KENYAN ORGANIZATION SHORTLISTED FOR GLOBAL AWARD
A Kenyan non profit organization is among 10 finalists for the 2023 Global Pluralism Award.
Build Up, an innovator in the field of peacebuilding based in Kenya, was shortlisted for its use of technology to address online polarization and division in diverse contexts.
200 entries from 60 countries were received by the Global Centre for Pluralism. Nominees for the Award undergo rigorous review and finalists are selected by an independent, international jury of experts.
Build Up partners with peacebuilding organizations around the world to design and implement technology-based solutions to conflict. Among its creations are a chatbot that fights online misinformation. It has helped deliver voter education via WhatsApp bot to remote communities.
“The creativity, courage and commitment shown by this year’s finalists is so important at this moment,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism. “At a time of increasing polarization globally, it is critical to magnify the impacts of pluralism leaders who are creating more inclusive and peaceful societies where diversity is valued. I hope these examples spur us all to follow their example and take action.”
According to jury chair Dr. Marwan Muasher of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Jordan: “The Award finalists have made outstanding contributions to fostering pluralism in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. They are strengthening their communities by helping to build a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation and shared purpose.”
From among the 10 finalists, three winners and seven honourable mention recipients will be announced in October and recognized at a ceremony to be held in November in Ottawa, Canada. Each winner will receive a prize of $50,000 (CAD) to further their work in support of pluralism.
For more information about the Award, visit https://award.pluralism.ca/
2023 Global Pluralism Award finalists
- Build Up (Kenya/United States/Global)
- Deeyah Khan (Norway/United States)
- Esther Omam (Cameroon)
- The Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions – GIN-SSOGIE (South Africa/Global)
- India Love Project (India)
- Lea Baroudi (Lebanon)
- Politize! Civic Education Institute (Brazil)
- Red de Intérpretes y Promotores Interculturales Asociación Civil (Mexico)
- REFORM: The Palestinian Association for Empowerment and Local Development (Palestine)
- Touché (Belgium)
