Center for Pluralism website