2021 Global Pluralism Award Winner Puja Kapai was featured on the i-Impact Podcast. In the episode, “Empowering Marginalized Communities through an Intersectional Approach to Social Justice Advocacy”, Puja talks about challenging gendered and racialized cultural norms and championing equal rights for Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities.
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
April 11, 2022, Ottawa and Canada –The Global Centre for Pluralism is launching the fourth cycle of its flagship Global Pluralism Award and inviting Individuals, organizations, business and government bodies that are doing exceptional work to build thriving, diverse societies to apply. Submissions and nominations are now being accepted at award.pluralism.ca until May 31, 2022.
Through creative and high-impact initiatives, Global Pluralism Award recipients are building societies where differences are genuinely respected and valued. Individuals, businesses, academics, civil society and government bodies from around the world are eligible and can either apply or be nominated for the Award. Three winners are chosen by an independent, international Jury to share a prize pool totalling $150,000 CAD. The Centre seeks to amplify the winners’ work with support such as media opportunities, partnership development and mentorship.
“Each cycle, we identify pluralism champions that exemplify the positive responses to diversity that we know to be essential for a more equal and just world. As we enter the third year of a pandemic that deepened existing inequalities, it is more important than ever to shine a light on exceptional examples of pluralism in action and support and amplify their work,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
Last cycle, the Global Pluralism Award received nearly 500 applications from across 70 countries. Winners included Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel – a network of bilingual and integrated schools bringing together Jewish and Arab students; Namati Kenya – an organization advancing citizenship rights and access to justice for Kenya’s minority communities; and Puja Kapai (Hong Kong) – a law professor promoting equal rights for Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities. The Award laureates offer global examples from a range of fields of practice that demonstrate how to make pluralism a reality for future generations.
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 thorough selection and due diligence process, winners will be announced in the fall of 2023.
Nominate a recipient or apply directly at award.pluralism.ca until May 31, 2022.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tanja Maleska, Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, Global Centre for Pluralism [email protected]
+1-343-996-7296
10 global finalists selected for contributions to advancing pluralism and respect for diversity worldwide.
November 08, 2021, Ottawa, Canada – The Global Centre for Pluralism today announced the 10 finalists for the 2021 Global Pluralism Award, an honour that celebrates excellence in the field of pluralism. The Award is presented once every two years to individuals, organizations and governments around the world for exemplary achievements in building more inclusive societies where diversity is protected.
“The Centre is inspired by the creativity and resilience of this year’s finalists, whose achievements offer tangible, inspiring examples of the power of pluralism in today’s world,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism. “Amidst troubling global trends of division and reduced civic space, these finalists are doing incredible work to raise awareness, build connections, and change minds, narratives, and structures.”
The Global Centre for Pluralism received 500 nominations spanning 70 countries for the 2021 Global Pluralism Award. Nominees undergo a rigorous review process and are selected by an independent, international jury of experts from disciplines related to pluralism.
“Pluralism is a description of the respect, co-operation and shared purpose which make communities work,” said the Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada, and Jury Chair. “These finalists have made a remarkable contribution to pluralism. They show originality and courage in dealing with challenges of injustice, inequality and exclusion in today’s world.”
In Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, Kosovo, Israel, India, Kenya, Hong Kong, Canada, Malawi, and globally—the 2021 finalists have made extraordinary strides to advance pluralism through education, community building, socio-economic development, and the arts.
“Pluralism is what will bind us together and help us maintain our diversity and our communities,” said Kim Ghattas, Emmy-Award winning journalist and Juror of the 2021 Global Pluralism Award. “The Global Pluralism Award reminds us of the incredible work that so many people are doing to advance pluralism across the globe. The sheer courage of these finalists is humbling and gives me a lot of hope.”
Three Pluralism Award winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony in February 2022. Each winner will receive a prize of CAD $50,000 to further their work in support of pluralism.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tanja Maleska
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, Global Centre for Pluralism
[email protected]
+1-343-996-7296
by Rosi Bertaglia Acessibilidade, Acessibilidade Digital
Que a missão da Hand Talk é quebrar as barreiras de comunicação entre surdos e ouvintes, você já deve saber. Seguindo justamente com esse propósito, estamos lançando uma super novidade no nosso aplicativo! Além da tradução de português para a Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), o Hugo agora faz a tradução de textos e áudios em inglês para a Língua de Sinais Americana (ASL).
