Event summary: His Highness the Aga Khan receives the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship

Toronto, Canada, 21 September 2016 – His Highness the Aga Khan was presented the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship at a ceremony at Toronto’s Koerner Hall.

The prize was presented by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General of Canada and co-founder of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. The Aga Khan addressed the gathering and took part in an onstage conversation with Madame Clarkson. The internationally-acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Rufus Wainwright performed in his honour.

The annual Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship recognises an individual who has, through thought and dialogue, encouraged approaches and strategies that strive to remove barriers, change attitudes, and reinforce the principles of tolerance and respect.

Diversity is a reason to open windows, not put up walls, says Aga Khan upon receiving the Prize for Global Citizenship

Accepting the Prize in Toronto, the Aga Khan focused his remarks on the values of global citizenship and the spirit of pluralism on which it rests. He noted that embracing such values “should not mean compromising the bonds of local or national citizenship. The call of pluralism should ask us to respect our differences, but not to ignore them; to integrate diversity, not to depreciate diversity,” he remarked.

The Aga Khan also reflected on the responsibility to improve quality of life in places around the world where it is unsatisfactory. A “healthy pluralistic ethic,” he suggested, can be instrumental in fighting poverty, improving health and education, and expanding opportunity.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his own warm sentiments in a video message played during the ceremony. “Thank you, Your Highness. Canada and the world are stronger and richer because of your commitment to diversity and to finding common ground, to helping those most vulnerable and to believing in a better, closer, more inclusive world.”

In his address, the Aga Khan acknowledged that “living with diversity is a challenging process” but that “the work of pluralism is always a work in progress.” In speaking about these challenges, he reinforced that “one’s identity need not be diluted in a pluralistic world, but rather fulfilled, as one bright thread in a cloth of many colours.”

His Highness also noted that challenges to identity, to embracing the “Other”, and to accepting difference may not stem simply from physical displacement, but also from technological changes, which may be alienating, and from a tendency to gloss over difference. “Yes,” he said, “our underlying humanity should motivate our quest for healthy pluralism. But such a quest must also be built on an empathetic response to our important differences.”

Acknowledging that many critics currently view diversity as a social nuisance resulting in more complexity and division, His Highness nonetheless offered a note of optimism, suggesting that in the end, perspective is everything, and from his vantage point, “diversity itself can be seen as a gift. Diversity is not a reason to put up walls, but rather to open windows. It is not a burden but a blessing.” And this openness must be extended beyond our own borders as “pluralism means responding to diversity not only at home, but on a global basis, creating genuine ‘visions of opportunity’ wherever constraints or reversals are in the air.”

His Highness concluded by commenting on the future of global citizenship, reinforcing that, no matter how difficult it is to achieve a pluralistic mindset, the attempt to integrate these values into everyday life is one of the most important tasks facing the world today: “It will mean hard work. It will never be completed. But no work will be more important.”

Sources:

www.akdn.org/event/his-highness-aga-khan-receives-adrienne-clarkson-prize-global-citizenship
www.akdn.org/press-release/his-highness-aga-khan-receives-adrienne-clarkson-prize-global-citizenship

Related

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada calls His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan “a dear friend and a mentor,” an inspiring global citizen of an inclusive world - In a year that had us questioning, above all else, our humanity, His Highness Prince…

6 Degrees releases much anticipated full event video of the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship honouring His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan in Toronto, Canada on September 21, 2016 - Miss this year's inaugural @6DegreesTO forum on inclusion? Videos now up, including @NaomiAKlein & #AgaKhan…

Profile of His Highness the Aga Khan - 21 September 2016 - As part of the ceremony of the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship presented to His Highness, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson prepared this video profile of His Highness the Aga Khan.

Senator Mobina Jaffer Congratulates the Aga Khan on receiving the first inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - 2016 10 18 Statement by Senator Mobina Jaffer - His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan - Congratulations on Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship Award. On September 21, 2016, His Highness the Aga Khan

His Highness the Aga Khan, inaugural recipient of the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship: An inspiration for all engaged in higher education - The issue of changing social values, cultural diversity and tolerance is at the heart of the work of those of us engaged in higher education. Whether we are teaching in class, online

MP Yasmin Ratansi Congratulates the Aga Khan on receiving the first inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - Member of Parliament Don Valley East, Yasmin Ratansi congratulating His Highness the Aga Khan for receiving the first inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship.

