About UsGlobal Centre for PluralismGC4P_bf1a6b10-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d9The Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, not-for-profit international research and education centre located in Ottawa, Canada. Inspired by the example of Canada’s inclusive approach to citizenship, the Centre works to advance respect for diversity worldwide, believing that openness and understanding toward the cultures, social structures, values and faiths of other peoples are essential to the survival of an interdependent world...The Global Centre for Pluralism is a registered Canadian charity. Our charitable registration number is 85780 2409 RR0001.Aga KhanOrigin of the Centre -- The idea for the Centre originated in the 1990s when His Highness the Aga Khan began asking Canadian leaders to explain the success of Canada's approach to diversity. A Pluralism Initiative aimed at understanding the origins and architecture of Canadian pluralism followed. The decision to found an international institution dedicated to the advancement of pluralism worldwide emerged from this work.In 2006, His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada formed a partnership to launch the Global Centre for Pluralism -- a private, not-for-profit institution founded in Canada with a global mission to serve the world.Institute of Canadian CitizenshipIn October 2010, His Highness the Aga Khan outlined his vision of pluralism at the LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium in Toronto, an annual conversation on citizenship and the public good hosted by the Institute of Canadian Citizenship.GC4P PeopleThe Global Centre for Pluralism is governed by an international Board of Directors chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. The Secretary General has overall responsibility for the intellectual leadership, operational excellence and financial sustainability of the Centre. The Centre's operations are supported by a small team headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.John McNeeSecretary General -- John McNee joined the Global Centre for Pluralism as its first Secretary General on September 6, 2011. A career diplomat, he served as Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2006-2011.During his career, he also served as Canadian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, Syria and Lebanon and Canada’s representative to the Council of Europe. In addition, he was posted to Tel Aviv, London and Madrid.John McNee joined the Department of External Affairs in 1978 and worked in various capacities in the Department including as Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East. He also served in the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat of the Privy Council Office.He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), (Glendon College, York University, 1973) and a Master of Arts in History (Cambridge University, 1975). He was Canada Scholar at Cambridge 1973-1975. In 2017, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.) by the Governor General. Mr. McNee and his wife Susan have two children.GC4P Board of DirectorsConstituted in 2010 by the Centre's founding partners, our Board of Directors brings together a group of eminent men and women representing diverse countries and experiences. Directors are appointed for two-year terms and serve without remuneration. His Highness the Aga KhanChairmanPrincess Zahra Aga Khan FranceKofi Annan GhanaIain BensonCanadaThe Rt. Hon Adrienne Clarkson CanadaRudyard Griffiths CanadaHuguette Labelle CanadaMarwan MuasherJordanAzim NanjiCanadaMargaret Ogilvie CanadaKhalil Shariff CanadaEduardo Stein Guatemala CC4P StaffJohn McNeeSecretary GeneralBeverly BoutilierDirector, Analysis and PlanningJayne BarlowDirector, ProgramsDaniel Cervan-GilSenior Program OfficerKatherine LemayProgram AssistantPoorvi ChitalkarSenior Program OfficerMatthew BurkardProgram OfficerNathan Bowers-KrishnanProgram OfficerKatie O'BrianProgram OfficerMark TschirgiProgram OfficerCalina EllwandManager, Communications and Public AffairsAlana DunbarAssistant, Communications and Public AffairsMaria DesjardinsOffice Manager / Executive AssistantAntona Christus-RanjanAdministrative AssistantAudrey DalySenior Finance OfficerGC4P PartnersNo single organization working alone can achieve pluralism. It involves changing hearts and minds as well as institutions, policies and practices. Advancing respect for diversity and the practices that support it requires the engagement of every sector and citizen. The Global Centre for Pluralism works with partners worldwide as a catalyst for change...The Global Centre for Pluralism welcomes partnership inquiries from other interested individuals, organizations and governments.GC4P Founding PartnersRegistered in Canada as a private institution in 2004, the Centre welcomes private-public partnerships.Government of CanadaWe gratefully acknowledge the Government of Canada as our first founding partner. In addition to a substantial financial investment in the Centre's endowment fund, the Government of Canada has also extended a 99-year lease to the Centre for the federal heritage building at 330 Sussex Drive. His Highness the Aga Khan is refurbishing this landmark facility for use as the Centre's international headquarters.Finances and support -- We begin work with a $40 million endowment jointly created by the Government of Canada and His Highness the Aga Khan in 2007. Overseen by the Board of Directors, the endowment is professionally managed to generate an income to support operations.Each year, we report on our use of this fund to the Government of Canada and publish our audited financial statements.Aga Khan Foundation CanadaThe Centre gratefully acknowledges the provision of corporate services by Aga Khan Foundation Canada.KenyaThe Centre is working to become a global leader for pluralism. Through events, research and partnerships, the Centre will facilitate dialogue about factors that drive or present barriers to pluralism. The Centre is currently focusing on Kenya and Kyrgyzstan, two societies that have recently experienced upheavals and processes of constitutional reform. Over time, the Centre will expand its focus to other countries and offer its permanent facilities as a destination for global dialogue and learning.KyrgyzstanThe world we seek is not a world where difference is erased, but where difference can be a powerful force for good, helping us to fashion a new sense of cooperation and coherence in our world, and to build together a better life for all._bf1a6c0a-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d9To advance respect for diversity as a new global ethic and foundation for inclusive citizenship_bf1a6cc8-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d9DiversityWhen valued as a positive element of society, diversity can become a source of common good. When diversity is feared or debased, division is most often the result.Inclusive CitizenshipThrough research, education and dialogue with partners around the world, we foster global learning and exchange about the foundations and benefits of inclusive citizenship.ResearchEducationDialoguePartnershipLearningExchangePluralismIn our increasingly interdependent world, respect for diversity and the practices that support it are not just desirable. They are vital building blocks of peace, prosperity and security for all.PeaceProsperitySecurityDialogueServe as a destination for dialogue about the benefits and foundations of pluralism._bf1a6e44-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d9Through these means [documented as objectives in this StratML rendition], the Centre will serve the world community as a global destination for dialogue about the benefits and foundations of pluralism. DiversityFoster informed dialogue about the benefits of diversity as a global value proposition._bf1a6f02-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d91CohesionResearch the drivers and impediments of civic cohesion to understand why some diverse societies thrive while others fracture or fragment._bf1a6fac-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d92EffectWork in partnership with change leaders around the world to apply these place-based insights for practical effect._bf1a7074-bd22-11e7-acab-35469142c8d932010-10-152017-10-29http://www.pluralism.ca/en/about.htmlOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net