A internacionalização do app sempre esteve nos planos da Hand Talk e esse grande passo foi impulsionado após a nossa participação no Google AI Impact Challenge. Fomos uma das 20 organizações selecionadas, sendo a única brasileira, a receber um aporte milionário do Google.org para investir na melhoria da qualidade das traduções do Hugo, contando ainda com mentorias e auxílio dos profissionais de IA (inteligência artificial).
Como já contamos aqui no blog, a Libras não é universal e existem diferentes línguas de sinais em todo o mundo. Escolhemos adicionar a Língua de Sinais Americana por ser muito utilizada. Estima-se que só nos Estados Unidos a ASL está presente na comunicação de 500 mil à 2 milhões de pessoas. Países como Filipinas, Porto Rico, República Dominicana e em algumas partes do Canadá e México também fazem o uso dela.
Além de toda a tecnologia, por trás dessa novidade está um incrível time especialistas em Língua de Sinais Americana. Por meio de um sistema colaborativo, eles gravam e etiquetam vídeos dos sinais e sentenças, melhorando a tradução do Hugo e construindo um vocabulário cada vez mais abrangente. Esses dados são o insumo essencial para que o sistema de inteligência artificial tenha um bom desempenho e, assim, consigamos disponibilizar a tradução para uma língua tão rica e completa como fazemos com a Libras.
Essa novidade marca um novo capítulo na história da Hand Talk. Nas palavras do nosso CEO, Ronaldo Tenório: “Agora, estamos dando mais um passo em direção ao futuro, ajudando a tornar o mundo mais inclusivo e a língua de sinais ainda mais difundida.”
Muitas barreiras de acessibilidade ainda existem, mas trabalhamos o tempo todo para que elas sejam cada vez menores!
Se você ficou curioso e quer conhecer a ASL, entre em nosso aplicativo. A troca de idioma está disponível no menu superior esquerdo da tela inicial. Após selecionar a bandeirinha do Estados Unidos todo o conteúdo que pesquisar em inglês será traduzido para a Língua de Sinais Americana.
April 15, 2020
Ottawa, Canada, April 15, 2020 – Given the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 and the disruptions and uncertainty it has caused for so many organizations and individuals, the deadline for submissions to the Global Pluralism Award is now extended to June 30, 2020.
The Award, presented by the Global Centre for Pluralism, recognizes and supports individuals, corporations, academics, civil society and governments from around the world that are working in creative and high-impact ways to build societies where everyone belongs. Three winners are chosen by an independent, international Jury chaired by the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada to share a prize pool totalling $150,000 CAD. The Centre seeks to amplify the winners’ work with media opportunities, new partnerships, mentorship and other supports.
“Amidst the current global health crisis, and global inequalities it is surfacing, the work of pluralism needs to be recognized and supported more than ever. By extending the deadline, we want to help candidates from the most affected countries and regions complete their submissions for the 2021 Award. We also hope to receive submissions from some of the incredibly inspiring initiatives that have emerged in these times of isolation to build community connections and tackle exclusion,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
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 thorough selection and due diligence process, winners will be announced in the fall of 2021.
Nominate a recipient or apply directly at award.pluralism.ca until June 30, 2020.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Calina Ellwand
[email protected]
+1-613-688-0137
January 13, 2020
Appello dei presuli colombiani dell’area del Pacifico e del Sud Ovest del Paese affinché si torni a camminare lungo la via della pace nel pieno rispetto dei diritti umani, dei popoli e umanitari di fronte all’escalation del conflitto.
Davide Dionisi – Città del Vaticano
“Voce di uno che grida nel deserto: Preparate la via del Signore, raddrizzate i suoi sentieri!” Rievoca il profeta Isaia l’appello dei Vescovi colombiani dell’area del Pacifico e del Sud Ovest che esprime “piena solidarietà” alla comunità del Dipartimento di Chocó, ai fedeli della diocesi di Quibdó e a tutte le vittime dell’escalation del conflitto sociale in corso nel paese. “In più occasioni abbiamo denunciato le difficoltà che molte persone stanno vivendo in queste aree e abbiamo chiesto alle autorità una pronta soluzione” si legge nel comunicato dei presuli. “Siamo di fronte ad una crisi umanitaria sempre più drammatica che sta coinvolgendo le comunità indigene e afro-colombiane che vivono a Bojayá, Bajo, Atrato e Urabá. Lo stesso vale per i residenti nelle aree di San Juan e Baudó (Chocó), Raposo (Buenaventura), nei comuni di Nuquí (Chocó), Magüí Payán, Olaya Herrera-Satinga (Nariño) e nel dipartimento di Putumayo, precisamente nel municipio di Puerto Guzmán” scrivono i vescovi.
