At a ceremony on September 14, 2026, SIS Distinguished Professor and Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies Akbar Ahmed was honored with a Pluralist of America Award from the Center for Pluralism. The award honors individuals who have devoted themselves to fostering connections across religious, cultural, and social divides, strengthening the fabric of American society. 

Ahmed received the award in recognition of a life devoted to building bridges of understanding, fostering unity, and advancing the spirit of pluralism without seeking recognition.

"I am always humbled when I receive these incredible awards, but meeting other colleagues also doing similar work on their own in the same field inspires and motivates me further to continue working with resolve," Ahmed said. "Pluralism is such a defining factor of America and reflects the very spirit of the American founding fathers. I feel thrilled to receive the American Pluralist Award as it connects me to our founding fathers."

For more than four decades, Ahmed has dedicated his career to advancing interfaith understanding, dialogue between Muslim and Western societies, and recognition of the shared human values that connect diverse communities. A scholar, diplomat, author, and public servant, he has held distinguished positions at institutions including Harvard, Princeton, the University of Cambridge, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the Brookings Institution. He also served more than three decades in Pakistan’s Civil Service, including as Commissioner in Balochistan, Political Agent in the Tribal Areas, and Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland.

Ahmed has authored numerous acclaimed books, including his most recent book America at the Crossroads: Race, Islam, and Leadership, and created documentaries, plays, poetry, and film exploring Islam, identity, pluralism, and relations between faiths and cultures. Through his scholarship, public service, and interfaith initiatives, Ahmed has consistently sought to build bridges across religious and cultural divides and emphasize the common humanity shared by all people.

Read more about the National Pluralism Awards here.