Liberal Senate Forum | Statements & Hansard | His Royal Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan—Congratulations on Honorary Degree

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer:

Honourable senators, on Friday, January 13, His Royal Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa for his service to humanity.

For over 50 years, His Royal Highness the Aga Khan has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of people living in the poorest and most disadvantaged areas of the world, particularly Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East. Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa, said the following about the Aga Khan’s accomplishments:

His Highness speaks directly to the goodness in all people. By his words and actions, he has demonstrated that there are no divisions among us if our desire truly is to create a better world.

Honourable senators, when speaking to the people assembled at the graduation ceremony, His Highness shared several important messages, some of which pertain directly to the work that we do in this institution.

More: Liberal Senate Forum | Statements & Hansard | His Royal Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan—Congratulations on Honorary Degree.

His Highness the Aga Khan: The dangers of decentralization | The Globe and Mail

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/the-dangers-of-decentralization/article2316389/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/

Gems from the Aga Khan’s speech and Nature Essays

Simerg’s new post has links to two literary pieces by Mohezin Tejani entitled “New Hampshire Twilight” and “Iguazu,” a South American natural wonder of the world, as well as “Gems” from His Highness the Aga Khan’s speech compiled by Malik Mirza. Please click “Iguazu” and “New Hampshire Twilight” by Mohezin Tejani and “Gems” from His Highness the Aga Khan’s Speech by Malik Mirza.

By clicking on the Home page you will have access to the afore-mentioned as well as recent posts on Honorary Degrees Conferred on His Highness the Aga Khan, A 75th birthday tribute to His Highness and the London Didar in Olympia in 1979.

Asian Newspapers: Aga Khan awarded honorary doctorate in Ottawa

Aga Khan awarded honorary doctorate in Ottawa – The Indo-Canadian Voice

Aga Khan, forty-ninth hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was last week awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa for his service to humanity.

Aga Khan awarded doctorate – Asian Pacific Post

His Highness The Aga Khan was awarded an honourary doctorate by the University of Ottawa. This recent accomplishment adds to his honorary Companion of the Order of Canada and granted honorary Canadian citizenship – just the fifth person, and first Muslim with such an

Aga Khan awarded honorary doctorate in Ottawa – South Asian Focus

His Highness the Aga Khan was last week awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa for his service to humanity. The degree was conferred at a special convocation presided over by Chancellor Huguette Labelle and University President Allan Rock.

Gallery: Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Amyn visit Wynford Drive construction site

Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Oversight Committee consider the carpet selection for the Jamatkhana. Photo: Imara Wynford Drive Ltd / TheIsmaili.org / Moez Visram

Source: http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1320/Gallery-Mawlana-Hazar-Imam-and-Prince-Amyn-visit-Wynford-Drive-construction-site
Related article by Nelish Lalany: Garden in the city will draw from the past to connect communities today and tomorrow
Related: Wynford Drive construction progress — January 2012

All related Ismailimail: http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/category/institutions-of-ismaili-imamat/trust-for-culture/aga-khan-museum-toronto/

The Aga Khan: Nurturing the delicate seeds of democracy

Calgary Herald Editor’s note: The Aga Khan recently received an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Ottawa. This is an edited version of the speech he delivered at the ceremony.

There are many topics of mutual interest that I could talk about today. But I have picked just one. In my eyes it is important, and I understand that it is also high among your priorities. I refer to the field of governance and public policy, specifically to the difficulty of establishing workable constitutional systems, especially in countries with less experience in democratic governance.

via http://www.calgaryherald.com.
Earlier related: The Aga Khan: Emerging democracies will require the intellectual support of nations like Canada | The Province

Video: His Highness the Aga Khan receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada, 13/01/2012 – His Highness the Aga Khan was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa for his service to humanity. The degree was conferred at a special convocation presided over by Chancellor Huguette Labelle, as well as University President Allan Rock.

http://www.akdn.org/videos_detail.asp?VideoId=140
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1318/

Visit to Wynford Drive – January 15, 2012

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobby17/sets/72157628879999523/with/6701300245/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobby17/sets/72157628886410187/with/6704035951/

The Ismaili Gallery: Mawlana Hazar Imam is awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1317/Gallery-Mawlana-Hazar-Imam-is-awarded-an-honorary-doctorate-from-the-University-of-Ottawa

The Globe & Mail – January 14 – Page A12: DOCTORATE DEGREE: Aga Khan honoured in Ottawa

Original source/newspaper PDF: https://docs.google.com/open?id=1Wp2ji5K7I_Q_KCs-IMjBSnEhVrenHE89WNlvJrvlBfna_BKUr4AUu87w2_Pk

The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam receives honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa; lauds Canada for “what it can do for others”

Ottawa, 13 January 2012 — At a special convocation ceremony held this morning at the University of Ottawa, Mawlana Hazar Imam was awarded the honorary degree Doctor of the University for his service to humanity.

