The Global Center for Pluralism (GCP), founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada, recognized the recipients of the 2019 Global Pluralism Award at a ceremony in Ottawa at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat with His Highness the Aga Khan and the Center’s Board members, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

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 organization, 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; and ‘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.

The award winners are granted CAN $50,000 and in-kind support to advance their work.

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.”

This year, the Global Center for Pluralism reportedly 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.

The Global Pluralism Award recognizes pluralism in action.  It celebrates the extraordinary achievements of organizations, individuals and governments who are tackling the challenge of living peacefully and productively with diversity.  The Award is presented once every two years to individuals, organizations, governments and businesses of any nationality. Through their remarkable and sustained achievements, awardees contribute to building more inclusive societies in which human diversity is protected.

Founded in Ottawa by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Global Center for Pluralism is an independent, charitable organization.  Inspired by Canada’s experience as a diverse and inclusive country, the Center was created to advance positive responses to the challenge of living peacefully and productively together in diverse societies.