Montreal, March 28, 2010 -- The Bridges that Unite exhibition, presented by

Aga Khan Foundation Canada, wrapped up a successful three week-long run at Concordia University, welcoming over 7,000 visitors and global thinkers of all ages.

Featuring the remarkable 25-year partnership between Canada and the Aga Khan Development Network, the exhibition provided a unique platform to continue a vital conversation about Canada’s role in the developing world with community leaders, civic organizations, elected officials, educators and students from the region.

Highlights of the programs that accompanied the temporary exhibit included important conversations about mobilizing the power of communities and individuals to shape the Canada we live in.

“Remember those five chairs in the circle,” said David Gutnick of CBC Radio at the inauguration, referring to one of the defining motifs of the exhibit. “They are just a part of the stimulation of conversation and dialogue that will happen here because of this exhibition.”

Mr. Khalil Z. Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AFKC) explained the Bridges that Unite exhibition as an “effort to bring together Canadians to explore a history of collaboration, of common endeavour, to support the developing world, premised on a certain set of values.”

He characterized these values as prizing the capabilities of the people Canada is seeking to help; of bringing sensitivity, thoughtfulness and empathy the process of development; and of allowing communities to define their own path as they seek improvements in quality of life.

Other thought-provoking events included the Social Economy in Québec: A New Approach to International Cooperation­ – a panel discussion on how the experience of social economy practitioners in Québec can be applied in international cooperation.

Partnership events with the Vues d’Afrique film festival, Concordia University’s Department of Journalism, and Concordia Volunteer Abroad, among others, showcased a remarkable range of experience, expertise and innovation on local and global issues.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, presented the large-scale, bilingual exhibition in seven cities over a two-year period. The successful cross-country journey began in Victoria in February 2008 and included tour stops in Calgary, Vancouver, Kitchener-Waterloo and Halifax, Ottawa and Montreal.