Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT
(compiled from material published on the websites of The Samara Centre for Democracy and the CBC)

The Samara Centre for Democracy (see featured image at top of post) holds a public lecture each year called In Defence of Democracy. This year it was delivered by former Calgary mayor, Naheed Nenshi, in November 2022 at the Toronto Public Library. It was aired on CBC Radio’s IDEAS program on December 9, 2022. IDEAS is hosted by Nahlah Ayed, an award-winning veteran of foreign reporting. You can tune in to Nenshi’s presentation and read Ayed’s interview with the former mayor by clicking on Keep Fighting to Build Strong Communities.

Nenshi is a proud first-generation Canadian of Indian ancestry, whose parents immigrated from Tanzania. His family and his Ismaili Muslim faith, which is today led by the 49th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, instilled in him the ethic of seva (or service), something he tries to live every day. During his three terms as mayor between 2010 and 2021, Calgary was named as one of the best cities to live in the Western Hemisphere.

Click on photograph for CBC’s IDEAS

In recognition of his leadership, Nenshi was awarded the World Mayor Prize in 2014 by the City Mayors Foundation. He is also the recipient of the President’s Award from the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Psychological Association for his contribution to community mental health. Today, Nenshi is an intentionally known voice on urban issues. He has presented to audiences across Canada and the world, including the World Economic Forum. Hear Nenshi’s IDEAS presentation by clicking Keep Fighting to Build Strong Communities.

Date posted: December 14, 2022.

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