Where Hope Takes Root: Democracy and Pluralism in an Independent World

One of the world's most influential leaders discusses pluralism, democracy and Canada's potential for world leadership.

In Where Hope Takes Root, a collection of talks given over the past six years, the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims-a sizable number of whom live in Canada-sets out the principles that inform his vision of peaceful, productive societies. He returns again and again to the three cornerstones upon which his many years of work in the developing world are based: democracy, pluralism and civil society. Democracy, always fragile, must be nurtured in practical and flexible ways, he says. Pluralism must be embraced in both fact and spirit. And engaged civil society, which the Aga Khan defines broadly as including doctors' and journalists' associations, women's groups, social movements and village organizations, must be actively supported in countries around the globe.

His Highness the Aga Khan is the forty-ninth hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He assumed the office of the Imamat in July 1957, making 2007 the Golden Jubilee of his spiritual leadership. The Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions and agencies, including non-profit hospitals and schools, is present in over thirty countries and works actively to eradicate poverty. One of the Network's recent projects is the Global Centre for Pluralism, which will be established in Ottawa in co-operation with the Government of Canada. The Aga Khan became an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in 2005.

Raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Adrienne Clarkson, was appointed Governor General of Canada in 1999 on the recommendation of Prime Minister Jean Chrï??tien. In 2005 she was succeeded by Michaelle Jean. She went on to publish her memoir, Heart Matters, founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and became Colonel-in-Chief of Prince Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.