Cover: Where Hope Takes Root. Image: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Canada

Where Hope Takes Root: Democracy and Pluralism in an Interdependent World is a collection of speeches given over the past six years by Mawlana Hazar Imam, in which he sets out principles that inform his vision of peaceful, productive societies. He repeatedly returns to the three convictions upon which his many years of work in the developing world are based: democracy, pluralism and civil society. These ideas have gained currency at an especially pertinent moment in history.

Democracy, whose fragility is evident in the experience of so many countries around the world, must be nurtured in practical and flexible ways, he says. Building on the recognition of diversity, pluralism is the product of an enlightened outlook, and needs to be embraced in both fact and spirit. And engaged civil society, which Mawlana Hazar Imam defines broadly as including professional associations, women's groups, social movements and village organisations, must be actively supported.

The publication of the book coincides with the Golden Jubilee, which presents an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Mawlana Hazar Imam's 50 years of Imamat, as well as the key themes and ideas that underlie the Imam's work. The book is introduced by the former Governor-General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson, and includes the transcript of Peter Mansbridge's interview of Mawlana Hazar Imam that was first aired on CBC television in 2006.

These ideas are being published and made available at an important time in history. More than ever, questions are being posed about what it takes to enable countries to contribute toward a more peaceful, prosperous and pluralist world. Where Hope Takes Root presents reflective direction that could guide answers to these questions and provides an unusual insight into the underpinnings of the work of the Aga Khan Development Network.