In his welcome remarks, Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa, addressed Mawlana Hazar Imam, saying “we see Your Highness’ presence today as a call to action for all in our university community who seek to serve humanity.” President Rock described Hazar Imam as a builder of bridges who has used “his own faith as a point of departure [to speak] directly to the goodness in all peoples.”

The convocation was presided over by University of Ottawa Chancellor Huguette Labelle, in what was her last official event following an 18-year tenure as Chancellor.

via The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam receives honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa; lauds Canada for “what it can do for others”.

Twitter response from dignitaries and media for His Highness the Aga Khan receiving uOttawa Honourary Doctorate

Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa / http://jimwatsonottawa.ca

Attending hon degree ceremony for Aga Khan at Ottawa U. 4 courtesy calls with Ambassadors; Meeting provincial officials; welcome to LPC del.

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Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) January 13, 2012

Great honour to meet His Highness the Aga Khan this morning at Ottawa U. #ottcity

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Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) January 13, 2012

Allan Rock, University of Ottawa’s President, / http://www.president.uottawa.ca/home.html

I will be attending the special convocation ceremony to award an honorary doctorate to His Highness the #AgaKhan at 11 a.m. in Desmarais.

—
Allan Rock (@uOAllanRock) January 13, 2012

Yasir Naqvi, MPP for OttawaCentre / www.facebook.com/yasirnaqvimpp, http://www.yasirnaqvimpp.ca

An honour to meet His Highness the Aga Khan at the @uOttawa Special Convocation conferring the degree of Doctor!

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Yasir Naqvi (@Yasir_Naqvi) January 13, 2012

Roland Paris, International affairs professor at the University of Ottawa and director of the Centre for International Policy Studies / http://aix1.uottawa.ca/~rparis/bio.html

Pleased that @uOttawa awarded honorary doctorate to Aga Khan today. Impressive man & works.

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Roland Paris (@rolandparis) January 13, 2012

Don Butler, Ottawa Citizen senior writer

RT @ButlerDon: Aga Khan says Canada' work for others internationally has made it 'a great world power.'

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uOttawa Engineering (@uOttawaGenie) January 13, 2012

Gordon Clark, Editor/Columnist for The Province newspaper / http://theprovince.com/gordzilla

The Aga Khan: Emerging democracies will require the intellectual support of nations like Canada shar.es/WD0Y5

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Gordon Clark (@gordzillacity) January 13, 2012

Penny Collenette, Former Sr Fellow at Kennedy School Harvard. Now Adjunct Law Prof, UOttawa. Fmr Sr Dir PMO + VP Chairman’s office, George Weston Ltd. / http://www.pennycollenette.ca

He is an inspiration to many .@rolandparis: Plsd that @uOttawa awarded honorary doctorate to Aga Khan today. Impressive man & works #cdnpoli

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penny collenette (@penottawa) January 13, 2012

Ritu Bhasin, People Strategist. Diversity Specialist. Media Contributor. Public Speaker. Leadership Coach. Devout Yogini. Working to create an inclusive & empowered world / http://www.bhasinconsulting.com

Congrats #AgaKhan, #Ismaili #Muslims leader, for UOttawa honorary doctorate for service to humanity! bit.ly/wHDfIC #leadership

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Ritu Bhasin (@Ritu_Bhasin) January 14, 2012

The Aga Khan: Emerging democracies will require the intellectual support of nations like Canada | The Province

His Highness, The Aga Khan, was given an honourary doctorate Friday by the University of Ottawa. This is the speech he delivered at the ceremony.

There are many topics of mutual interest that I could talk about today. But I have picked just one. In my eyes it is important, and I understand that it is also high among your priorities. I refer to the field of governance and public policy, specifically to the difficulty of establishing workable constitutional systems, especially in countries with less experience in democratic governance.

As you know, my own interests in the last 50 years as Imam of the Ismaili community have been primarily focused on Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle-East and on improving the quality of life for the people who live there. The more I think about this matter, the more I am persuaded that one of the critical barriers to progress is the way in which governing processes occur.

More The Aga Khan: Emerging democracies will require the intellectual support of nations like Canada | The Province.

Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Ceremony Conferring the Honorary Doctorate at the University of Ottawa

3 January 2012

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Chancellor Labelle, President Rock, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests

–snip–

There are many topics of mutual interest that I could talk about today. But I have picked just one. In my eyes it is important – and I understand that it is also high among your priorities. I refer to the field of governance and public policy, and, specifically, to the difficulty of establishing workable constitutional systems – especially in countries with less experience in democratic governance.

As you know, my own interests in the last 50 years as Imam of the Ismaili community, have been primarily focused on Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle-East – and on improving the quality of life for the people who live there. The more I think about this matter, the more I am persuaded that one of the critical barriers to progress is the way in which governing processes occur.

The University of Ottawa has a long tradition of sharing internationally in the hard work of intellectual inquiry. Canada’s Governor General recently referred to this process as “the Diplomacy of Knowledge.” And it seems to me that questions of constitutional governance in the developing world deserve a particularly high place on that agenda.

The so-called Arab Spring has brought special attention to this challenge – illustrating that it is easier to rally people in opposition to a particular government than to forge agreement about new governing processes. But, while this pattern has recently been more dramatically evident, it has been a reality for a very, very long time.

Read at the source: Speech: Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Ceremony Conferring the Honorary Doctorate at the University of Ottawa.

AKDN Photographs: His Highness the Aga Khan receives honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa

http://www.akdn.org/photos_show.asp?Sid=191

AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan receives honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa

OTTAWA, January 13, 2012 — His Highness the Aga Khan was today awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa for his service to humanity.

In his welcome remarks, Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa, addressed the Aga Khan, saying “we see Your Highness’ presence today as a call to action for all in our university community who seek to serve humanity.” He described the Aga Khan as an exceptional man who has used his own faith background to speak directly to the goodness in all people.

The degree was awarded at a special convocation, presided over by Huguette Labelle, in what was her last official event following an 18-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. Chancellor Labelle noted “One of the privileges of being Chancellor is the opportunity to recognize individuals who have shown outstanding leadership and an exemplary commitment to service to others.” Recognizing the Aga Khan’s global achievements, she said: “His work has bettered the lives of people and communities around the world”.

More at http://www.akdn.org/Content/1109/His-Highness-the-Aga-Khan-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-the-University-of-Ottawa

Ottawa Citizen Video: Aga Khan Honoured

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Wanted+make+unstable+democracies+work+Khan+says/5993493/story.html

Flickr Slideshow: H.H. Aga Khan @ uOttawa

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gazetteuogazette/sets/72157628854628287/

His Highness the Aga Khan Receives His 20th Honorary Degree From the University of Ottawa « Simerg

His Highness the Aga Khan has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa for his service to humanity during a special Convocation ceremony on Friday, January 13th in the Desmarais Building in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. The ceremony on the 4th floor of the state of the art building took place as a severe winter storm gripped Ottawa, where its residents had so far enjoyed a mostly mild season with above avarage temperatures and below average snow fall.

His Highness the Aga Khan Receives His 20th Honorary Degree From the University of Ottawa « Simerg – Insights from Around the World.

Photographs: His Highness the Aga Khan receives uOttawa honorary doctorate

visit source for more details: http://www.gazette.uottawa.ca/en/2012/01/his-highness-the-aga-khan-to-receive-uottawa-honorary-doctorate/
or, here: http://storify.com/davyjo/aga-khan-at-uottawa

All related: http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/category/awards/hon-doctorate-uottawa/

via Dave Weatherall http://storify.com/davyjo

Part 1: Summary of Live Updates from University of Ottawa Honoring His Highness the Aga Khan

AKDN: Convocation procession is entering.
University of Ottawa (uOttawa): Ottawa president Allan Rock giving his welcoming address honoring doctorate ceremony for His Highness the Aga Khan.
uOttawa: President Allan Rock: His Highness has used his own faith background to speak directly to the goodness in all people.
AKDN: Allan Rock: “We see your Highness’ presence today as a call to action to all who seek to serve humanity”.
AKDN: University of Ottawa Chancellor Hugette Labelle delivering citation of honorary doctorate for His Highness the Aga Khan.
uOttawa: Huguette Labelle: today’s honorary  doctorate  recipient inspires his followers and commands respect of heads of state everywhere.
uOttawa: Huguette Labelle: the Aga Khan Development Network is an organization of agencies mandated to effect positive change.
AKDN: University of Ottawa Chancellor Labelle delivering citation of honorary doctorate for His Highness the Aga Khan.
uOttawa: Huguette Labelle: Aga Khan Foundation Canada has been raising awareness and funding to fight global poverty for over 3 decades.
AKDN: Chancellor Labelle: I present to you today’s recipient of the degree of Doctor of the University,  His Highness the Aga Khan.
AKDN: Honorary doctorate conferred upon His Highness the Aga Khan.
uOttawa: Chancellor Huguette Labelle presenting His Highness the Aga Khan with his honorary doctorate degree.

