Ottawa, Canada – May 14, 2024 – The Global Centre for Pluralism is pleased to announce the jury for its 2025 Global Pluralism Award, now entering its 5th cycle. Global Pluralism Award jurors are renowned experts in a range of disciplines related to pluralism, including policymaking, peacebuilding, human rights, foreign affairs, linguistic diversity and media.

Marwan Muasher, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Foreign Minister of Jordan returns as Chair of the Global Pluralism Award jury. Returning alongside Dr Muasher are Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the world, and Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil, Ayuujk (Mixe) linguist, writer, translator and Indigenous human rights activist based in Oaxaca.

Joining the prestigious international jury this year are: Antonio Zappulla, CEO Thomson Reuters Foundation, corporate philanthropic arm of Thomson Reuters; Comfort Ero, President and CEO, International Crisis Group the world’s leading conflict resolution organization; Stephen Toope, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR); and Gam Shimray, Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.

Presented every two years, the Award recognizes the exceptional work of individuals, businesses, academics, civil society and government bodies committed to fostering vibrant and inclusive societies, where diversity is valued and respected. Following a rigorous review process, the international jury will select the 10 finalists of the fifth Global Pluralism Award. Finalists will be announced in the fall of 2025, with three winners receiving CAD $50,000 each to further their work in support of pluralism. The submission deadline for the 2025 Award has been extended until 5:00 p.m. EST on June 9, 2024.

“In a world marked by division and polarization, it is crucial to recognize and amplify the voices of those who demonstrate that pluralism is a driving force for positive transformation,” said Muasher, Chair of the Global Pluralism Award jury. “I am honoured to work alongside my fellow jurors in identifying the next recipients of this Award, celebrating the work of pluralism leaders worldwide.”

“As the Award enters its fifth cycle, we are grateful for the invaluable contributions of our exceptional jurors who have shared their expertise over the years. We thank our outgoing jurors for their dedication to pluralism – their insights make the Award what it is. The incoming jurors will enrich our perspectives of the extraordinary efforts required to advance pluralism in society, particularly with the huge challenges faced around the world in this moment. It is an honour to welcome them to our jury,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.

New jurors: (alphabetical by first name)
● Antonio Zappulla, CEO, Thomson Reuters Foundation (United Kingdom)
● Comfort Ero, President and CEO, International Crisis Group (United Kingdom / Nigeria)
● Gam Shimray, Secretary General, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (Thailand)
● Stephen Toope OC, FRSC, LLD | President and CEO, CIFAR (Canada)

Returning jurors: (alphabetical by first name)
● Marwan Muasher, Vice President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (Jordan), Chair
● Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation (Canada / Rwanda)
● Yásnaya Aguilar Gil, Ayuujk (Mixe) linguist, writer, translator, and Indigenous rights activist (Mexico)

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Zai Karim, Kapha Communications, [email protected], 647-983-6669
Shannon Kenney, Kapha Communications, [email protected] 416-770-0359

ABOUT THE 2025 GLOBAL PLURALISM AWARD JURY
New jurors: (alphabetically by first name):

Mr. Antonio Zappulla CEO, Thomson Reuters Foundation | United Kingdom
Antonio Zappulla is CEO of Thomson Reuters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Thomson Reuters, where he spearheads impactful legal and media initiatives across 150+ countries. With expertise in organizational transformation and corporate strategy, Zappulla champions diversity & inclusion and is the founder of Openly, the world’s first global platform dedicated to LGBT+ stories. Recognized for his commitment to human rights, Zappulla was knighted as an Officer of the Italian Republic in 2022 and ranked first in the Financial Times’ OUTstanding list in 2018. Zappulla is a World Economic Forum agenda contributor, a One Young World Counsellor, and serves on several boards, including the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. He holds a degree in Journalism a Masters in Middle Eastern studies, with Executive Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Dr. Comfort Ero, President & CEO, International Crisis Group | United Kingdom / Nigeria
Dr. Comfort Ero, International Crisis Group’s President & CEO since December 2021, brings over two decades of experience in conflict-affected regions globally. With expertise spanning conflict prevention, management, and resolution, she has played pivotal roles in mediating complex disputes and fostering peacekeeping efforts. Dr. Ero’s commitment to transitional justice has been evident throughout her career, reflected in her tenure as Deputy Africa Program Director for the International Centre for Transitional Justice. Additionally, her experience as a Political Affairs Officer and Policy Advisor to the UN Mission in Liberia underscores her proficiency in navigating the intricate politics and international relations of Africa. Holding a PhD from the London School of Economics, University of London, Dr. Ero is recognized as a leading authority in her field, contributing her insights to various boards and advisory bodies.

