His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), today joined over 30 world leaders for the opening session of the second Paris Peace Forum, according to press release issued by AKDN.

Initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum was founded on the principle that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. The Forum was launched on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, marking the end of World War I.

“In my experience, the vital conditions for stability in the world today include an emphasis on local participation, the promotion of pluralism, and a strengthening of Civil Society organizations.  I am pleased that the Aga Khan Development Network is once again partnering with the Paris Peace Forum and that the Global Center for Pluralism is also hosting an event at this year’s Forum.  Pluralism is certainly a central component for peace and progress,” commented the Aga Khan.     

The need for pluralism as a fundamental value in society has often been mentioned by the Aga Khan, calling it an “indispensable foundation for human peace and progress.”  

Encouraging pluralism has therefore been an aim of many AKDN programs. 

As an expression of the Aga Khan's commitment to pluralism as essential for stable and peaceful societies, in partnership with the Government of Canada, he established the Global Center for Pluralism in Ottawa, to promote research, education and knowledge exchange on this subject