Secretary General John McNee in conversation with His Highness the Aga Khan and His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada (Image credit: GCP)
“Today, we express deep thanks to the Centre’s two founding partners:
His Highness the Aga Khan, whose vision and inspiration led to the creation of the Centre, and the Government of Canada, which has invested in the institution as an equal partner. In addition to creating a new global institution to advance pluralism, this unique partnership has made possible the revitalization by His Highness of this historic building.
We are delighted to welcome His Excellency the Governor General of Canada and to count him among the Centre’s most ardent champions. His pursuit of excellence and innovation for Canadians is matched only by his commitment to the “diplomacy of knowledge” — that is, the belief that knowledge-to-a-purpose has the power to change the world. This belief shapes the work of the Centre as well.”
– John McNee, Secretary General
at the opening of the Global Centre for Pluralism
Opening Remarks by Secretary General John McNee on the occasion of the opening of the Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP).
May 16th 2017
“At the Global Centre’s first public event, on March 30th, we were honoured to have Elder Evelyn Commanda of the Algonquin Nation, bless this building and the Centre with a smudging ceremony. Today, the Algonquin drummers of Ottawa River Singers add their voices of welcome and the heartbeat of the drums.
We are coming together in Ottawa, on this traditional territory of the Algonquin Nations, to celebrate the rebirth of 330 Sussex Drive — this impressive heritage building — as the international headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
Sited at the juncture of three rivers—the Ottawa, the Rideau and the Gatineau — the land we stand on today remains an historic meeting ground of peoples — not only for the Algonquin peoples and other First Nations, but also for the many millions of individuals and families who have come to Canada, both before and since Confederation, as immigrants and refugees.
A belief in the country’s dualism — French and British — defined the creation of modern Canada 150 years ago. Today, Canadians claim roots in almost every region of the world. But it is not our differences that define us. Canadians are defined by what we share: a commitment to inclusive citizenship through practices of recognition and belonging.
This handsomely restored heritage building is a global destination for dialogue for people from every quarter seeking to effect lasting change.
Today, we express deep thanks to the Centre’s two founding partners: His Highness the Aga Khan, whose vision and inspiration led to the creation of the Centre, and the Government of Canada, which has invested in the institution as an equal partner. In addition to creating a new global institution to advance pluralism, this unique partnership has made possible the revitalization by His Highness of this historic building.
We are delighted to welcome His Excellency the Governor General of Canada and to count him among the Centre’s most ardent champions. His pursuit of excellence and innovation for Canadians is matched only by his commitment to the “diplomacy of knowledge” — that is, the belief that knowledge-to-a-purpose has the power to change the world.
This belief shapes the work of the Centre as well.”
Ismailimail 