Mr. Gam Shimray, Secretary General, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact | Thailand
Gam A. Shimray, a Naga from North-East India, is the Secretary General of Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, a regional Indigenous rights organization with membership across 14 countries in Asia. He is a human rights activist who has been defending and promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples for the past 30 years. His work has been mainly dedicated to advancing self-governance of Indigenous Peoples and democratic decentralization which intersects with creating a pluralistic society in Asia. He has also held several important positions at the national and regional levels in the field of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Dr. Stephen J Toope OC, FRSC, LLD President and CEO, CIFAR | Canada
Stephen Toope, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), brings a wealth of experience to his role. As the 346th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, he made history as the first non-UK national to hold the position. His extensive career includes leadership roles such as Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, President of the University of British Columbia, and the founding President of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Toope holds degrees from Harvard, McGill, and Trinity College, Cambridge. His notable public service includes chairing the United Nations Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances and serving as a Fact Finder for the Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Government Officials in relation to Maher Arar. Toope is an accomplished author and lecturer in international law, with publication(s) and speaking engagements worldwide. He has received several honors, including being elected to prestigious institutions such as the Institut de droit international and receiving honorary fellowships and awards from academic institutions in both Canada and the UK. Toope is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Returning jurors: (alphabetical by first name):

Dr. Marwan Muasher, Vice President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace | Jordan (Chair)
Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Most recently, he was senior vice president of external affairs at the World Bank from 2007 to 2010. Previous to that, Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan. In 1995, Muasher opened Jordan’s first embassy in Israel, and in 1996 became minister of information and the government spokesperson. From 1997 to 2002, he served in Washington again as ambassador, negotiating the first free trade agreement between the United States and an Arab nation. He has authored two books, The Second Arab Awakening, published by Yale University Press in January 2014 and The Arab Center: The Promise of Moderation, also published by Yale University Press, June 2008. He served on the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Board of Directors from 2015 to 2019, and has served on the American University of Beirut’s Board of Trustees since 2007.

Ms. Reeta Roy, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation | Canada
Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, oversees approximately $40 billion in assets, and continues to shape the Foundation’s vision, fostering a listening culture, and building diverse global partnerships. A values-driven leader she has nearly three decades of global experience in the private and philanthropic sectors. Under her guidance, the Foundation focuses efforts on Africa; implementing the Young Africa Works strategy to empower 30 million young people by 2030, and serving young Indigenous Canadians through the EleV initiative. With over $6 billion deployed, the Foundation improves education, enhances financial inclusion, and builds resilience. Prior to her current role, Roy led global citizenship and policy at Abbott Laboratories and its corporate foundation, the Abbott Fund. Roy believes in the potential of philanthropy to drive impact at scale by listening first.

Ms. Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil, Ayuujk linguist, writer, translator and Indigenous human rights activist | Mexico
Born in Ayutla Mixe, Oaxaca, Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil is linguist, writer, translator, and human-rights activist engaging with Ayuujk, Spanish, and English languages. She is a member of COLMIX, a collective researching Mixe language, history, and culture. In 2019, Gil was invited to address the 14th Legislature in the Chamber of Deputies in Mixe during the International Year of Indigenous Languages, highlighting Mexico’s Indigenous languages. Her writings have appeared in Mexican media outlets including Letras Libres, Nexos, and Revista de la Universidad de México.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL PLURALISM AWARD
The Global Pluralism Award recognizes pluralism in action. Presented every other year to individuals, organizations, governments and businesses from around the world, the Award celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected.

