Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

Canada has successfully constructed a public sphere predicated on the ethic of respect for human dignity. It recognizes and builds on difference, enables a spirit of compromise and consensus in public and legislative policies, and marks out a healthy space for the role of civil society as a sound (indeed, essential) bulwark for democratic processes.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, has outlined the need to recognize the fragility of democracy as a form of governance , its virtues in advancing human development, and the necessity for a better understanding of the Islamic world.

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims, says an international centre to promote pluralism will be established in Ottawa.
The wealthy philanthropist, known for his support of development projects in poor Asian and African nations, said yesterday Canada is an ideal place for a secular and non-denominational Global Centre for Pluralism because of this country's rich cultural mosaic and strong democratic tradition.

The centre will conduct research and develop education programs, he said.

Democracy can fail anywhere, at any time, in any society ...for it is self-evident, in Europe and across the globe, that the existence of political parties and elections do not alone produce stable governments or competent leadership.'

He didn't attract as much attention as the Dalai Lama. He rarely does. But by the time he had slipped in and out of Ottawa on his private jet, the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Imami Ismaili Muslims, had given the city, and the country, a major gift.
The Geneva-born imam, who is now based just outside Paris, has announced the creation of the Global Centre for Pluralism, which will be based in Ottawa.