UCalgary Pluralism Initiative

Pluralism

The following definition has been adopted to encompass multiple disciplines and professional orientations broadly:

Connection does not necessarily mean agreement. It does not mean that we want to eliminate our differences or erase our distinctions—far from it. What it does mean is that we connect with one another to learn from one another and build our future together. Pluralism results from the daily decisions taken by state institutions, civil society associations, and individuals to recognize and value human differences.

Global Centre for Pluralism, 2017

Pluralism is about building trust and shared understanding – to know ourselves, each other, and the systems in which we operate so that we may live well together and create well together. Integral to pluralism is the concept of relationality – including relationships not only with people but also with knowledge and the future. Pluralism encourages us to host differences by facilitating civil, multilateral dialogues that do not paper over our differences nor force us into preformative agreement – but focus on listening to understand even if we do not agree. We intend to see each other, dignify each other, and foster healthy creative abrasion that helps us simultaneously hold seemingly opposing ideas in our minds to drive innovative breakthroughs on our shared challenges. As a result, we emerge more comfortably as our fullest selves, which fosters collaboration and innovations – policies, programmers, and products – to solve our shared problems.

Our greatest societal challenges—polarization, disconnection, exclusion, muting, erasure, and mistrust—impede our ability to build thriving communities. These challenges are reflected on our campus and in our broader society.

At UCalgary, pluralism fosters vibrancy and creativity through constructive, productive, and creative engagement across different groups and perspectives. Our differences—whether rooted in discipline, industry, ideology, or identity—should be sources of strength, not division.

Pluralism offers a path beyond entrenched divides by helping us to engage across differences—rather than retreating into silos. Pluralism welcomes voices that challenge prevailing assumptions, recognizing that principled disagreement is vital to progress. It is not about compliance but rather about unlocking our community's full potential by developing and enshrining mechanisms to know ourselves, know each other, understand each other, and co-create a shared future without papering over our differences.

Through this commitment, we harness the best of our unique knowledge, histories, and experiences to drive innovation and enhance our collective well-being.

Jeff Whyte Photography

Cancer and loneliness: How inclusion could save lives

We can recognize ethnic variability in cancer treatments by diversifying clinical trial recruitment and improve deadly loneliness by including patients in treatment design.

Public Health as an Act of Inclusive Citizenship

Active and inclusive citizenship during the pandemic has looked a little different. We have seen people come together to donate and support others, but we have also seen citizens take more active roles in public health.

The power of Canadian leadership in defending human rights

Canadian decision-makers play a vital role in protecting human rights. As global conflicts intensify, there is an urgent need to use their influence to advocate for peace, justice, and the safety of vulnerable communities. Prioritizing human rights in policy decisions can help create a more just and safe world.

Collaborating across sectors to improve health outcomes

Health is shaped by more than just healthcare systems. This article explores how the Health in All Policies approach encourages collaboration across public, private, and non-profit sectors — like education, environment, and finance — to address health inequalities. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, this strategy helps create healthier, more safe communities.

Shaping the legacy of Canada's pandemic election

Elections reflect the stories of their time. This article examines how Canada's 2021 federal election — held during the pandemic — will be remembered. It explores themes of resilience, polarization, and collective action, raising questions about the narratives Canadians will carry forward from this unique moment in history.

Embracing pluralism to strengthen Canadian society

This article highlights how fostering a spirit of pluralism — where different identities, cultures, and perspectives are respected — can create a more inclusive and innovative society. It calls on Canadians to champion inclusion as a cornerstone of the country's future.

Addressing loneliness to improve cancer outcomes

Social connection plays a vital role in health and recovery. This article explores how loneliness can negatively impact cancer patients, affecting both mental and physical health. It emphasizes the importance of inclusion, community support, and compassionate care in improving health outcomes and saving lives.

Inclusive citizenship as a cornerstone of public health

This article highlights how public health can be seen as an act of inclusive citizenship, where every individual plays a role in fostering collective well-being.

Embedded Certificate in Pluralism and Global Citizenship

The Embedded Certificate in Pluralism and Global Citizenship launched in 2021. Students have exclaimed that it is among the best courses they have ever taken!

The Certificate is open to students from any Faculty and encourages them to develop values, habits, and practices that foster responsible citizenship.

Students will learn to recognize their assumptions and values and appreciate different values shaped by other histories, perspectives, and experiences. The Certificate aims to help students develop a disposition toward openness and the skills needed to promote civil discourse about contentious issues, enabling them to live and act responsibly in a world marked by differences.