The Award is conferred by the Global Centre for Pluralism, an independent, charitable organization founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada, and is made possible in part by the generous support of TD Bank Group. For more information about the Award, visit https://award.pluralism.ca/.

Global Centre for Pluralism announces a new cycle of the Global Pluralism Award, recognizing remarkable initiatives fostering positive responses to diversity

OTTAWA, CANADA, April 18, 2024 – Independent, charitable organization Global Centre for Pluralism today launched the fifth iteration of the prestigious Global Pluralism Award. Presented every two years, The Centre’s flagship Award celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected. Individuals, organizations, businesses and government bodies are invited to apply for the Award. Third party nominations are also accepted. Submissions and nominations are open until May 17, 2024 at award.pluralism.ca.

Through innovative projects with real-world impact, recipients of the Global Pluralism Award are
building communities that value, embrace and celebrate diversity. Three winners are selected by
an independent, international jury of experts and will share a prize pool of $150,000 (CAD). The
Centre seeks to amplify the winners’ work with support such as media opportunities, partnership
development and mentorship.

“With each iteration of The Global Pluralism Award, we identify advocates for pluralism who
showcase the power of embracing diversity,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary
General of the Global Centre for Pluralism. “We are seeing backsliding in progress towards
belonging and respect for diversity around the world. In the midst of these immense challenges,
it is imperative to spotlight pluralism leaders who are building inclusive and peaceful societies.
His Highness the Aga Khan reminds us that hope is infectious – our Award laureates are and
continue to be beacons of hope and inspiration for all of us. We look forward to seeing the next
generation of changemakers whose examples can spur us all to take action.”

The 2023 Award received 200 submissions spanning 60 countries with 10 finalists selected from
Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Palestine, South Africa and the
United States. Among these remarkable finalists, one individual and two organizations were
distinguished as Award winners, each making significant contributions to pluralism in distinct
fields of practice. Their remarkable achievements not only serve as concrete models for
promoting pluralism but also provide invaluable inspiration for future generations. The 2023
winners included:

● 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.

The Global Pluralism Award is an initiative of the Global Centre for Pluralism. Founded in
Ottawa by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada, the
Centre was created to advance positive responses to the challenge of living peacefully and
productively together in diverse societies.

Following a rigorous selection process, winners will be announced in the fall of 2025.
Nominate a candidate or apply directly at award.pluralism.ca Submissions are open until
May 17, 2024

ABOUT THE GLOBAL PLURALISM AWARD
The Global Pluralism Award recognizes pluralism in action. Presented every other year to
individuals, organizations, governments and businesses from around the world, the Award
celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where
diversity is valued and protected.

The Award is conferred by the Global Centre for Pluralism, an independent, charitable
organization founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada, and is
made possible in part by the generous support of TD Bank Group. For more information about
the Award, visit https://award.pluralism.ca/.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Zai Karim, Co-Founder Kapha Communications, +1-647-983-6669
Shannon Kenney, Co-Founder Kapha Communications, +1-416-770-0359

$1 Million contribution from TD BANK supports the building of more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected.

OTTAWA, CANADA, February 7, 2023 – The Global Centre for Pluralism is honoured to announce that TD Bank Group has committed to support its Global Pluralism Award over the next 10 years with a generous contribution of CAD 1 million. With this support, the Award will continue to advance inspiring and innovative examples from around the world of efforts to build societies where differences are valued and inequalities are addressed.

Presented every other year to individuals, organisations, governments and businesses from around the world, the Global Pluralism Award recognizes the people behind pluralism. Often operating under circumstances of conflict or crisis, and tackling some of the most intractable pluralism challenges, the laureates’ initiatives are exemplars of courage and creativity.

