Global Centre for Pluralism

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The Global Centre for Pluralism on Sussex Drive, Ottawa.

The Global Centre for Pluralism (French: Centre mondial du pluralisme) is an international centre for research, education and exchange about the values, practices and policies that underpin pluralist societies.^[1] Based in Ottawa, Canada, the Centre seeks to assist the creation of successful societies and was founded on the premise that tolerance, openness and understanding towards the cultures, social structures, values and faiths of other peoples are now essential to the survival of an interdependent world.

The Global Centre for Pluralism is an international initiative of His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims, and was established jointly with the Government of Canada in 2006.^[2] Located in the old Canadian War Museum building along Ottawa's Sussex Drive, the Centre draws inspiration from the Canadian experience.^[1] It functions as a global repository and a source of knowledge and know-how about fostering pluralistic values, policies, and practices. It aims to work with countries to nurture successful civil societies in which every citizen, irrespective of cultural, religious or ethnic differences, is able to realize his or her full potential.

[edit] Profile of activities

The Global Centre for Pluralism draws on Canada’s successful record in constructing and sustaining pluralist civil society. Working closely with governments, academia and civil society around the world, the Centre is a think-tank for studying and fostering pluralism.^[3] It seeks to foster legislation and policy that strengthens developing countries’ capacity for enhancing pluralism in law, justice, the arts, the media, financial services, health and education. In addition, it will deliver programs, facilitate dialogue, develop pedagogical materials and work with partners worldwide to build capacity to promote indigenous approaches to pluralism within countries and communities.^[2]

From its inception, the Centre is expected to be one of the largest think-tanks in Canada.^[4] It's mission is consistent with Canadian international policy objectives, including the promotion of democracy and good governance, a more equitable sharing of the world’s resources between developed and developing countries, and the projection of Canadian values, such as the rule of law, human rights and respect for diversity.^[2]