Thought Leadership

Pluralism is bigger than The University of Calgary; it is integral to Canadian success and identity. Our faculty members understand that pluralism is best done collectively and are determined to instigate change nationwide through their work and writing.

The Power of Stories To Shape a COVID Recovery

Words create worlds. The language we use and the stories we tell shape our understanding of the world, and, in doing so, they shape the world itself.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed deep societal divides and challenged us to reconsider our collective sense of belonging and recognition in society. How we understand and talk about this story today can propel transformative change toward a more just, equitable and prosperous tomorrow. Will we learn from the pandemic and finally shift the conversation around equity and belonging, or will the history of exclusion repeat itself?

Join Meredith Preston McGhie, secretary general of the Global Centre for Pluralism, and Dr. Malinda Smith, PhD, vice-provost (equity, diversity and inclusion) at UCalgary, to discuss the power of stories and language to shape belonging and better recovery.

Truth vs Civility Online: Fact, Fiction, and Funny

Sarcasm and harsh humour attract attention on social media, which is useful when using the digital space to combat the spread of misinformation. But what toll does cynical discourse take on civility, and how can comedy help us respect difference without sacrificing scientific fact?

Join us to discuss the pursuit of truth through respectful disagreement with Timothy Caulfield, a legal scholar renowned for fighting the rise of pseudoscience and misinformation, and Andrew Phung, an actor and comedian who practiced finding the line separating the callous from the comedic.

Nurturing Empathy in Uncertain Times

Explore how parents and educators can help grow empathy in children in digital environments and uncertain times.

Learning and communication technology have changed the way children develop emotional intelligence. We face a crossroads in education that requires purposeful decisions about policy and curriculum to help nurture empathy in children.

Join educator and parenting expert Mary Gordon and Dianne Gereluk, Dean of UCalgary’s Werklund School of Education, for this discussion about how parents and educators can encourage empathy in children and help them see the power of diverse views.

Integrative Thinking in Business

Explore how combining opposing ideas can lead to truly innovative thinking and doing. Integrative thinking reveals inspiration in difference by leveraging diversity towards tremendous business success.

Join a thoughtful conversation about pluralism and the value of the difference in business strategy with panellists Roger Martin, renowned thinker and Professor Emeritus at the Rotman School of Management, and Dr. Justin Weinhardt, PhD, motivation and decision-making researcher and Associate Professor at the Haskayne School of Business.

Multilateralism — Canada’s Role in the World

When leaders regard difference as an asset rather than a threat, they reveal the opportunity to learn from one another and enrich our lives and communities with new perspectives and ideas.

Former Premier of Quebec and recognized multilateralist Jean Charest joined Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dru Marshall to explore the power and importance of embracing pluralism in large organizations to secure peace and prosperity for future generations.

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.