“The stories of our Global Pluralism Award recipients are powerful. They are living proof that taking genuine action towards pluralism is not only possible; it is in all our hands. We deeply appreciate that TD Bank Group believes so strongly in the Award’s vision and has committed to support the ongoing sustainability and success of this flagship program,” Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism

“We are proud to support the Global Centre for Pluralism through their Award program, which highlights efforts to build more tolerant and diverse societies,” said Riaz Ahmed, President and CEO, TD Securities.  

Since the Award’s inception in 2016, 30 initiatives from across 25 countries have been recognized, including those working towards citizenship rights for minority communities in Kenya, empowering youth to be agents of change in Myanmar and advocating for the rights of victims of violence in Colombia.

Following a rigorous review process, an independent, international jury selects the finalists of the Global Pluralism Award. The next ten finalists of the Award will be announced in the fall of 2023, with three winners receiving CAD 50,000 each and in-kind support to further their work in support of pluralism.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Calina Ellwand,
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, Global Centre for Pluralism
+1-613-688-0137
[email protected]

About the Global Centre for Pluralism
The Award is conferred by the Global Centre for Pluralism, an independent, charitable organization founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada. The Centre works with policy leaders, educators and community builders around the world to amplify and implement the transformative power of pluralism. To learn more, visit www.pluralism.ca

About TD Bank Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (“TD” or the “Bank”). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 27 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation; Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world’s leading online financial services firms, with more than 15 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $1.9 trillion in assets on October 31, 2022. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol “TD” on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

Ottawa, Canada – October 12, 2022 – Marwan Muasher, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Foreign Minister of Jordan was appointed Chair of the Global Pluralism Award jury, following the conclusion of former Canadian Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark’s inaugural term. Two additional new members join the international jury: Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the world, and Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil, Ayuujk linguist, writer, translator and Indigenous human rights activist based in Mexico.

Following a rigorous review process, the international jury will select the finalists of the fourth Global Pluralism Award from among more than 200 nominations received from 60 countries. Ten finalists will be announced in the fall of 2023, with three winners receiving CAD $50,000 each to further their work in support of pluralism.

“As the Award enters its fourth cycle, we are deeply appreciative for the contributions of our incredible jurors who have generously shared their expertise over the years. We thank our outgoing Chair, the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, for his skilled stewardship of the jury over the past six years, as well as our outgoing jurors. The new members bring valuable global perspectives about the extraordinary efforts required to advance pluralism in society. We are honoured they have joined our esteemed jury,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.

“To counteract concerning global trends of division and polarisation, it is vital to recognize and uphold the organizations and individuals that are actively demonstrating that an alternative is possible. I am honoured to be working with my fellow jurors to identify the next Award recipients, and celebrate global champions of mutual respect and pluralism,” said Marwan Muasher, Chair of the Global Pluralism Award jury.

Jury members are experts in a range of disciplines related to pluralism, including policymaking, peacebuilding, human rights, interreligious dialogue, migration, media and civil society. In their own careers, they are actively promoting greater equity and fighting exclusion. Jury members appreciate first-hand the extraordinary effort it takes to build societies where differences are valued and respected.

New jurors: (alphabetical by first name)

• Dr. Marwan Muasher, Vice President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace,  Jordan (Chair)

• Ms. Reeta Roy, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation, Canada

• Ms. Yásnaya Elena Aguilar Gil, Ayuujk linguist, writer, translator and Indigenous human rights activist, Mexico

Returning jurors: (alphabetical by first name)

• Ambassador Annika Söder, Chair, European Institute of Peace, Sweden

• Ms. Kim Ghattas, Author and journalist, Lebanon

• Bishop Precious Omuku, Archbishop of Canterbury’s Special Representative on Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria

• The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, International expert on diversity and immigration,Canada

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Calina Ellwand,

Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, Global Centre for Pluralism

+1-613-688-0137

[email protected]