Aga Khan receives Prize for Global Citizenship | Dhaka Tribune - Accepting the prize in Toronto, the Aga Khan focused his remarks on the values of global citizenship and the spirit of pluralism on which it rests. He noted that embracing such values “should not mean compromising. The 6 Degrees Citizen Space conference is the

On the record: the Aga Khan’s call for multiculturalism | Now Magazine - Spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims uses recent Koerner Hall address to make global pitch for pluralism. His Highness the Aga Khan was given the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship at a ceremony. In his acceptance speech, the spiritual leader

Aga Khan gets global award to salute his exemplary role | The Citizen Tanzania - His Highness the Aga Khan, on Wednesday received the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship in a ceremony which concluded the three-day Degrees’ Citizen Space conference and the new public initiative of the Institute

Over 50 countries invest 250+ honours to an individual that Canada’s 26th Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson, refers to as “the most magnificent human being – His Highness the Aga Khan” - Over the past several months and at the recent Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship, Canadian leaders from across a broad spectrum of fields

Aga Khan: When distant forces feel like dire threats | Globe & Mail - As we discuss the concept of global citizenship – and the spirit of pluralism on which it rests – it is only realistic to acknowledge an increasing frustration concerning the pluralism story. We talk sincerely about the values of diversity, about living with complexity.

Symbolism of the medal created for the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship presented to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan - Sedna is the Inuit goddess from whom all creatures of the sea spring. Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship medal presented to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.

Video: Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan, accepting the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks upon receiving the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship at Koerner Hall in Toronto on 21 September 2016. The annual award recognises individuals who through thought and dialogue

Global News Canada: His Highness The Aga Khan receives Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - His Highness The Aga Khan, leader of the world’s 50 million Ismaili Musilms, receives the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship. The annual award, earmarked for individuals

Remarks by The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - Toronto, Canada, September 21, 2016: Tonight, this prize for Global Citizenship is recognizing and celebrating His Highness the Aga Khan, whose entire life demonstrates steadfast unchanging commitment to the ideals of belonging and inclusion.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulates His Highness the Aga Khan - September 21, 2016: The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, congratulates His Highness the Aga Khan in a video message during the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship ceremony in Toronto.

Event summary: His Highness the Aga Khan receives the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - Toronto, Canada, 21 September 2016 - His Highness the Aga Khan was presented the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship at a ceremony at Toronto's Koerner Hall.

Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan Accepting the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - This is a deeply memorable moment for me. My warmest thanks go to Adrienne Clarkson, John Ralston Saul and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship for this wonderful Award, and to all of you for sharing in this important moment in my life.

Watch Video Recording: Inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for His Highness the Aga Khan - Full Video Recording of Inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for His Highness the Aga Khan broadcast on September 21, 2016. Starts at 50:50 mark. The annual award recognises individuals who through thought and dialogue

Aga Khan wins global award for his peace efforts | Daily Nation - The annual award recognises individuals who through thought and dialogue encourage approaches and strategies that strive to remove barriers, change attitudes and reinforce the principles of tolerance and respect. “We are pleased to announce that His Highness the Aga Khan

Social Media Messages: Inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for His Highness the Aga Khan - Congratulations to the #AgaKhan for a gracious evening of poignant conversation, accepting the first ever Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship #6degreesto. A spectacular event to close #6DegreesTO @APClarkson honours His Highness the #AgaKhan

The Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship | Aga Khan Museum - The Aga Khan Museum is proud to announce that His Highness the Aga Khan is the inaugural recipient of the Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship. This Canadian award will be given annually to an individual who has, through thought and dialogue, encouraged approaches

Aga Khan wins Global Citizenship prize at 6 Degrees | Toronto Star - The Aga Khan — spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims worldwide and renowned for his leadership of a global network of organizations working in education and development — will be presented with the first annual Adrienne Clarkson Prize

Canadian honour for Aga Khan | Midday News Mumbai - Even as the northern hemisphere’s Islamophobia is scaling new heights following the recent New York bombings, its neighbour Canada has awarded the current and 49th head of the Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan, with the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship that recognises

Global leader, His Highness the Aga Khan honoured for lifetime commitment to ideals of belonging and inclusion - Institute for Canadian Citizenship annonces His Highness the Aga Khan to be the first recipient of inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship. The Prize will be awarded at the marquee event

The Aga Khan awarded inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV will be awarded the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship Wednesday, Sept. 21 at a ceremony downtown. The prize, to be handed out at the Royal Conservatory of Music

Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson on CBC Radio Toronto Metro Morning declares His Highness the Aga Khan, the first recipient of Global Citizenship Award - Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson on CBC Radio Toronto Metro Morning with Matt Galloway discusses immigration and announces His Highness the Aga Khan's name as the first recipient

His Highness the Aga Khan to be honoured with the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - The 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, His Highness has dedicated his life’s work to improving living conditions for the world’s most vulnerable populations , and to fostering an understanding

Mawlana Hazar Imam to receive Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship - Mawlana Hazar Imam will receive the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship on the evening of Wednesday, 21 September in Toronto. As part of the ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam will deliver a speech