“Diversity as an opportunity rather than a burden” - Toronto, Canada, 15 October 2010

In a globalised world, one of the major challenges is that diverse peoples, cultures, and religions are increasingly in contact with one another, which, at times, leads to conflict and even violence. His Highness the Aga Khan has been a major champion for pluralism, valuing diversity as a strength rather than a threat. He delivered this LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture on the 15th of October 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Please note that although the majority of this speech is in English, it does contain some portions in French. A translation is available below and on the Aga Khan Development Network website.   [I consider it a great honour and I was very moved to have been invited to deliver this lecture at the LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium. I must say, dear Madame Clarkson, that I am even more moved by your very flattering comments. It is also a great pleasure to be among so many friends, old and new, here in Toronto, and I am particularly pleased to have been introduced, as I have just said, so warmly this evening by my good friends John Ralston Saul and Adrienne Clarkson. I feel deeply grateful for this very kind invitation and for your generous welcome.] Click here to read the speech.