I vescovi mettono in guardia dalle possibili collusioni tra forze dell’ordine e gruppi illegali
“Lanciamo un appello affinché si torni a camminare lungo la via della pace nel pieno rispetto dei diritti Umani, dei popoli e umanitari. Chiediamo al Governo e gli organismi preposti di ristabilire condizioni di vita dignitose e venga garantita un’adeguata protezione alle comunità, a Leyner Palacios Asprilla (uno dei maggiori sostenitori della riconciliazione nazionale ndr) così come a tutti i leader sociali minacciati”. I vescovi continuano mettendo in guardia dalle “possibili collusioni tra le forze dell’ordine e i gruppi illegali”, peraltro denunciate già in passato dalle organizzazioni per la difesa dei diritti civili e dalla diocesi di Quibdó.
Trovare soluzioni politiche e pacifiche al conflitto armato
“I gruppi armati devono essere consapevoli del loro status di aggressori” chiarisce lo scritto, sottolineando che “all’inizio del nuovo anno, in mezzo ai disordini in cui vivono tanti cittadini, riaffermiamo la necessità di trovare soluzioni politiche e pacifiche al conflitto armato: con l’Eln per il raggiungimento di un accordo di pace, così pure con il Cga (il gruppo paramilitare Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia ndr) e le organizzazioni simili per far prevalere la giustizia. Ci aspettiamo una risposta sincera, attraverso gesti concreti di vera volontà di pace” concludono i presuli. All’inizio dell’anno l’Agc ha cinto d’assedio isolandolo completamente, un villaggio nel dipartimento del Choc (Colombia nord-orientale), creando una emergenza umanitaria denunciata dalla “Comisin intereclesial de Justicia y Paz”. La ong ha precisato che l’emergenza riguarda il villaggio rurale di Pogue, vicino alla città di Bojay, abitato da circa 600 indigeni di discendenza africana.
Continuano gli omicidi di difensori dei diritti umani
L’ultima vittima è Gloria Ocampo, uccisa il 7 gennaio scorso in casa nel villaggio di La Estrella, nel dipartimento di Putumayo. Si tratta della prima leader sociale uccisa nel paese nel 2020. Secondo l’Istituto di studi per lo sviluppo e la pace (Indepaz) della Colombia, 623 leader sociali e difensori dei diritti umani sono stati uccisi nel periodo tra novembre 2016, quando furono firmati gli accordi di pace, e luglio 2019.
June 24, 2019
Finalists selected from 538 nominees spanning 74 countries
OTTAWA, CANADA—JUNE 24, 2019—The Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP) today announced 10 finalists for the 2019 Global Pluralism Award.
Three winners will be announced in the fall and honoured at a ceremony in Ottawa on November 20 this year. The Award recognizes the extraordinary achievements of organizations, individuals and governments around the world who exemplify living peacefully and productively with diversity.
“At a time of heightened hatred and escalating tensions in communities around the globe, these winners embody the best of humanity,” said the Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada and Jury Chair. “The emphasis on pluralism is much more important now than ever. In only a few years, we have moved from a time in which there was, at least, a general acceptance of difference, to a time where there is fear about it, and very often a contesting of it.”
The 2019 finalists—from Canada, the United States, Lebanon, Hungary, Ghana, France, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar and several countries of the former Yugoslavia—are making vital contributions to pluralism, mainly through peacebuilding, the arts, education, social cohesion and integration of refugees and migrants.
This year, the Global Centre for Pluralism received over 500 applications spanning 74 countries for the 2019 Global Pluralism Awards—more than double the submissions to the inaugural awards in 2017. All nominees undergo a rigorous review and jury selection process. The field of finalists will be narrowed down to three winners, to be announced in the fall, following in-country visits and consultations with key partners on the ground. These three winners will each be granted $50,000 to advance their work in promoting pluralism.
Meet the 2019 Global Pluralism Award finalists.
For further information, please contact:
Mary O’Neill
[email protected]
T: +1 613 240-1925
