The Award
The Global Pluralism Award celebrates achievement and excellence in the field of pluralism.
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 and made possible in part by the generous support of TD Bank Group. The Global Centre for Pluralism is 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.
The Award aims to
- Raise the international profile of pluralism, defined as a principle of respect for diversity.
- Identify and disseminate innovative and successful approaches to pluralism globally.
- Recognize and raise the profile of exemplary organizations, individuals or other entities seeking to advance pluralism.
What is Pluralism?
Diversity in society is a universal fact; how societies respond to diversity is a choice. Pluralism is a positive response to diversity. It involves taking decisions and actions, as individuals and societies, that are grounded in respect for diversity. Those working towards pluralism recognize, value and respect diversity as a basis for more just, peaceful and equitable societies.
Pluralism is intersectional, considering multiple dimensions and expressions of identity to include race, ethnicity, indigeneity, religion, culture, language, neurodiversity, dis/ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Pluralist societies go beyond simply including diverse peoples and communities into existing institutions and cultures. By embracing pluralism, societies make changes that lead to the recognition, belonging and full participation of every person. This allows people’s lives, communities and institutions to be enriched with new perspectives and ideas.
Because this touches all aspects of society, pluralism requires multi-dimensional efforts and leadership, from the local to the national to the transnational. Leadership for pluralism occurs therefore in multiple domains, including policy-making, inclusive citizenship, education, media, peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, social entrepreneurship and the arts.
Read more about how the Centre understands pluralismFeatured Videos
2023 Global Pluralism Award Week
Jury Introduction to the 2023 Global Pluralism Award
2023 Global Pluralism Award Ceremony
The Award Jury
The Global Pluralism Award jury is comprised of international experts from various disciplines related to pluralism. Jurors have championed the values upon which the Award is founded: respect for human diversity and promotion of more inclusive societies.
Dr. Marwan Muasher (Chair)
Jordan – Chair
Dr. Marwan Muasher
Vice President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
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.
Dr. Comfort Ero
United Kingdom / Nigeria
Dr. Comfort Ero
President & CEO, International Crisis Group
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.
Dr. Stephen J Toope
Canada
Dr. Stephen J Toope
President and CEO, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
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.
Ms. Adelina Kamal
Indonesia
Ms. Adelina Kamal
Co-founder and Steering Committee Member Southeast Asian Women Peace Mediators
Kamal is an analyst with more than 25 years of experience with ASEAN, including as Executive Director of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (2017 to 2021). She is a steering committee member of the Southeast Asian Women Peace Mediators and advises on disaster management, humanitarian assistance, crisis management, health, and public financing. Kamal is a member of the Melbourne-based Centre for Humanitarian Leadership Executive Committee, an Advisory Group member of the London-based Overseas Development Institute Humanitarian Policy Group, and an Early Member of the Association of Indonesian Society for Amnesty International.
Ms. Gabriela Ramos
Mexico / France
Ms. Gabriela Ramos
Assistant Director General, Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO
Ramos is Co-Chair of the Task Force on Inequalities Financial Disclosure. Formerly, as Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, Ramos oversaw contributions of the institution to build inclusive and peaceful societies. She earned 2017 and 2018 Forbes Excellence Awards for her work to promote gender equality. Ms. Ramos’ previous roles include OECD Chief of Staff, Sherpa to the G20/G7/APEC and Director of the OECD Office in Mexico. She is currently a Paris Peace Forum Steering Committee Member. She has a Master of Public Administration in Economics from Harvard Kennedy School.
Mr. Antonio Zappulla
United Kingdom
Mr. Antonio Zappulla
CEO, Thomson Reuters Foundation
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.