Part 2: Summary of Live Updates from University of Ottawa Honoring His Highness the Aga Khan

TheIsmaili: His Highness the Aga Khan addresses convocation upon receiving honorary doctorate from University of Ottawa.
uOttawa: His Highness the Aga Khan is addressing the convocation after just having received his honorary doctorate.
AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan addresses convocation upon receiving an honorary doctorate from University of Ottawa.
AKDN: Permettez-moi d’exprimer avant toute chose ma profonde reconnaissance pour l’insigne honneur que vous me faites.
AKDN: gratitude pour l’excellence de la coopération dont le Réseau AKDN a bénéficié de la part de votre Université, ville et pays.
AKDN: Un exemple est le nouveau Centre Mondial du Pluralisme, notre projet commun avec le Gouvernement du Canada ici à Ottawa.
AKDN: I refer to the field of governance and public policy – specifically the difficulty of establishing workable constitutional systems.
uOttawa: His Highness: I am persuaded that one of the critical barriers to progress is the way in which governing processes occur.
AKDN: The University of Ottawa has a long tradition of sharing internationally in the hard work of intellectual inquiry.
AKDN: Canada’s Governor General recently referred to this process as “the Diplomacy of Knowledge.”
uOttawa: His Highness: one risk of decentralization is that it can place more decision-making power.
AKDN: One risk of decentralization is that it can place more decision-making power.
AKDN: ..into the hands of communities that have had less access to education and governing experience.
AKDN: …with the aim of overcoming inertia and inefficiency as well as fragmented and provincial outlooks.
AKDN: The history of constitutions can be seen, as an oscillation between the two poles of centralization and diffusion.
AKDN: …while new dispersions of power are often associated with stagnation, paralysis and even more opportunities for corruption.
AKDN: …respond to rural as well as urban concerns and underwrite equitable opportunity for a better life.
uOttawa: His Highness: we must not assume that what worked in parts of the western world will also work in less developed communities.
AKDN: Aga Khan University is planning a new Graduate School of Government, Public Policy and Civil Society to help address these issues.
AKDN: This University’s global effectiveness is reinforced by the high regard in which Canada is held as a valued international partner.

Part 3: Summary of Live Updates from University of Ottawa Honoring His Highness the Aga Khan

AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan addresses convocation upon receiving an honorary doctorate from University of Ottawa.
uOttawa: His Highness: Aga Khan University is planning a new Graduate School of Government, Public Policy and Civil Society.
AKDN: A country’s standing is no longer recognised by what it can achieve for itself, but by what it can do for others.
AKDN: In this context, Canada has truly become a great, world power.
uOttawa: His Highness: a country’s standing is no longer recognized by what it can achieve for itself, but by what it can do for others.
AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan concludes his address to a standing ovation.
AKDN: University of Ottawa special convocation ceremony concludes; procession departs.
uOttawa: President Allan Rock: thank you Your Highness, for these very enlightening, inspiring remarks.
AKDN: End of University of Ottawa special convocation ceremony to award an honorary doctorate to His Highness the Aga Khan.

via @markd428: His Highness the Aga Khan’s car parked at uOttawa

His Highness the Aga Khan's car parked at #uottawa. #agakhan http://t.co/ggTrgQOR

—
Mark Donoghue (@markd428) January 13, 2012

His Highness the Aga Khan to receive honorary doctorate from University of Ottawa today – Live Updates on Twitter

Follow the special #uOttawa convocation ceremony, beginning now, to award an honorary doctorate to His Highness the #AgaKhan ~ MS

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University of Ottawa (@uOttawaNow) January 13, 2012

HH Aga Khan to receive honourary doctorate from University of Ottawa today. Follow #AgaKhan for live updates starting around 11 AM ET

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Aga Khan Dev Network (@akdn) January 13, 2012

Mawlana Hazar Imam to receive honourary doctorate from University of Ottawa today. Follow #AgaKhan for live updates starting around 11 AM ET

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  (@TheIsmaili) January 13, 2012

His Highness #AgaKhan to receive #uOttawa honorary doctorate, watch this link for photos+social media reaction tomorrow bit.ly/ylNJcB

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Gazette @uOttawa (@uOttawaGazette) January 12, 2012

https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23AgaKhan