Ottawa, Canada, 25 September 2025 – The Global Centre for Pluralism announces today the ten laureates for the 2025 Global Pluralism Award. These leaders are being recognised for their exceptional and courageous work to support full participation by marginalised groups in their societies, build trust and cooperation between warring parties, and create systems that foster the protection and celebration of differences around the world.
Selected from over 300 applications across 64 countries, the 2025 finalists are operating in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. From active war zones to communities facing extreme discrimination, they champion a more peaceful and equitable world and provide examples of how it is possible to make practical changes that foster pluralistic societies.
The 2025 Global Pluralism Award finalists are:
- A Land for All (Israel and Palestine): An Israeli-Palestinian movement promoting a visionary future where two states exist within a shared homeland, prioritising reconciliation and a shared belonging despite current polarisation.
- Artistic Freedom Initiative (USA): Provides critical legal and resettlement services to persecuted artists from over 60 countries, preserving cultural memories, languages and identities despite repression in their home countries.
- Cesta von (Slovakia): Empowers the Roma community to find a way out of systemic poverty to participate more fully in their broader society.
- Colombia Diversa (Colombia): Advances justice and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people through strategic litigation and unprecedented dialogue with oppositional groups, including evangelical leaders and former combatants.
- Coordinadora Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas – CONAMI (Mexico): A network of Indigenous women increasing indigenous women’s participation in decision-making in Mexico and tackling gender-based violence and land rights by centring traditional knowledge in national activism.
- Mais Diferenças (Brazil): Unites Brazilians with and without disabilities to co-create tools that enable all students to experience meaningful learning together.
- New Life Trust Organization (Afghanistan): Fosters women’s entrepreneurship and inter-ethnic solidarity through skills training and artistic expression in one of the world’s most challenging contexts for gender equality.
- Nonviolent Peaceforce (International): Undertakes peacebuilding activities that build trust among all parties to conflict in countries from Ukraine to South Sudan, centring the voices of those on the peripheries to participate in building solutions.
- Southern Africa Litigation Centre (Regional): Supports marginalised populations across 12 African countries through landmark litigation to overcome systemic barriers to full legal, social, and environmental participation.
- Sudanese Youth Network for Ending the War and Establishing a Democratic Civil Transformation (Regional): Unites diverse Sudanese youth within Sudan and across six other countries around a common vision to end the war and transition to a civilian government.
“The Global Pluralism Award seeks out the world’s most powerful examples of pluralism in action. This year, we are proud to welcome 10 new exemplary leaders into our now 50-strong community of award alumni,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary-General of the Global Centre for Pluralism. “This is more than a network; it is a dynamic and growing global community of practice with lessons for all of us. These leaders are on the front lines and provide vital lessons about what is possible around the world. Together, they prove that pluralism is not just an ideal, but a practical solution to the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Dr Marwan Muasher, Chair of the Global Pluralism Award jury, points out that the Award plays a role in building solidarity. “People who work on pluralism need to be recognised and acknowledged around the globe; the Award does a lot in raising awareness about the need for pluralism. It is important for this global community of practitioners to know about each other and their successes in different contexts.”
About the Global Pluralism Award
The Global Pluralism Award recognises pluralism in action. Presented every other year to individuals, organisations, governments and businesses from around the world, the Award celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected.
The Award is conferred by the Global Centre for Pluralism, an independent, charitable organisation founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada, and is made possible in part by the generous support of TD Bank Group. For more information about the Award, visit Global Pluralism Award.